Understanding Sixbones: A Deep Dive into the Fan-Made Amalgamate

Sixbones is a popular fan-made amalgamate character originating from the Undertale fandom. It depicts a fusion of the skeletal brothers Sans and Papyrus into a single, tragic entity. The concept usually involves a scenario where Dr. Alphys, Undertale’s Royal Scientist, attempts to save a dying or injured Papyrus by fusing him with Sans, resulting in a creature that embodies elements of both brothers in a disturbing and often heart-wrenching way. The story typically unfolds before Frisk’s arrival in the Underground, with Sixbones confined to the True Lab, the hidden area where Alphys conducted her experiments on determination.

The Origins and Premise of Sixbones

The Sixbones AU (Alternate Universe) explores the consequences of Alphys’s desperation and questionable scientific ethics. It delves into themes of loss, grief, identity, and the horrifying potential of scientific hubris. The character design of Sixbones varies across different interpretations but generally includes:

• A malformed skeletal body.
• Features from both Sans and Papyrus, such as Sans’s jacket and Papyrus’s battle body armor.
• Conflicted expressions showcasing both brothers’ personalities.
• Often, the inability to speak clearly, resulting in garbled combinations of Sans’s and Papyrus’s dialogue.

The story often revolves around Alphys’s attempts to care for Sixbones, the creature’s struggle to reconcile its dual identity, and the general despair and isolation within the True Lab.

Exploring the Character’s Impact and Popularity

Sixbones resonates with fans due to its exploration of dark and emotional themes, a departure from the often lighthearted humor of the original Undertale. It provides a compelling narrative hook for examining the moral complexities within the game’s world. The tragic nature of the character sparks empathy and allows for deeper engagement with the pre-existing lore and characters of Undertale. The exploration of ethics of science, morality and the impact of trauma can be discussed in educational settings. This aligns with goals of organizations such as the Games Learning Society (visit https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) that researches and publishes on the use of games in education and learning.

Sixbones: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some commonly asked questions about Sixbones, providing further insight into this fascinating fan creation:

1. What is the main conflict in a Sixbones story?

The main conflict typically involves Sixbones’s internal struggle with its dual identity, Alphys’s guilt and attempts at redemption, and the overall bleakness of their existence within the True Lab. The conflict may arise from the brothers’ inability to reconcile themselves within one body.

2. How does Alphys react to creating Sixbones?

Alphys is usually depicted as being deeply remorseful and guilt-ridden for her actions. She recognizes the ethical implications of her experiments and dedicates herself to caring for Sixbones as best she can, though her efforts are often fraught with despair and a sense of futility.

3. Does Sixbones retain memories of Sans and Papyrus?

This varies depending on the specific interpretation, but generally, Sixbones retains fragmented memories and personality traits of both Sans and Papyrus. This often leads to internal conflict as the brothers struggle to assert their individual identities.

4. Is Sixbones a “good” or “bad” character?

Sixbones is neither inherently good nor bad. It is a tragic figure, a victim of circumstance and Alphys’s actions. The character elicits sympathy and invites exploration of complex moral themes rather than fitting into a simple good/evil dichotomy.

5. How does Sixbones interact with other Undertale characters?

Since Sixbones is usually confined to the True Lab before Frisk’s arrival, interactions with other characters are limited. However, some interpretations explore interactions with other amalgamates or potential flashbacks involving Sans and Papyrus before the fusion.

6. What are some common design elements for Sixbones?

Common design elements include a malformed skeletal structure, remnants of Sans’s jacket and Papyrus’s battle body, mismatched eyes, and an expression that conveys both sadness and confusion. The voice is commonly depicted as a garbled mess of each brother’s speech.

7. Is Sixbones considered canon to the Undertale universe?

No, Sixbones is a fan-made creation and is not considered canon to the official Undertale storyline. It exists as an Alternate Universe (AU) within the fandom.

8. What makes Sixbones so popular among Undertale fans?

Its popularity stems from its exploration of darker, more emotional themes compared to the original game, its compelling character design, and the opportunity to delve deeper into the ethical implications of Alphys’s experiments.

9. Are there different versions or interpretations of Sixbones?

Yes, there are many different interpretations of Sixbones, each with its own unique story, character design, and thematic focus. Some versions focus more on the horror aspects, while others emphasize the emotional tragedy.

10. Does Sixbones have any special powers or abilities?

In most interpretations, Sixbones’s powers are a combination of Sans’s and Papyrus’s abilities, often weakened or distorted due to the amalgamation. This may include remnants of Sans’s bone attacks and teleportation, and Papyrus’s blue soul manipulation.

11. What are some of the emotional themes explored in Sixbones stories?

Common emotional themes include grief, loss, identity crisis, isolation, despair, and the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition.

12. How does Sixbones relate to the other amalgamates in Undertale?

Sixbones shares a similar origin to the other amalgamates, being a result of Alphys’s experiments with determination. However, Sixbones is unique in that it combines the consciousnesses of two individuals, adding another layer of complexity to its existence.

13. Is there any official merchandise or artwork of Sixbones?

No, since Sixbones is a fan-made character, there is no official merchandise or artwork. All depictions of Sixbones are created by fans.

14. Where can I find Sixbones stories, art, or other content?

Sixbones content can be found on various online platforms, including Tumblr, DeviantArt, Archive of Our Own (AO3), and YouTube. Searching for “Sixbones Undertale” will yield a plethora of fan-created content.

15. How does the Sixbones AU reflect on the original themes of Undertale?

The Sixbones AU often amplifies the themes of responsibility, the consequences of choices, and the importance of empathy that are present in Undertale. It also introduces new layers of moral complexity by exploring the ethics of science and the potential for good intentions to lead to tragic outcomes. The character’s origin, struggle, and tragic fate offers insight into the themes of choice, ethics and responsibility.