The Enigmatic Hands of W.D. Gaster: Exploring the Holes
The short and simple answer to the question, “Why does Gaster have holes in his hands?” based on the provided lore, is this: Gaster has holes in his hands because he was naturally born with them and uses them as conduits for his unique and powerful magic. These holes act as focal points, allowing him to channel, control, and project his powers, with the apertures changing to reflect the specific type of energy he’s manipulating.
However, as with anything surrounding the mysterious Dr. W.D. Gaster, the story is never quite that straightforward. While this is the explanation offered in the provided text, it’s important to understand the context and the limitations of that information. Gaster’s true nature and abilities are largely shrouded in mystery and fan interpretation, stemming from limited canon information within the Undertale game itself.
Delving Deeper: Power, Physiology, and the Void
The text suggests a symbiotic relationship between Gaster’s physiology and his magic. The holes are not simply random physical deformities but integral parts of his ability to wield his powers. Think of them as specialized organs, similar to how a spider uses spinnerets to create webs. In Gaster’s case, these “power conduits” allow for fine-tuned control and varied expression of his abilities.
The description of the holes filling with energy corresponding to the specific power being used is particularly interesting. This implies a level of physical adaptation and manifestation of magical energy within his body. It suggests that Gaster’s magic isn’t just something he casts externally; it’s woven into the very fabric of his being, manifesting physically through these specialized apertures.
The Limits of Canon and the Rise of Fanon
It is extremely important to reiterate that Undertale reveals very little about Gaster directly. Most of what we “know” comes from cryptic clues, NPC dialogue like the River Person and Gaster’s Followers, and ultimately, the vibrant Undertale community.
Therefore, the provided lore, which speaks of 7 hands mirroring the human souls and specific powers linked to them, is more likely fanon – fan-created content that expands upon the established canon – rather than strict canon. This is a crucial distinction to make when discussing Gaster.
In many fan interpretations, Gaster’s hands play a significant role in his powers, often depicted as glowing with different colors corresponding to the seven human souls, or acting as conduits for Gaster Blasters. While fascinating, this remains speculative and should be acknowledged as such.
The Core Incident and the Existential Enigma
The most concrete “fact” we have about Gaster is his fate. He “fell into the CORE” and was “scattered across time and space.” This is the key to understanding his elusive nature and the reason why piecing together his story is so challenging.
If Gaster exists across multiple timelines or is fragmented across reality, then any information we glean about him could be incomplete or inconsistent. It also explains why he’s largely erased from memory, with only hints and whispers of his existence remaining. His presence is a glitch in the code, a ghost in the machine, forever haunting the edges of reality.
The fact that the game checks if the player is named “Gaster” is also very telling, in that it acknowledges in a roundabout way that his name has some inherent power or, at the very least, that his name would make the game not work properly.
The Appeal of the Unknown
Ultimately, the mystery surrounding Gaster is what makes him so compelling. He represents the unknown corners of Undertale’s world, the potential for hidden depths and untold stories. The holes in his hands, whether literally or metaphorically, symbolize the gaps in our knowledge and the infinite possibilities that lie beyond the surface. They represent a character defined by absence and ambiguity, inviting us to fill in the blanks and create our own interpretations.
Understanding that the information about Gaster is a mix of canon and fanon is key. He is, in many ways, a blank slate on which fans can project their creativity and explore the themes of loss, memory, and the nature of existence.
The Games Learning Society, at GamesLearningSociety.org, could potentially analyze the enduring appeal of characters like Gaster, exploring how ambiguity and player-driven interpretation contribute to a game’s long-term engagement. This would be an excellent avenue for further academic exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gaster
Q1: Is Gaster actually in Undertale?
Yes, but not in a direct, easily accessible way. He is mentioned indirectly through NPCs like the River Person and Gaster’s Followers. Accessing him directly often requires manipulating game files, which strongly suggests he was planned to be more involved but was ultimately cut from the final version, leaving only fragments of his existence behind.
Q2: Did Gaster fall into the CORE?
Yes, this is the most widely accepted and supported explanation for his disappearance. The CORE is implied to be a dangerous and reality-altering piece of technology, making it a fitting end (or perhaps transformation) for the former Royal Scientist.
Q3: What does Gaster speak in?
Canonically, his typeface is Wingdings. However, there are multiple versions of Wingdings, and some speculate he might even have his own unique version, further contributing to the difficulty in deciphering his messages.
Q4: Is Gaster the god of magic?
This is a popular fan theory, particularly in Alternate Universes (AUs). While not explicitly stated in canon, the idea that he is a powerful being with control over magic aligns with his status as a scientist and his mysterious fate.
Q5: Is Gaster really Sans’ dad?
Not in the Undertale canon. It’s a prevalent fan theory supported by the fact that Sans’ special attack is called Gaster Blaster, and the character name refers to two fonts: Aster and Wingdings. However, there’s no definitive confirmation within the game itself.
Q6: What God is Gaster in Reapertale?
In Reapertale, a popular AU, Gaster is the god of magic and considered the creator of Sans and Papyrus.
Q7: What is CORE Frisk’s real name?
The question states that CORE Frisk’s real name is Frisk Marusina, better known as CORE!, but it is important to understand that CORE!Frisk is only present in the fan-made AU Underverse.
Q8: What happened to Horrortale Gaster?
In Horrortale, Gaster suffered the same fate as in the main timeline – he fell into the CORE and was erased from existence.
Q9: Can Gaster use bones?
The provided text says that he could summon bones to use as weapons and shields.
Q10: Did Gaster create Sans?
Again, this is a popular fan theory, especially in AUs. It’s based on the Gaster Blasters, the font connection, and the overall air of mystery surrounding both characters.
Q11: Did Gaster create Flowey?
This is another fan theory, often linking Gaster’s experiments with determination to the creation of Flowey. Some believe that Gaster injected himself with determination before falling into the CORE, which led to the timeline anomalies.
Q12: Does Papyrus remember Gaster?
The provided text notes that Papyrus has less of a connection to Gaster and doesn’t fully remember him after his disappearance.
Q13: What is Gaster’s HP?
According to the game files, the Mystery Man, who is believed to be Gaster, has 666,666 HP. This, however, is more of an Easter egg or a debug value than canon information.
Q14: Why can’t you name yourself Gaster?
The game prevents you from naming yourself Gaster because it disrupts the game’s internal logic. It’s a fun meta-joke that implies Gaster’s name carries some significance within the game’s code.
Q15: Who is Gaster canonically?
Doctor W.D. Gaster was the former Royal Scientist, creator of the CORE, who vanished after an accident involving his creation. He’s a fragmented being, scattered across time and space, existing only as fragmented memories and cryptic clues. He is an enigma at the core of Undertale lore.