I don’t exactly want to make two posts in a day. I’ve made quite a few in the past several days. Not a good thing. It shows that I’m getting way too into this. The only reason I’m posting this is because the Core Theory people need about all the help they can get right now. And so, I offer what little I can. This article, incidentally, is all about the Core Theory. I’m not sure it’s the right one, but it’s rapidly growing.
First of all, my thoughts on those with (Titles). I read Seeking Truth and The Tutorial before even starting any of this, and since I explained the role of the Sages a bit last time, I’ll skip those and start with those two.
Zeke Strahm is the Mystic. The Mystic, from what I can tell, is like a cross between a Sage and a Warrior. He gathers information, fights, and is now essentially a “veteran.” Zeke (Mystic) is awesome. Or was awesome, at least. I mean, he tells us “DONTTRUSTFISK,” but come on! It’s quite possible that he killed someone by setting up a shotgun to get Slendy, and then dumps the body in his shed and doesn’t tell us about it. He seems to be too mentally unstable right now to be trusted.
M (Hermit), on the other hand, is less so. The Hermit is trying to help people as much as possible, but prefers running to fighting. M doesn’t like his title, even though it fits him really well. I personally like seeing him a bit angry. He’s both pompous and ignorant at the same time. His rules? Don’t make me laugh. Getting up high won’t help you, unless of course you’re in a plane or something. Maybe not even then. And staring at him? *eyeroll* What an idiot. Sorry, all you M supporters out there, but in my opinion, this guy means well, but his advice is not to be trusted. It’d get you killed more likely than not. No offense, M. I’m sure you’re a great guy. I just think that you’ve got no clue what you’re talking about.
The (Warrior) is, well, a warrior. He (using the term “he” in a unisex way because I don’t want to type out he/she) fights on what the Core Theory calls “This Side,” which I’m assuming is our reality. He is able to drive the \Construct\ back, but not defeat him. The role of Warrior is currently unassigned.
Robert (Guardian) has taken over the role of (Guardian) after stepping down as a (Sage). The (Guardian) is fairly close to the opposite of the (Warrior). He works on the “Other Side,” holding back the \Construct\.
The (Hero)…that’s the big one, and it’s also currently unfilled. The (Hero) is ultimately the one who will vanquish the Slender Man, or at least seal Him or strip Him of most of His power. Of course, as everybody knows, the (Hero) always dies in the end.
As for other roles that have been assigned…Omega (Scribe) seems to have a new title. A (Scribe) records and catalogues information, as far as I can tell. I’d love the title, but I’m not jealous. I haven’t had any contact with the core theory until now. If the “Rule of Three” is awarded to all (Titles), though, the other two would probably be me and Ash from Golem Tulpa Anima. If they’re not going with Rule of Three, however, I’m perfectly content keeping my position. Shaun (Sage) has become Shaun (Guide) (and may have now refuted the title), and Jay (Sage) is now referred to as Jay (Gone). Correct me if I’m wrong on either of those; I’m going by memory. Maduin was given the title (Seer), which he rejected, choosing (Jester), before being awarded (Sage). He now wears all three titles. A (Coward)…meh, more like A (Troll) in my opinion.
As for the \Construct\ theory: I think it holds some weight. I wouldn’t call them “Constructs,” exactly—more like myths, or folklore, or urban legends. But I’ve noticed that this is, essentially, exactly what the Slender Man is. He’s a new myth. Possibly the first bit of Internet Folklore, and one that’s probably going to break out into the “real world” soon enough.
I’m more interested in the Core Theory, admittedly, because it’s a story. Slendy’s not real. He’s…he’s just not. However, this is a very rapid passing down of a story. It’s growing quickly, and everyone has their own theory on what he’s like. Eventually, people will say “Yeah, I like that,” and keep certain aspects (for example, his face—it wasn’t always blank; some early stories said it just appeared differently to everyone), and say “that’s stupid, and I’m going to ignore it when I start my own story” (for example, everything on M’s blog. Zing!).
Robert (Guardian) even has a good system set up with the Core Theory. It’s a template for a story, nay, a legend, and people are slowly filling into those roles. Just like in many fairy tales (and this is exactly what this is—fairy tales weren’t exactly for kids way back when), the Rule of Three features heavily. Just like in the Core Theory. Eventually, the story will be complete.
However, there are a few problems I currently have with the Core Theory. Where does the (Hero) come from? No one just volunteers for the role of a hero. In most modern fantasy (the modern form of fairy tales), the hero needs a (Mentor). Someone who has great knowledge and wisdom. At one point, maybe, he could have defeated the \Construct\ himself. But now, he has either failed or is past his prime. For some reason or another, he cannot face the \Construct\, but he can make sure the (Hero) is prepared. Of course, keep in mind that the (Mentor) doesn’t often have a happy fate either. If the (Hero) is fated to die, the (Mentor) is fated to die much sooner—and probably much more gruesomely.
As for the Weapon…Robert (Guardian) was right when he said it had to be a blade. It’s always a blade (except for a few times when it’s an axe or hammer). However, a pocketknife coated in His Substance? No. Just…just no. There’s nothing poetic or heroic about a pocketknife. If this is our legend, do you really think that a pocketknife, no matter what it’s coated in, is poetic enough to kill him? My personal opinion? A new sword must be created, and named. The name is essential to a story. Everyone has heard of Excalibur. Why? Because it was a famous sword from legend. Use a nameless pocketknife (or even a named pocketknife), and the next generation to tell the story will just change it. That’s how stories work. Like I said, what’s needed is a sword. Not just any sword, though. It must be obtained or forged through a Great Trial that the (Hero) must undergo. For example, a sword obtained or forged on the Other Side. It almost doesn’t matter what material it is. Hell, it could even be a sword made of “Other Side” wood. As long as it’s special, it should do the job.
So, that’s my opinion on the Core Theory. It’s doable, and I’m glad I caught up to this thing before the end, so I can be a part of it. However, It’s still just a theory, and not quite reality yet. It needs adjustments. My suggestions? Well, I just gave two huge paragraphs about them, but to reiterate: Find a (Mentor). He’s the one who will find and prepare the (Hero). Second, send the (Hero) for the weapon. But make sure it’s special. The (Mentor) should know what this weapon is, and probably have a good idea of how to obtain it. The (Hero) should be the one to use it.
Apologies for any incompleteness in these two parts. There are a lot of blogs on the Core Theory, and I only just read White Elephants last night. As always, I’d love your help. There is a comment section there, folks. WordPress is a bit different than Blogspot, but as long as you leave feedback, I’ll make sure it gets through.
Andy
Slenderbloggins 
A-hem.
I’m a guy, not a gal.
Huh. Whoops. *Edited* Don’t know why I can never get these right. Originally thought Omega was female as well. Next thing you know, I’ll be calling a female “he.”
Andy
An amusing thought that just occurred to me: if the Slender Man is the \Construct\ of the Internet, wouldn’t we need one of the Internet’s Mythical weapons to banish him? What weapon, then, would the Internet think of as a magical talisman with which to vanquish evil?
Yes, folks. I’m suggesting that we hit Slendy with the Banhammer.
Good thing you caught White Elephants now. Everything but the recent hacked posts have been deleted.
Also, I’d recommend looking at the post “Real” on A Hint of Serendipity. People are starting to pull back from the Core Theory, because it was leading to Mary Sues and ridiculously hard to follow crossovers.
Hi guys!
I’ve got a new, interesting theory about our tall “friend” for you. You *will* be surprised, you might even get angry or laugh at me. But please hear me out before you react too extremly. I’ve got very good arguments for my thesis.
SM has got an archenemy. And this enemy – is Santa Clause.
Yes, you read that right. Now hear me out. Santa Clause is not as young as you thought him to be.
He’s got a lot in common with SM. Like him, Santa Clause is part of the human subconcious. While most people think that he is inspired by Saint Nicholas (hence the name) a child-friendly, holy man, there are far earlier depictions of him in almost every European country. In Russia, there’sDed Moroz, Scandinavia had Odin (Yeah, you didn’t know he loved kids, huh? His nickname was “childfriend”!) and to jump right to the country we will concentrate most on,in Germany there was “Vater Winter”.
Yeah, I didn’t link Odin to Germany. There’s a reason for that, just try to follow me.
They all looked like old, wise men, for children even jolly and friendly, chubby with long white beards. Saint Nicholas? Uhm… well, there *is* some resemblance…
In Germany, there were a lot of mythologic creatures who later on were handled like Gods by different European pantheons. Vater Winter (Father Winter) is a good example for that. First, he got upgraded to Odin himself. Then, when Christianity came, he got changed to the holy human Saint Nicholas to fit the new religion. It is difficult to find sources for this on the Internet, so go out and ask experts, look it up in books, please help me there to find something. I first heard about Vater Winter in a documentary, but there *are* different sources on the Net which prove that he was part of the common German beliefs!
However, look at both of them. SM is tall, dark, featureless and slender and an official fiend of children. Santa? Short, chubby, with colourful skin and clothes, a face you always remember and the greatest friend of children ever. Perfect contrast. Now let’s continue this.
Odin sacrified himself by *hanging from the world tree Yggdrasil*. You can see a depiction of that here. Does that picture remind you about anything? Tentacles maybe? SM is ofted linked to trees, partly because of his often branch-like arms. Vater Winter also had a tall, slender buddyfoe by his side, you know? “Knecht Ruprecht” would always have a rood with him to beat the naughty children with it. Later on in most regions of Germany, both were mixed into the Santa Clause now known in Germany, a jolly man with a rood he seldom uses. Aren’t those coincidents a bit off?
But wait, there’s more!
This thesis explains the strange pattern SM uses for his appearances, it answers the most important questions about him!
1.) Why did SM have such an active time in Germany around 1500?
Answer: A big wave of doubt, simple as it is. There was a big, agricultural crisis in Germany. No Harvest meant no food, no food meant dying people and it meant no gifts. The result: Dead and disbelieving children. Suddenly, especially after all the pain and fear of the pest, there was space for even more pain and fear – there was space for something tall and slender!
Even his shape, the “Ritter” (“knight”) had a good reason. The crisis had negative influence on knights, because those lived directly of the rents farmers paid them for their land – which depended on what the farmers earned for their harvest. A lot of knights didn’t earn enough money to live of it anymore by the rents. So they became robber barons, robbing and murdering peasants for their money.
Note the similarity there – SM imitated the former-wealthy knights back then, now it’s the business people, who undergo a similar process!
2.) Why did he stop then?
Answer: Because Harvests got better and economy recovered. People could slowly get worries like actually having something to eat tomorrow out of their head easier and could go back to believing nice, jolly things. Robber barons were not so much of a threat anymore. And furthermore – people had moved from the countryside to the cities. SM didn’t have it easy anymore with isolated places and so on. They were together, lived together – and celebrated together.
Slowly, a tradition was born in Germany. A tradition which lasts to today: At christmas eve, a jolly old man goes around and gives the children their gifts. Personally. In most regions, the belief in Santa Clause is very strong, because Children saw him, touched him, ate cookies with him under the christmas tree. Seldom does a child not believe in Santa Clause here. And… SM does seldom show up.
3.) Why did he begin again and
4.) Why in America?
Answer: Look at the movies and advertisements of the past ten years, and look at your christmas traditions. While in Germany Santa Clause shows up for everyone to see, in America he sneaks in and out quietly, only leaving the gifts. Movies and Ads in America increasingly make fun of his nonexistance. And last but not least: “It’s simply *so* stupid to believe in Santa Clause!” It’s incredibly childish, isn’t it? I could see you lol at this thesis from the beginning, most of you probably even stopped reading after the first few sentences in. Not because there weren’t any good arguments for that – but because believing in Santa Clause is rubbish.
That disbelief grew over the past 10 or even 20 years, especially in America, maybe even in GB. Santa Clause was weakened again – Uno could party.
Think about it neutrally. There is a spirit of wealth and child protection, so there must be a counterpart. Their strength is dependand on the belief of humans, so the only thing determining the dominating spirit is popularity. While christianity allowed to believe in awful demons, godlike spirits with good intentions were banned from the believing system – Santa was lucky to get adapted to the religion at all!
Furthermore, if Santa Clause is the counterpart of SM, there could be more “members of this family” who could be what we now represent in human form as the “Sages”. They appeared as thre old hags, Spinners, who visited every newborn child to tell them their fortune.
Yes, they were who would later become Verdandi, Udr and Skuld in the Nordic religion, or Klotho, Lachesis and Atropos or… call them whatever you like. They were of the Fair Folk first.
Now we have three Sages (the Spinner trio) and a Guardian (Santa). All beings powered of the same source as SM.
Most of the really old German beliefs and spirits are buried within all the scandinavian “crap” and christian blur. Find the truth. Find what’s underneath. Maybe he can not be hurt by something, but by the creatures who we could get as allies, if we find them and believe in them again.
(Sorry for strange English – I actually am German, so it’s just my second language)
Broeckchen, my friend, that is one of the craziest things I have ever read.
I love it. It is glorious 😀
You, Broeckchen, are simultaneously amazing, hilarious, and completely insane. Thank you. Thank you for your wonderful, delicious Wild Mass Guessing.
That said, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Slender Man.”
You’re always welcome. ;P
Firstly, Maduin, you said the same thing about my plan, so I suddenly think that ‘glorious’ means ‘call the nut house’
second, the titles, it was all a huge mistake. Entitling people firstly lead others to believe they were more important than the people who are running for their lives. That’s hogwash. Any person who puts their life on the line, either trying to stay sane, or flee the monster are my personal heroes.
I won’t discuss any more of Robert’s theories, outside of I still believe in the concept that the Solstice is special. Probably just me grasping at straws, it’s alright though. I’ll let myself believe that for now.
Take care.
Why is it that I’m always months late to the party? Whatever. But I agree – the concept of trying to fit the SM mythos into nice, neat little boxes doesn’t sit right with me. I haven’t read WE yet, though I hope to find an archive, so this is blatant speculation. I feel that the entire appeal of these ARGs is that the mythology is so open and free – it’s fresh and unestablished. Slender Man is a complete unknown.
Why try to shut it up into a template? I like the idea of assigning titles like (Scribe) or (Sage), and other similar ones to give a feel for each character’s role; but (Hero)? It’s pretentious. This feels too scripted. It detracts from the game.
The pen is mightier than the sword and given the SM is supposedly made up of ideas…
Show me a man that will jump from 10 000 ft, and I will show you a man that can fight. Maybe, because slenderman feeds on fear, all we need to do to ‘defeat‘ him is not to fear him. Another sudgestion-if this is true, maybe splendorman is the way not to fear him! Give something a name, and you will not fear it. give something a face, and you will laugh at it.
Headpiece Filled With Straw and Broeckchen are correct. Fighting Slendy with mythologycal counterparts, other creatures and fear defeating ideas is a good way of getting rid of him. For example, we could all just agree that the fear of the unknown – Slendy – has a weakness, e.g. people learning about it and becoming familiar with it. Anything that makes humanity no longer afraid of Slendy should work fine. Stop fearing the unknow and he will disappear!
Its like the fear of the dark. people fear the dark because they can‘t see in the dark, or whats in the dark.
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I may be late to the party, but I’m not the only one, so I feel just secure enough in that knowledge to post away without reserve; the topic may be old, but that doesn’t mean the observations are invalid.
As stated previously, it’s widely believed the Slender Man feeds on fear, or at the least is empowered by it to some degree. At our most primal, the natural reaction to any fear stimuli is Fight or Flight, and when you don’t know how to defeat your fear, you either work that much harder to find the solution, or you give in to the urge to flea and hide. Nowhere is the need to defeat fear more obvious than it is in the United States and the kinds of horror most commonly expressed within the culture. We’re taught Good always overcomes Evil, Light will always best the Dark, and fears can always be conquered; it’s part of our cultural identity. However, hasn’t the Slender Man Mythos been described as “cosmic horror”? There is no solution for a cosmic horror as they are, by definition and necessity, so far beyond our ability to comprehend that even the attempt to do so leads inevitably to madness.
As The Black Moonlight observes, by removing your fear of Slender Man, you potentially remove or diminish his power over you, but should it really be that simple? On the one hand we could surmise that a collective belief in Slender Man is what gives him power, and that power could logically be taken away if we simply decided to stop believing. This, however, undermines the very fabric of fear from which he is sewn. That which can be contained and understood cannot be so easily feared. It is our lack of understanding that begins the cycle of fear, yes, but to uphold the nature of Slender Man, perhaps increasing knowledge of who or what he is only increases his foothold in our reality. By stripping away the darkness, you don’t simultaneously strip away its power, you simply fall deeper and deeper into unending layers of darker truths, each more bizarre and incomprehensible than the last. THAT is a cosmic horror; a horror you can neither fully comprehend, and which can never be defeated.
Suppose Slender Man is, in fact, an extra-dimensional being, then. If we assume as a Cosmic Horror he cannot be defeated by any method we have the ability to understand, what possible effect could a sword, or any other man-made weapon have on him? Without an intimate understanding of what he is, where he comes from, and how he does what he does, I don’t think there can be any hope of forging a physical weapon capable of causing him any lasting damage, let alone defeating him. And why should your weapons be blades, other than to follow the traditional packaging of mythical heroism?
Say you are walking down the street and out of the corner of your eye you catch a glint in the light, but before your mind can register that glint is a blade coming for your arm, you’re already in pain. You could say I have marked you. Far beyond the mark on your arm that may heal without scarring, there is another mark I’ve left behind, a mark no one can see. That moment of bewilderment, confusion, fear, the thought “I am not safe when I walk down the street” that follows on the heels of the realization you did nothing to provoke me, you don’t even know who I am or where I went, or whether or not I’ll appear again, that mark lingers far longer than the cut on your arm. The psychological damage is far more devastating than the physical damage. Slender Man is such a mark; we read about him and he follows us, lurking in our thoughts, quickening our pulses, and imparting sinister intent to every shadow and sound. He is more concept than he is monster, villain, or foe.
So, if Slender Man began as a concept, and is fueled by a concept (fear), then I would say your only hope of keeping yourself safe (not defeating him) is with a concept; something stronger than the mark of fear he leaves behind. I would say you could potentially defend yourself long enough to evade him, to train yourself to stay away from the sub-culture feeding him. You could save yourself from his influence, but you couldn’t defeat him.
That makes the Operator’s Symbol his door into your life, for as long as he has a place in your thoughts, you are never safe.