Why Doesn’t Papyrus Bleed? A Deep Dive into Undertale Anatomy
Papyrus, the endearingly enthusiastic skeleton from Undertale, doesn’t bleed for a few key reasons rooted in the game’s lore and the fundamental nature of monsters in the Undertale universe. Unlike humans, monsters are primarily composed of magic and physical matter. When a monster is injured severely enough, their bodies begin to break down into dust, rather than bleeding. This disintegration is a direct consequence of the magical energy sustaining their physical form dissipating. In short, Papyrus, like other monsters in Undertale, is just built differently! They are not biological creatures in the same way humans are, and lack the internal systems that would produce blood. This ties directly into the game’s themes of mercy and violence, as the act of killing a monster is presented as a uniquely destructive and final act, turning them into nothing more than dust.
The Nature of Monster Physiology
Magic as a Life Force
The most critical factor in understanding why monsters don’t bleed is their dependence on magic. Their bodies are essentially constructs held together by magical energy. When injured, especially in a way that disrupts this energy flow, the magic binding their form weakens. The more significant the injury, the faster the dissipation of magic, and the quicker the disintegration process.
Dust vs. Blood
The visual representation of a monster’s “death” is the transformation into dust. This dust isn’t simply a cosmetic effect; it’s the physical manifestation of their magical energy and physical components breaking down into their basic constituents. The absence of blood reinforces the idea that monsters aren’t built upon the same biological principles as humans, who rely on blood to transport oxygen and nutrients. This distinction is pivotal to the game’s message.
Exceptions and Anomalies
While most monsters disintegrate into dust, there are notable exceptions and anomalies that warrant consideration. For instance, the presence of what appears to be blood during a Genocide Run when Sans is defeated creates confusion. This has sparked numerous theories among fans, ranging from Sans’s unique physiology to the possibility that the substance isn’t blood at all, but rather a magical essence mimicking its appearance. Furthermore, in certain fan-made AUs (Alternate Universes), the rules surrounding monster physiology are often bent or broken to fit the narrative of the AU. These exceptions should be considered separately from the canon lore of Undertale.
Papyrus: A Case Study
Papyrus’s Unique Traits
Papyrus is not only physically a skeleton but also represents the epitome of innocence and naivety. His character design and personality reinforce the idea that he is far removed from the concepts of violence and death. The notion of Papyrus bleeding would be incongruous with his character.
Combat and Injuries
Even in combat, Papyrus’s attacks are more comical than threatening. His bone attacks and attempts at “blue mode” are presented in a lighthearted manner. This comedic approach further distances him from the idea of suffering a serious, blood-inducing injury.
Papyrus and Deltarune
The character of Papyrus also exists in Deltarune, though his role is different. Whether or not the differences in these characters indicate variations in their underlying physiology remains an area for fan speculation and theory. Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the educational impacts of video games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do all monsters turn to dust when they die?
Yes, in the Undertale canon, most monsters turn to dust upon death. This is due to their bodies being composed of magic, which dissipates when they are mortally wounded.
2. Is Sans the only monster that bleeds?
The substance that appears when Sans is defeated during a Genocide Run is debated. It’s likely not blood in the traditional sense, but rather a magical substance or a visual representation of his essence fading. This makes it not blood and instead a representation of the monster’s essence being lost.
3. Why is Papyrus not in Deltarune (or is he?)?
While a character resembling Papyrus does appear in Deltarune, his exact relationship to the Undertale version is unclear. Toby Fox has deliberately left many connections between the two games ambiguous. Sans only says that his brother needs a friend, but never actually says his name.
4. Is Sans good or bad?
Sans is neither inherently good nor bad. He acts as a moral compass, intervening only when the player’s actions threaten the entire underground. His actions are reactive, not proactive. He is more of an anti-hero in a sense.
5. How old is Papyrus?
The in-game lore doesn’t specify Papyrus’s age. However, his personality suggests a youthful exuberance. This makes it very difficult to quantify his age in any specific way.
6. Is Undertale appropriate for younger children?
Undertale‘s appropriateness for children depends on the child. The game contains complex themes, some frightening imagery, and potentially disturbing plotlines depending on player choices. It is more likely that older children would be better prepared for the complex scenarios and choices presented in the game.
7. Is Papyrus autistic?
There is no canonical confirmation that Papyrus is autistic. Some fans interpret his behaviors and traits, such as his specialized knowledge and difficulty with sarcasm, as potentially indicative of autism. This has not been officially confirmed by the game developers.
8. What is the scariest version of Sans?
Many fan-made AUs portray Sans in terrifying ways. One such version is Horror Sans, from the Horrortale AU, depicted as a much darker and insane character. Other AUs can also contain very scary versions of the friendly skeleton.
9. Is Papyrus a good guy?
Papyrus is one of the most genuinely kind and well-intentioned characters in Undertale. His unwavering belief in others and his commitment to doing good make him a paragon of virtue. He is the purest good that can be presented to the player.
10. Who is the bad guy in Undertale?
Flowey, the sentient flower, is generally considered the main antagonist of Undertale. His lack of a soul prevents him from feeling empathy, driving him to commit cruel and manipulative acts.
11. Can Papyrus fly in Undertale?
Papyrus can use his blue magic to manipulate objects and seemingly suspend himself in the air. This gives the illusion of flying more so than true, powered flight.
12. Can you play a genocide run in Deltarune?
While there’s no full-fledged Genocide route like in Undertale, Deltarune Chapter 2 features a variation called the Weird Route or Snowgrave Route. In this route, the player manipulates Noelle into using her powers for darker purposes.
13. Is Kris the only human in Deltarune?
Kris is the only human child living in Hometown. This sets them apart and contributes to their feeling like an outsider.
14. Why does Sans always smile?
Sans’s perpetual smile is a key part of his character design. It could be a coping mechanism, a way to hide his true emotions, or simply a stylistic choice by the game’s creator.
15. Does Sans have organs?
Monsters are generally considered to lack the same biological organs as humans, which ties into the lack of blood. The marrow is only used to produce blood cells, but there is no evidence that it is a viable theory within Undertale.