Monday, July 11, 2011

Where He Comes From

After Tensor's comments on my last post, I decided to divert my series on belief and focus a bit on what exactly Slendyshit is.
The fact is, we don't know. We don't have the slightest fucking clue. Right now it's looking like there are three primary theories, all of which I'm going to cover. There are also a lot of secondary theories that I may cover at some point, but I'm still working two jobs and preparing to fend of Star if needed. So, to business.

Tulpa theory: As stated by M, Robert, Shaun, and a whole mess of others. Primarily associated with the Core Theory these days. In case anyone isn't aware, the idea is that Slenderman didn't exist before Victor Surge's post two years ago on Something Awful. For whatever reason, he grabbed our attention and our belief made him reality. Considering the way information spread about him across the internet, I tend to like this theory.
As far as I can find, outside of firsthand accounts after the fact from bloggers like Tony and proxies like Tensor and incredibly obscure books, no one had ever heard of him until SA. Then references to him started showing up everywhere. Der Ritter, all of the mess at Herakleoplois Magna, all of the references Jean and Thage have found in books.
Even more interestingly, there are no accounts of him from contemporary sources that went up before that SA thread. People like Tensor and Tony only came out and talked about it after. Which could be a simple desire to keep others from being infected, or it could be because they hadn't experienced these things until this thread happened, in a complete mind fuck of timeline insanity. If the concept confuses you, check out Buffy and how Dawn was added to the cast.

Pros: Simple, elegant, believable. The pattern of information makes this seem likely to me, as I mentioned, and it doesn't require belief in other dimensions or supernatural forces.

Cons: Tensor actually raised a good point on that last post. If this is possible, then how, and why did Slendy get Tulpa'd and not some other things that people have believed in just as hard for a lot longer. Or maybe it has? Maybe I should ask Nick about that one.

Conclusion: Overall, this theory is my favorite, because it makes sense. That's how he gets us-he waits till we believe, then strikes. It doesn't feel like a stretch for me to believe that he came into existence the same way.

Reverse Tulpa Theory: As theorized by Maduin and Jay, as well as others. Basically, the idea is that the SA thread brought him to life, but not so much because we believed in him as he used us to get born. A horror stuck firmly in the realm of nightmares, brought by man to the real world to wreak havoc and kill people.
It appeals to a person's sense of the theatrical, and there are certainly plenty of examples, as Maduin points out, of what could have been Slendy trying to intrude on the real world through fiction.
Jack Skellington
The Tall Man
Alex Mercer
The Reapers
And so many others. Coincidence? Maybe.

Pros: A good meeting ground between the Tulpa Theory and the Ancient Evil theory. The prevalence of scary tall pale types with tentacles and/or no face does tend to support it.

Cons: Still. An eldrich horror born out of humanity's subconscious fears? Seems a bit like a cheesy horror movie.

Conclusion: I'm not quite convinced. Maybe I'm just not enough of a believer to think that supernatural beings exist in some alternate realm, just waiting to be brought over, but it seems weak to me.

Ancient Evil: This one's getting more and more popular these days. Jay weighed in on it, as did Jean, Zeke, and Ava. In addition, this is the theory Tensor would have me believe, though I don't think that does anything to actually recommend it.
This theory states that all of that nonsense about Egypt and Der Ritter and ancient doings is all true. He really is some ancient evil beyond mortal comprehension, and he really has been around since the dawn of time, without timeline fuckery.
A variant on this theory is that he hibernates for hundreds of years between feeding frenzies or whatever you want to call it when he comes out to eat, and that's why he's only recently popped back up. Slightly different still is the theory that he only exists when enough people believe/are afraid of him, and so he goes away when people forget.

Pros-Smooths out the issues with timeline insanity the other two theories pose, as well as is perhaps the simplest of the three theories

Cons: The main theory doesn't explain why he only has a few recorded periods of heavy activity over the course of human history, and the variants are either blatant ripoffs of Lovecraft (Cthulhu sleeping anyone?) or end up going back to his reliance on belief.

Conclusion: Not buying it. Again, I think I might be just too much of an atheist to buy into the idea of divine or demonic entities.


Now, your mileage may vary. You may believe wholeheartedly in a different theory than me, or you may think that none of it is true. I'm not sure that it matters so much. What matters is fighting back, and until an origin story suggests a weakness, I'm unconvinced as to the relevance of where it came from. We need to understand who/what it is now, so that we can destroy it once and for all.

50 comments:

  1. I ascribe to the last theory. I believe I have even determined his mythic origins... in ancient Babylon. I would write his name here, but names have power to call as well as to control, and without any idea how to control him yet, I'd rather not bring more trouble to your door than his servants already do. But I've written it in one of my own posts, and it's hinted in the Enuma Elish, the Babylonian creation epic.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I asked my father about this when we met up. He said he was sure he saw him when he was younger.

    However, he also mentioned that he's heard of similar monsters. He said that it's probably because people have a lot of similar fears.

    All interesting theories. I'd like to believe the Tulpa one, but you can't be too sure about this.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mystery, I can't wait until I get to your blog on my read list. I may have to bump it a few pages up. Seems like you have some specialized information

    Hylo, yeah. Unfortunately, that doesn't really help, but it's good to know all the same. And I'm not too sure about any of this. Trust me. I'm a lot less confident than I am on the internet.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I tend to think its sort of a combination of all three but I cant say for sure. Im not very bright when it comes to this speculation thing, but keep up the good work Elaine. If you need any help with research just ask.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks June.
    I'll let you know

    ReplyDelete
  6. I wouldn't say "demonic", just a force of some sort. Even if the Gentleman does have something to do with the Tulpa effect, that can't be all of it. The manifestation of something, maybe? I guess my thoughts are closest to the Reverse Tulpa, but there's evidence of him being around for centuries. I just don't think people have lived long enough to be able to properly connect the dots through history. Stalked people tend to die before they really get down to researching, and when they do get research done they get killed before they can spread it around. As far as I can tell, there was no widespread knowledge of the Gentleman before the Something Awful thread.

    I blame new media. Damn kids get off my lawn.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ha. Maybe it's that he's always been there, but we only recently started to notice? Like "The Silence" from Doctor Who (yes, I watch it, sod off). I like the tulpa theory myself, aside from the fact that I've been running for /much/ longer than two years. :)

    Then again, I /DO/ have a theory that might explain that... nahhhhhhhhh. Not going to post it for now. YOU ARE NOT READY, YOUNG PADAWAN/SHOT

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jean, the thing is, you've found entire books written by the stalked. We should have better records. Letters, books, something.
    I dunno, maybe you're right. But I still feel like there should have been something if there could have been.
    ~Elaine

    ReplyDelete
  9. I got a pretty good look at the path, if you recall. My theory is that's where he's from. Dark, twisted, trees, humans can't survive there. Maybe that's why he comes here?

    ReplyDelete
  10. Never before have so many people been aware of the Master's existence at the same time.

    With Something Awful, hundreds, thousands of people became aware. Many people were infected by the images and stories being posted across the internet. More people became infected and spread the Word, infecting more and more people. As more people came to believe in Him, He became more and more powerful. Where before He would only take those He needed and stalk the few He needed to keep knowledge of Himself alive, now He is able to take many all at once. The stories are out there, He no longer needs to keep you alive to spread the Word, it is too late to stop it at this point.

    No, now He just keeps you alive for His own amusement. With so many, no longer must He hunt out of necessity, He may now hunt for sport.

    Of course, there is no reason for you to believe me. I could just be a madman, after all. But then again, who among us is not?

    ~Regards

    ReplyDelete
  11. I think I'll go with the reverse theory. I rather like that it explains well where he came from while pointing out various resemblances through history. And it's not that cheesy, Surge had to get the idea somewhere and Slenderman can warp minds to the point where they don't realize he messed with them. As far as Surge knew, it was something he thought of himself, not an idea planted by the nightmare.
    But how important is the "where'd he come from!?" bit anyway?

    ReplyDelete
  12. @Konaa, maybe. But the path could have just as easily come with him.

    @Iscariot, I actually do value the proxy view of the subject. Because that tells me what he wants me to think.

    @Stumblr, it's not. But people seem to think it is. So, there's a post. Now I can get back to the real work.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I asked you to please call me MrStumblr and I would greatly appreciate it if you'd respect that wish. At any rate, I suppose more information isn't bad.

    ReplyDelete
  14. @Analretentive, how about you pick a less douchey name and I'll call you that instead.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Spencer, that's a good theory. Sorry I missed you before. Somehow your comment got lost in the shuffle. If you ever ARE ready to talk about whatever has gone down with you, please feel free to drop me an email. I'd love any information you're willing to give, and I'll gladly lend you an ear.

    ~Elaine

    ReplyDelete
  16. Well there's a good reason. It's my name.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Sorry bodythief, it's not. It's the name you stole/modified when you stole that body.

    ReplyDelete
  18. A clear case of Didn't Do The Research. Me and my name existed long before James was exiled.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Yep. But he was Stumblr before you, and for you to exist and interact with the world, you've always stolen that body, even if only temporarily. I did do the research, thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Miss Elaine, please. I never claimed that what I said contained any hint of truth. Even I do not know what the Master really is, nor do I care.

    Now then, I am becoming quite frustrated with those of you who seem to be under the impression that we who serve Him are under His control and can do only what He wants us to. Many of us do possess free will and are quite capable of doing things of which the Master does not approve. My companion Ridley, for example, is currently being punished for attempting kill one who's death the Master did not yet wish for.

    Now if, in fact, you were not attempting to imply this, then I apologize. But you would all do well to remember that we are not all just slaves mindlessly following orders.

    ~Regards

    ReplyDelete
  21. Elaine, we're different people. Deal with it.

    -James

    P.S. Keep up the good work here. Cam, MrStumblr's right. Marry him.

    ReplyDelete
  22. @Iscariot, that's interesting. And no, I didn't mean to imply that you're all being completely mind controlled by Slendershit. I've interacted with too many Agents to think so.

    @James, That's... Yes. You're different people. Which is why I'm pissed at him for stealing your body.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Different people often have different names. You certainly wouldn't call me MrStumblr, would you? See the point? Don't be pissed. I see why he did it, and it's over with. I'm working to fix it, so let it be.

    -James

    ReplyDelete
  24. Oh. No. You're misunderstanding. I'm not saying you should go by the same name. I'm telling him to use a name that isn't almost identical to your own tag.
    I'm kind of surprised at the lack of rage you have at the loss of your own body

    ReplyDelete
  25. That's like telling me not to go by James. His name is MrStumblr, that's not a tag, handle, or nickname.
    As for anger, I got sick of it after a while. I have plenty of time to think, after all. Sanity went the same way. I got bored of it, so I went insane. Then that got boring, so I went sane again.

    -James

    ReplyDelete
  26. ...Fine. Okay. If even you're telling me to call him that, then I will. Doesn't mean I have to like the bastard.

    ~Elaine

    ReplyDelete
  27. Fine with me. I understand why he does what he does, but I still can't stand him either.

    -James

    ReplyDelete
  28. Ah, very good, very good. Again, forgive me, past discussions with some of your people on the subject have left me rather... aggravated. Which is something I do not enjoy.

    ~Regards

    ReplyDelete
  29. Iscariot, fair enough. You're a murderous bastard, but you work for him willingly. Not sure that's an improvement, but I guess accuracy is important.

    ReplyDelete
  30. ...Do you know what is a 'dogma'?
    Some people could defend themselves from the Blaph Monster because they had the faith they were able to (including me).
    ..Hope that helps somehow to make people notice 'Where [The one who is not]-(most appropiate reference from-HR) comes from'.

    Not 'mental believe' but 'Faith' might be the keyword. (yes, there is a dam difference between!)

    ReplyDelete
  31. I have to agree with Keiken. I met Slenderman when I was a teen and turned him away then because I believed I could. Not that he didn't have his revenge, but I've managed to overcome that over the years as well. Your mind and body and by extension, your home, are sacred and inviolate. If you can believe that from the depths of your soul, he can't take you unwilling. That's why he and his use other methods to break down our defenses and fill us full of fear and self-doubt.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Indeed, in my case the Blaph Monster used some mindless minions. Now I think It is trying with this nigthmares, wonder how I can get rid of them..

    ReplyDelete
  33. If you believe the nightmares are from Him, you should begin practicing lucid dreaming as soon as possible. The landscape of your mind is yours to command, and you can use it as a weapon against Him if you can find a suitable target. I gave Black Hawk similar advice and he was able to defend himself from his own dream invader.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Keiken, faith is all well and good, but for me and anyone else who doesn't buy into the religious crap it's just another kind of belief

    Otherwise, I completely agree with what you and Mystery said, and am implementing it in my own home.

    ~Elaine

    ReplyDelete
  35. Sometimes religion is a convenient vehicle for belief. It's often easier for someone to believe in something bigger than themselves than to put faith in their own ability to stand alone.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Auch! you hitted a nerve, but I dont mind. XD

    Well, my point was that the Blaph monster is more complex than just 'believing in it' but ''having Faith in it'. Luke (Morning Star) is not the first proxy that I know that cults the Blaph Monster, there are tons of them, besides it's power seems to grow each time one of those fanatics appears..

    ReplyDelete
  37. Mystery, I'm not in the business of 'easy'. Everyone ought to have the balls to believe in themselves before anyone or anything else.

    Keiken, I don't mean to deliberately trod on your beliefs, they're yours and that's fine. But I've seen you about and you need to know right now how I react to religion talk on my page. If you can handle that, then I'll be glad to keep seeing you around. Just keep that Hospitaler jerk way away from me.

    You do have a point about the Slendycults. That does tend to lend credence to either of the Tulpa theories... Wonder what happens if Kiera and Skhisma manage to take that big one down?

    ReplyDelete
  38. Now now, Miss Elaine, I would like to inform you I am not a 'murderous bastard', some of us have other work besides killing people. Because, as you say, accuracy is important.

    Stay frosty, my dear.

    ~Regards

    ReplyDelete
  39. What do you do then, Iscariot? In the name of accuracy. I'm well aware that some of you have other jobs.

    ~Elaine

    ReplyDelete
  40. You know Hospitaller? Do you know if he still out there?..

    Je, yeah, he made a fame didnt he? Well, if he said something that offended you I will ask for pardon in his name. At the botton he dosnt want to offend anyone either n_n

    Rigth now I'm worry, he havent reply any mail, or posted anything in his blog. Maybe his problem was bigger from what he said it was..

    ReplyDelete
  41. I've seen him about. Fucking moron who couldn't see anything outside of his overly judgemental christian bullshit.

    For your sake, and only for your sake, I'm sorry if something happened to him. But you won't catch me crying over a lack of his poison getting spread around.

    ReplyDelete
  42. wow... so much.. hate ._.

    Well is a pity, hope he is ok thought..
    So I think my usual good bye: 'I will be praying for you' is not a good choice of words, eh? XD

    Still, I hope your situation with brother Luke gets better. If you are near the border and need any help dont hesitate to ask ok? n_n.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Sorry Keiken. I've had bad experiences with people who used other peoples troubles as a platform to talk about their own beliefs.

    Which border are you talking about, Keiken? Mexico?

    ReplyDelete
  44. yeah, Mexico, land of tequila and tacos ![jk]

    Do I look like one of those people? o_o

    ReplyDelete
  45. No, you're fine. I respect that you have your faith. But not everyone is like you. And I got a little overzealous about griping about Hospitaller because he WAS one of those people. You're welcome on my blog because you respect me as much as I respect you.

    ReplyDelete
  46. No worries. Thanks for your concern.

    ReplyDelete
  47. He's been around scince 1970 in the modern times.

    i know firsthand

    ReplyDelete
  48. Someone I knew once did research with accounts of similar entities throughout history. Always as an object of horror and disgust.

    Perhaps He always existed, in some form, as an archetype, or rather an embodiment, of creeping terror. Perhaps Victor Surge's creation was simply too close to be safe.

    But I'm just speculating.

    x

    ReplyDelete
  49. Doesn't really matter at this point, does it? He still stalks and kills and hurts our loved ones.

    ReplyDelete