Why Does Solid Snake Have a Horn? Unpacking the Symbolism of Venom Snake’s Shrapnel
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The “horn” protruding from the forehead of the character known as Venom Snake, also sometimes mistakenly attributed to Solid Snake, is not merely a cosmetic addition. It’s a shard of shrapnel resulting from an explosion that occurred when Big Boss was shielding his medic (who becomes Venom Snake) from an attack. This shrapnel is lodged in Venom Snake’s head, serving as a constant physical reminder of the incident and the profound transformation he undergoes. Aesthetically, it adds to the character’s rugged and battle-worn appearance. More importantly, it’s a powerful symbol of the trauma, sacrifice, and altered identity that defines Venom Snake’s journey in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. It visually represents the physical and psychological damage he’s endured, the loss of his former self, and his forced adoption of the Big Boss persona. The size of the horn even increases as Venom Snake’s “demon points” rise, indicating the growing darkness within him.
Delving Deeper: Symbolism and Narrative Significance
The horn represents several key themes within the game:
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The Phantom Pain: The shrapnel is a constant physical embodiment of the “phantom pain” that Venom Snake experiences – a lingering reminder of what he’s lost and the role he’s now forced to play.
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Loss of Innocence: The once-loyal medic is transformed into a hardened warrior, and the horn serves as a visible marker of this transformation. It symbolizes the loss of his original identity and the burden of his new role.
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Sacrifice and Loyalty: Venom Snake’s unwavering loyalty to Big Boss leads him to this point. The shrapnel is a direct consequence of that loyalty, a physical representation of his willingness to sacrifice everything.
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Identity and Deception: As Venom Snake fully embodies the legend of Big Boss, the horn becomes part of the facade, contributing to the overall deception. It’s a visual cue that he’s not the original Big Boss, yet he carries the mantle nonetheless.
The horn’s prominence in the character design is no accident. It’s a constant visual reminder of the complex and morally ambiguous themes that Metal Gear Solid V explores.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Snakes
Was the horn initially part of Solid Snake’s character design?
No. The horn is specific to Venom Snake in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. Solid Snake, the protagonist of most of the Metal Gear Solid games, does not have a horn.
What is the “horn” actually made of?
The “horn” is a piece of shrapnel lodged in Venom Snake’s forehead during an explosion while he was protecting Big Boss. The article explains that “fragments of bones and teeth are buried within his body, including a large piece of shrapnel lodged within his cerebral cortex.”
Can Venom Snake remove the horn?
No, players cannot remove the horn. It’s a permanent fixture on Venom Snake’s character model.
Does the size of the horn change during the game?
Yes, the size of the horn grows as Venom Snake accumulates “demon points.” These points are earned by performing morally questionable actions, reflecting the character’s descent into darkness.
What are “demon points” and how do they affect Venom Snake?
Demon points are an in-game mechanic that tracks Venom Snake’s actions. Performing actions like killing enemies indiscriminately or developing nuclear weapons increases demon points. Higher demon points are reflected visually by the growth of the shrapnel horn and eventually, covering Venom Snake in blood (demon snake).
Who is Venom Snake, and how is he different from Solid Snake and Big Boss?
Venom Snake is the medic who shielded Big Boss from the explosion at the end of Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes. He undergoes reconstructive surgery and hypnotherapy to become a body double for Big Boss, helping to create a decoy while the real Big Boss operates in the shadows. Solid Snake is the clone son of Big Boss and the protagonist of many Metal Gear games.
Does Solid Snake know about Venom Snake?
The exact extent of Solid Snake’s knowledge about Venom Snake is not explicitly stated in the games. However, given Solid Snake’s deep involvement in the conflicts surrounding Big Boss and the Patriots, it’s reasonable to assume he would be aware of Venom Snake’s existence and role, especially with access to intel from Games Learning Society research and analysis.
What is the significance of Big Boss in the Metal Gear Saga?
Big Boss is a central figure in the Metal Gear saga. Originally a legendary soldier and mentor to Naked Snake (who becomes Solid Snake), he later becomes disillusioned with the Patriots and their control. He establishes Outer Heaven and Zanzibar Land, becoming a major antagonist in later games.
What are the Patriots?
The Patriots are a shadowy organization founded by Zero to carry out The Boss’s will. Over time, Zero becomes power-hungry, and the Patriots become a manipulative force seeking to control the world. Big Boss eventually breaks with Zero due to their conflicting interpretations of The Boss’s wishes.
Why does Solid Snake fight Big Boss?
Solid Snake is tasked with stopping Big Boss’s plans to establish Outer Heaven and Zanzibar Land, which are perceived as threats to world peace. The conflict is driven by ideological differences and the manipulative actions of the Patriots.
What is the FOXDIE virus?
FOXDIE is a genetically engineered virus designed to target and kill specific individuals based on their DNA. It plays a significant role in the events of Metal Gear Solid and is a key factor in Solid Snake’s health decline.
Why does Solid Snake age so rapidly?
Solid Snake ages rapidly due to intentional genetic changes made during the cloning process. This was done as a failsafe to prevent enemies from creating more clones of Big Boss.
Is Solid Snake a clone?
Yes, Solid Snake is a clone of Big Boss, created through the Les Enfants Terribles project. He is one of three clones, the others being Liquid Snake and Solidus Snake.
What is Solid Snake’s real name?
Solid Snake’s real name is David.
What mental illness does Solid Snake suffer from?
Solid Snake is heavily implied to suffer from PTSD as a result of his experiences, particularly the Shadow Moses Incident. This manifests in flashbacks and emotional distress during subsequent missions. Knowledge about such elements can be further explored at the GamesLearningSociety.org website.