What Made Flowey Evil? Unraveling the Twisted Roots of Undertale’s Antagonist
The question of Flowey’s evil is a complex one, deeply intertwined with the lore and themes of Undertale. At its core, Flowey’s malevolence stems from the loss of his soul and the subsequent inability to feel empathy or positive emotions. Formerly Asriel Dreemurr, the beloved son of Toriel and Asgore, Flowey’s transformation occurred after his death and resurrection through Alphys’ experiments with determination. This process brought him back without a soul, leaving him a being devoid of compassion, love, or any inherent sense of morality. This, combined with the inherent power of determination and the ability to SAVE and LOAD, warped him into the sadistic, manipulative, and ultimately tragic character that players encounter.
The absence of a soul removed any internal check on his actions. Without the capacity to genuinely care for others, Flowey’s existence became centered on self-preservation and experimentation. He initially tried to emulate Asriel’s positive traits, even attempting to befriend the inhabitants of the Underground. However, the lack of feeling made these interactions meaningless. He couldn’t understand the joy or satisfaction others derived from these relationships. This frustration, coupled with his newfound power over the timeline, led him down a dark path.
Flowey’s powers, initially a source of curiosity, became tools for manipulation and control. The ability to SAVE and LOAD turned the world into a playground for his twisted desires. He experimented with different scenarios, exploring every possible outcome, often at the expense of others. This constant manipulation desensitized him further, blurring the line between right and wrong until it ceased to exist altogether.
Furthermore, the “kill or be killed” philosophy he espouses isn’t just a random maxim; it’s a reflection of his own soulless existence. Without empathy, he views the world as a competitive arena where only the strongest survive. This worldview is directly opposed to the values of mercy and compassion that Undertale promotes, solidifying Flowey’s role as the primary antagonist and a stark contrast to the player’s potential for goodness.
Ultimately, Flowey’s evil isn’t born from inherent malice but from a profound lack of something essential: a soul. This absence, coupled with immense power and the unique circumstances of his resurrection, transformed a once-loving child into a being capable of unimaginable cruelty. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of empathy and the potential consequences of unchecked power, concepts relevant even beyond the realm of video games, as explored by resources available through platforms such as the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Flowey: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Flowey, delving deeper into his character and the circumstances that shaped his evil:
Who is Flowey, really?
Flowey is the soulless reincarnation of Asriel Dreemurr, the son of Toriel and Asgore. After Asriel’s death, Alphys used determination to bring him back to life using a golden flower. This process resulted in a being without a soul, devoid of empathy, and with a twisted perspective on the world.
Why is Flowey so obsessed with power?
Flowey’s obsession with power is a direct consequence of his soulless state. Without the ability to experience positive emotions or connect with others, power becomes his primary source of gratification. The ability to SAVE and LOAD further fuels this obsession, allowing him to manipulate events and control outcomes.
Was Asriel always evil?
No, Asriel was not always evil. Before his death and subsequent resurrection as Flowey, Asriel was a kind and compassionate child. His transformation into Flowey was caused by the loss of his soul, not an inherent evil within him. The core gameplay aspects of Undertale, featuring Asriel’s transformation into Flowey, and the emotional impact of his character, are fascinating areas of study for researchers in the GamesLearningSociety.org.
Is Flowey scared of the protagonist?
Flowey’s fear of the protagonist is complex. He is afraid of Chara in particular, especially during a Genocide Route, as he realizes he is not exempt from their genocidal tendencies. He fears being killed. He also fears the player’s capacity for kindness and mercy, as it challenges his “kill or be killed” philosophy and reminds him of the love he can no longer feel.
How did Flowey obtain the ability to SAVE and LOAD?
Flowey gained the ability to SAVE and LOAD because he was resurrected with determination, a powerful force that allows one to manipulate the timeline. This ability is typically associated with souls, but Flowey possessed enough determination to hijack the timeline even without one.
Why does Flowey call the protagonist by different names?
Flowey often calls the protagonist by different names, including the name of the first fallen human, Chara. This is due to his fragmented memories of Asriel’s past and his confusion about the protagonist’s identity. He sometimes projects his past relationship with Chara onto the player.
Is Flowey capable of feeling any emotions at all?
Flowey cannot feel positive emotions such as love, happiness, or compassion in a genuine way. The only emotion he seems capable of experiencing is a twisted form of satisfaction derived from causing pain and suffering, which is closer to sadism.
What is Omega Flowey/Photoshop Flowey?
Omega Flowey, also known as Photoshop Flowey, is Flowey’s powerful form after he absorbs the six human souls. This transformation grants him immense power and a grotesque appearance. He serves as the final boss of the Neutral Route.
Can Flowey be redeemed?
Yes, Flowey can be redeemed, at least temporarily. In the True Pacifist ending, Flowey absorbs the souls of all the monsters in the Underground, transforming back into Asriel Dreemurr. In this form, he remembers his past and expresses remorse for his actions, ultimately apologizing to Frisk and letting them go.
Does killing Flowey affect the Pacifist Route?
Killing Flowey at the end of a Neutral Route does not prevent you from achieving the True Pacifist ending. However, sparing him is an important step towards unlocking the best possible outcome.
Why does Flowey warn the protagonist about Sans?
Flowey warns the protagonist about Sans because Sans is aware of the player’s ability to manipulate the timeline. Flowey fears that if Sans learns too much about the protagonist’s actions, he will become a significant obstacle.
Is Flowey stronger than Sans?
In terms of raw power, Omega Flowey is arguably stronger than Sans. However, Sans’ knowledge of the timeline and his ability to exploit the player’s weaknesses make him a formidable opponent. In Asriel form, he is literally a “god of hyperdeath”.
What is Flowey’s motivation for trapping the protagonist?
Flowey’s motivation for trapping the protagonist is multifaceted. He is initially curious about the protagonist’s determination and seeks to understand their actions. He also wants to manipulate them into following his “kill or be killed” philosophy.
Did Flowey ever try to be good?
Yes, Flowey initially attempted to be good after gaining the power of determination. He tried to recreate the relationships he had as Asriel but found himself incapable of feeling genuine emotions. This failure led to his descent into cruelty and manipulation.
How does Flowey’s story relate to themes of choice and consequence in Undertale?
Flowey’s story is a powerful example of the themes of choice and consequence in Undertale. His actions demonstrate the destructive potential of unchecked power and the importance of empathy and compassion. His redemption in the True Pacifist ending highlights the possibility of change and forgiveness, even for those who have committed terrible acts.