The Story Behind Micah Bell’s Scar: A Deep Dive into Red Dead Redemption 2
Micah Bell’s distinctive scar across his left eye is a brutal reminder of the violent climax of Red Dead Redemption 2. This disfiguring injury isn’t just a cosmetic detail; it’s a pivotal moment that underscores the deep-seated conflict between Arthur Morgan and Micah. The scar is a direct result of a vicious knife fight during the final confrontation with the Van der Linde gang, specifically during the “Go after the money” ending, where Arthur’s honor is high.
The context surrounding the scarring is crucial. When Arthur has high honor, the final battle with Micah plays out differently than it does if Arthur has low honor. In the high honor scenario, a fierce knife duel erupts between Arthur and Micah, where Arthur ultimately manages to slash Micah’s left eye. This brutal attack leaves Micah permanently blinded in one eye, a visual testament to the animosity and physical conflict that defined their relationship. The scar serves as a symbol of Arthur’s final act of defiance against Micah’s treachery. It’s also a mark that forever alters Micah’s appearance, emphasizing his villainous persona and the consequences of his actions.
The High Honor Fight: A Clash of Wills
Knife Fight Details
The knife fight sequence is a tense and gripping moment in the game. It’s not just a physical brawl; it’s the culmination of the growing tension between Arthur and Micah. The fight begins after Arthur wrestles Micah off of him. As they engage in close-quarters combat, their skill and ruthlessness are on full display. If Arthur is played with high honor, he is able to successfully slash Micah’s left eye with his knife. Micah responds by tackling Arthur, trying to stab him, but fails in this attempt. This is the critical moment where Micah’s scar is created. The fight is not just about physical dominance but also about the moral standing of the characters. Arthur, despite his sickness, manages to inflict a severe injury on Micah, demonstrating his enduring strength and fighting capability.
The Aftermath
The immediate aftermath of the fight sees Dutch intervene, stopping the conflict. Depending on Arthur’s honor level, the dialogue and events diverge. Arthur attempts to convince Dutch that Micah is the real rat who betrayed the gang. The effectiveness of this persuasion hinges on Arthur’s moral choices throughout the game. However, regardless of the impact this moment has on Dutch, the visual representation of Micah’s scar will continue in the epilogue portion of the game.
The Scar as a Symbol
Micah’s scar becomes more than just a battle wound; it’s a visual representation of his betrayal and his ultimate downfall. In the epilogue, John Marston, the protagonist of the first Red Dead Redemption, encounters a one-eyed Micah at Mount Hagen, completing the cycle of revenge. The scar serves as a constant reminder of the chaos and destruction that Micah caused, both to the gang and to Arthur personally. Additionally, the scar amplifies his already menacing presence. It’s a mark of shame and a sign of his villainy, forever associating him with the treachery and violence he embodies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which ending does Micah lose his eye?
Micah loses his eye during the “Go after the money” ending, if Arthur has high honor. During the knife fight with Arthur, Arthur manages to slash Micah’s left eye, resulting in the permanent scar.
2. Why does Micah call Arthur “cowpoke”?
The term “cowpoke” is not initially used by Micah but it’s something Arthur first calls Micah when they are in Strawberry. After that, Micah starts using it. This is a clear example of Micah’s attempts to mirror Arthur, due to his admiration of Arthur’s position within the gang.
3. Is Micah the rat in RDR2?
Despite popular theories, there’s no concrete evidence in the game to definitively confirm that Micah was the rat who betrayed the Van der Linde gang to the Pinkertons. The game does heavily imply his involvement but never explicitly states that. Other theories, such as Abigail Roberts being the rat, have also surfaced and are somewhat popular.
4. Why did Dutch shoot Micah?
Dutch shoots Micah during the epilogue not because of any newfound loyalty to John or his gang, but because he’s fulfilling an obligation to Arthur. Dutch is portrayed as a narcissistic figure who would never admit to being fooled by Micah. He shoots Micah to settle a score, which results in his redemption in a way and makes up for the downfall of his gang and the death of his surrogate son, Arthur.
5. Is Micah a good or bad character?
Micah is widely regarded as one of the most evil and hated villains in Rockstar Games history. He is shown to be brutal, ruthless, and manipulative. There’s little to no evidence that shows he has any redeemable qualities, though his relationship with his horse is one area that shows perhaps he has care for something.
6. Why did Dutch seem to like Micah so much?
Dutch’s attachment to Micah is likely due to Micah saving his life earlier in the game. Dutch’s need for adoration and validation could have caused him to place his trust in Micah despite his obvious flaws. This is due to a feeling of being indebted to Micah.
7. Why did Arthur hate Micah?
Arthur’s hatred for Micah stems from Micah’s betrayal of the gang by providing information to the Pinkertons. Arthur sees Micah as a destructive force who is willing to go to any lengths to achieve his goals. It is also due to the way he treats others, such as John, and their differing views on how a gang should be run.
8. Could Arthur have beaten Micah if he wasn’t sick?
Yes, it’s heavily implied that Arthur would have likely defeated Micah with ease had he not been weakened by tuberculosis. Arthur is depicted as one of the physically strongest men in the gang, and in good health would have easily been able to overpower Micah.
9. Can you go back to Micah’s body?
Yes, after the epilogue, you can visit the cabin where Micah is killed and his frozen, unburied corpse is still present. You can also pick up his customized revolver from his body.
10. Did Micah get TB?
No, despite having infected blood mixed directly into his body by a knife pierce, Micah does not get tuberculosis. He seems to have an immunity to the illness, while Arthur is infected early on in the game.
11. How old is Micah at the end of RDR2?
Based on newspaper scraps found in the game, it is theorized that Micah is around 39 during the events of Red Dead Redemption 2.
12. Where does Dutch go after killing Micah?
Dutch simply walks away at the end of Red Dead Redemption 2, and his whereabouts remain unknown. In the original Red Dead Redemption, he is tracked down and killed by John Marston, though these events are not included in RDR2.
13. Does Micah ever sleep in RDR2?
Micah is one of the few gang members who is not often seen sleeping within the game, suggesting that he rarely sleeps.
14. Was Micah a better shot than Arthur?
Arthur is repeatedly referred to as the best shot in the gang. Even while dying from tuberculosis, he manages to draw his gun faster than Micah during the final confrontation, showcasing his superiority.
15. Who all betrayed Arthur in RDR2?
Primarily, Micah is the one who betrayed Arthur and the gang by working as an informant for the Pinkertons. This is what ultimately leads to the chaos and deaths of the gang, and the events of the ending sequence. Additionally, in the end, Dutch turns on Arthur siding with Micah, which is another form of betrayal for him.