Is Richtofen a Zombie? Unraveling the Undead Fate of a Complex Character
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Yes, Edward Richtofen is, in fact, a zombie—but the situation is far more complicated than a simple bite and transformation. The core of his undead status stems from a specific event in the complex narrative of the Call of Duty Zombies storyline. Specifically, Richtofen’s soul is forcibly transported into a zombie with blue eyes, a fate that condemns him to an eternal, undead existence. This is canon within the original Aether storyline. However, his experience as a zombie is unique, marked by a bizarre journey through dimensions, timelines, and even bodies. This article delves into the nuances of his transformation and answers related questions about his character.
The Undead Genesis of Richtofen
A Soul Transferred
The pivotal moment that cements Richtofen’s status as a zombie occurs as a consequence of his actions within the grand narrative. The specific catalyst involves the transport of his soul into the body of an already undead entity. This isn’t a typical zombie bite scenario; instead, it’s a calculated, mystical form of transference. This event, occurring towards the conclusion of the Aether storyline, is the definitive point where he becomes one of the undead. His zombie form is typically recognized by his distinct blue eyes, distinguishing him from the common hordes.
More Than Just a Zombie
However, it’s crucial to note that despite becoming a zombie, Richtofen is not a mindless drone. Unlike typical zombies, whose actions are driven by instinct, Richtofen retains a form of consciousness and purpose. He’s still the manipulative, calculating individual with complex goals. This undead form becomes a vehicle for his continued machinations, demonstrating that his transformation does not erase his intellect or ambition. This makes him a very unique and dangerous entity within the zombie universe.
Richtofen: Good or Bad? A Question of Perspective
A Villainous History
Before his zombie transformation, Richtofen was far from a hero. He’s known as “The Butcher” for his torturous experiments and information extraction methods. Throughout his career, Richtofen demonstrated a willingness to inflict suffering to achieve his ends, consistently placing his objectives above any moral considerations. His history is littered with unethical experiments and a general disregard for human life. These actions firmly establish him as a villain in the eyes of many characters in the storyline.
Shifting Allegiances and Goals
However, the narrative surrounding Richtofen is not one of simple good or evil. His motivations are often shrouded in layers of complex scheming and self-preservation. As the storyline progresses, his goals evolve, sometimes aligning with the protagonists, albeit often for his own purposes. This shifting dynamic makes it difficult to definitively classify him as purely “bad”. His zombie transformation does not alter this morally ambiguous nature. Even as a zombie, he remains a powerful force, driven by complex objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who or What Exactly Killed the “Red Baron” Richtofen?
The historical Manfred von Richthofen, known as the “Red Baron,” wasn’t killed by another plane but by an anti-aircraft (AA) machine gunner firing from the ground. Although initially the RAF credited Brown with the kill, historical evidence suggests otherwise. It is important to note that there are two separate Richtofens: the Red Baron from history and Edward Richtofen from the Zombies storyline.
2. Was Richtofen a General?
Yes, the historical Manfred von Richthofen was a German General der Kavallerie (General of the Cavalry) during World War I. He was also a recipient of the prestigious Pour le Mérite order. However, this is NOT the same Richtofen found in the zombie storyline.
3. Who is Dr. Monty, and Why is He Considered Evil?
Dr. Monty is an entity corrupted by the Dark Aether. He is portrayed as a malevolent figure who manipulates events for his own gain. He claims to have invented free will and is a powerful antagonist.
4. Why Does Monty Use a Wheelchair?
Monty’s wheelchair is actually an in-joke based on the character Monty from the children’s show, Little Bill. The original Monty has cerebral palsy which is why he uses a wheelchair. The Dr. Monty version’s appearance is a reference to this other character.
5. What is Element 115 and Its Role in the Zombies?
Element 115 is a key element in the Call of Duty Zombies universe. It’s the substance that reanimates dead cells, creating zombies. This is how zombies were intended to be Nazi super-soldiers, which ended up disastrously.
6. Why Did The Other Characters Betray Richtofen?
In Black Ops 4’s Blood of the Dead, Richtofen sacrifices himself to break the cycle. This then causes post-Revelations Richtofen to emerge, revealing that Dr. Monty betrayed the Primis group for creating a paradox by existing.
7. Who is the Only Character That Can Hear Richtofen’s Voice?
Samuel Stuhlinger is the only character capable of hearing Richtofen due to his schizophrenia and consumption of zombie flesh. This unique connection allows Richtofen to communicate with him across dimensions.
8. Who Does Richtofen Have the Most Open Contempt For?
Ultimis Richtofen and Ultimis Dempsey have a mutual dislike for each other, bordering on hatred. However, the Primis versions of the characters are depicted as strained friends throughout Call of Duty: Black Ops III.
9. How Many Confirmed Kills Did Richtofen Have?
The historical figure Manfred von Richthofen, the “Red Baron,” had 80 confirmed aircraft kills in World War I.
10. Why Does Nikolai Initially Hate Richtofen?
In the map Origins, Nikolai dislikes Richtofen from the beginning due to Richtofen being the one who created the zombies in the first place.
11. Why Did They Need Richtofen’s Blood?
Richtofen’s blood is rich in Aether energy. The blood is needed to unearth Revelations Richtofen and open portals for the other characters on the map Alcatraz.
12. What Are Some of Richtofen’s Unique Powers?
Richtofen has Superhuman Physical Characteristics, Superhuman Athleticism, Portal Creation and Dimensional Travel, and Soul Manipulation abilities through the use of items like the Summoning Key.
13. Is Richtofen Able to Control Zombies?
Richtofen gains the ability to control zombies after swapping bodies with Samantha on the moon, using the Vril Device and Focusing Stone.
14. Who is Richtofen’s Father?
Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen was the son of Major Albrecht Philipp Karl Julius Freiherr von Richthofen.
15. Is the Zombies Story Complete?
The original Aether storyline was finished in Black Ops 4 with the map Tag Der Toten. The Dark Aether story, however, continues in the Black Ops Cold War and Vanguard titles, taking place after the events of Tag Der Toten.
Conclusion
Richtofen’s existence as a zombie is a complex twist in the narrative of the Call of Duty Zombies storyline. He isn’t just another mindless undead; he retains his manipulative, calculating personality. His zombie form became another tool in his overarching schemes and machinations. This makes him a unique character and a formidable presence within the universe. While his history is filled with morally reprehensible actions, his motivations throughout the story make it difficult to classify him simply as “evil.”