Is There Blood in Undertale? A Deep Dive into the Undertale Universe and Its Fluids
The question of whether there’s blood in Undertale is surprisingly complex and a recurring topic of debate among fans. The short answer is: it’s complicated. While Undertale generally avoids overt depictions of blood and gore, there are instances that suggest a fluid, often red, is present in certain situations, most notably during specific character deaths. However, the nature of this fluid and its actual identity remain ambiguous, fueled by developer commentary and in-game inconsistencies. The game world blurs the lines between monster physiology, narrative storytelling, and symbolic representation. Keep reading and we will analyze this topic.
The Murky Waters of Monster Physiology
The Dust Dilemma
The first thing to understand is that most monsters in Undertale don’t bleed in the conventional sense. When defeated, they typically turn to dust, a sparkling disintegration that signifies their essence returning to the magical ecosystem. This is the standard fate of most enemies encountered throughout the game, reinforcing the idea that they are fundamentally different from humans. This dusting mechanic serves as a clear visual contrast, downplaying graphic violence and softening the blow of combat. It is also important to take into account that the game’s art direction goes for a minimalistic aproach, which contributes to the understanding that the game is deliberately avoiding a graphic experience.
Sans: The Ketchup Conundrum
The most prominent and debated exception is Sans. During a Genocide Route, if the player manages to defeat him, a red substance appears to leak from his mouth and a wound on his chest. This has led to widespread speculation about whether Sans bleeds. However, Toby Fox, the creator of Undertale, has jokingly stated that this substance is actually ketchup. This seemingly flippant comment has only deepened the mystery, as fans debate whether it’s a genuine explanation, a misdirection, or a meta-commentary on the nature of video game violence.
The ketchup theory has some in-game support. Sans is frequently seen drinking ketchup, suggesting a fondness that could explain its presence. However, the sheer volume of the substance and its appearance during a moment of immense trauma raises doubts for many players. The ambiguity adds to Sans‘s mystique, leaving his true nature open to interpretation.
Toriel: A Glimpse of Red
Another character whose defeat yields a red liquid is Toriel. When killed, a red substance is shown on her stomach and cheek before she turns to dust. This contradicts the common understanding that monsters simply turn to dust, adding another layer of complexity to the issue of blood in Undertale. This inconsistency further fuels the debate: is it an oversight, a deliberate plot point, or a symbolic representation of the pain and consequences of the player’s actions?
Narrative and Symbolic Significance
The presence or absence of blood in these instances could be interpreted as a narrative tool. In the Genocide Route, where the player actively chooses to eradicate all life in the Underground, the appearance of a blood-like substance could serve to emphasize the gravity of their actions. It’s a stark reminder of the violence they inflict, even within the game’s otherwise whimsical and cartoonish aesthetic.
Conversely, the ambiguity surrounding the substance – is it ketchup, blood, or something else entirely? – allows the player to project their own interpretations onto the events. It encourages them to grapple with the moral implications of their choices and consider the nature of the characters they are interacting with.
Deltarune: A Different Story?
It’s important to also briefly touch on Deltarune, Toby Fox‘s spiritual successor to Undertale. In Deltarune, the discussion of blood becomes more overt. Characters explicitly mention blood, and the concept seems to be more readily accepted as a part of the world. This could suggest a shift in Toby Fox‘s approach to these themes, or simply reflect the different narrative and thematic concerns of Deltarune. For instance, Susie’s comment that “everyone bleeds” stands out as a direct statement, prompting players to question the established rules of the Undertale universe. This suggests a more explicit exploration of violence and its consequences in Deltarune.
Final Considerations
Ultimately, the question of blood in Undertale remains open to interpretation. There is no definitive answer, and the game itself seems to revel in this ambiguity. Whether it’s ketchup, a symbolic representation, or genuine blood, the presence of a red fluid during key moments adds depth and complexity to the narrative, forcing players to confront the consequences of their actions and question the very nature of the world they inhabit. The game effectively uses ambiguity to enhance its themes and encourage deeper engagement from its audience. Undertale masterfully blends playful humor with profound moral questions, making the topic of blood just another layer in its rich and rewarding experience.
The ambiguity surrounding violence and its representation in games is a significant area of study. Organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) are dedicated to understanding the intersection of games, learning, and culture. They explore how games can be used for educational purposes and how they shape our understanding of the world. You can explore other similar topics on their website, at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Sans bleed in Undertale?
The game shows a red substance on Sans when he is defeated on a Genocide Route, but Toby Fox jokingly claimed it was ketchup. It’s left ambiguous, allowing players to interpret it in their own way.
2. Why doesn’t Papyrus bleed?
Papyrus turns to dust when defeated, which is the standard fate for most monsters in Undertale. This reinforces the idea that monsters have different physiology than humans and do not bleed in the same way.
3. Do monsters have blood in Deltarune?
Deltarune more explicitly mentions blood. Characters like Susie refer to everyone bleeding, suggesting blood is a part of the world, unlike the ambiguity surrounding blood in Undertale.
4. Does Toriel bleed?
When killed, Toriel has a red substance on her stomach and cheek, before she turns to dust. This is an inconsistency that makes her case very similar to Sans‘ case.
5. Why does Sans have red blood?
There are several theories: it’s blood, it’s ketchup he consumes, it’s ketchup hidden in his jacket, or it’s a representation of determination. The ambiguity is intentional.
6. Why does Sans always smile?
Sans‘s constant smile might be a poker face to hide his true feelings or intentions, making him appear more enigmatic and difficult to read.
7. What is the scariest version of Sans?
Horror Sans, from the Horrortale AU, is considered one of the scariest versions. He is depicted as a much darker, insane version of Sans.
8. Can you beat Undertale without killing Sans?
Yes, it’s possible to complete Undertale without killing anyone, including Sans, by following the True Pacifist Route. However, you do fight Sans at the end of the Genocide Route.
9. Is Frisk allergic to Temmie?
The game suggests that humans are allergic to Temmies.
10. Why can’t I flirt with Papyrus?
You can flirt with Papyrus during his battle. By doing so, you can unlock a date with him, but not if you choose to fight him.
11. Is Ralsei just Asriel?
Ralsei and Asriel share some visual similarities (both are goat-like creatures), but Ralsei likely has albinism, which distinguishes him from Asriel.
12. Why does Ralsei turn black?
Ralsei appears black because he is initially shrouded in shadows. When he removes his hat, he is revealed to have white fur.
13. Why do people crush on Sans?
People are drawn to Sans for various reasons: he is protective, cares for loved ones, has a mysterious aura, and is humorous.
14. What happens if you spare Sans?
In the Genocide Route, you cannot spare Sans. Attempting to do so leads to an unavoidable death trap.
15. Is Papyrus autistic?
While not explicitly stated in the game, some fans interpret Papyrus‘s traits, such as his specialized knowledge, difficulty with sarcasm, and picky eating habits, as indicative of autism.