Introduction
The Bite of ’87. Two simple words that have haunted *Five Nights at Freddy’s* fans for years, sparking endless debate and speculation. It’s a chilling event shrouded in mystery, a moment of horrifying violence that forever altered the landscape of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza and the lives (or afterlives) of its animatronic inhabitants. The *Five Nights at Freddy’s* franchise, a survival horror experience placing players in the vulnerable role of a security guard fending off murderous animatronics, thrives on its cryptic lore and the unsettling atmosphere it creates. At the heart of this chilling narrative lies the Bite of ’87, an incident so significant it became a cornerstone of the franchise’s mythology.
This event, a brutal attack resulting in severe brain damage, is referenced throughout the games but never fully explained. The identity of the perpetrator, the victim, and even the exact circumstances remain shrouded in shadows, fueling countless fan theories and analyses. The purpose of this article is to explore the various theories, characters, and pieces of evidence related to the Bite of ’87, acknowledging the inherent ambiguity that still exists. We’ll delve into the suspects, examine the clues, and ponder the lasting impact of this infamous incident on the *Five Nights at Freddy’s* universe. We will unravel the Freddy Fazbear’s mystery.
Background: The Context of the Bite
Imagine Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza: a seemingly innocent family entertainment center, a place of birthday parties, arcade games, and the cheerful songs of animatronic performers. A facade of joy and laughter hides a chilling underbelly, a history of disappearances, malfunctions, and a pervasive sense of unease. It’s within this unsettling environment that the Bite of ’87 occurred, forever tainting the legacy of Freddy Fazbear’s and cementing its place as a location of unspeakable tragedy. The establishment changed forever.
Placing the Bite of ’87 within the overall *Five Nights at Freddy’s* timeline is a challenging endeavor, as the chronological order of the games and events has been a source of intense debate and revisions over the years. However, it’s generally accepted that the incident took place sometime in nineteen eighty-seven, likely during the daytime when children were present. This timeline placement is crucial as it helps narrow down potential suspects and contextualizes the events that followed.
Several facts, or rather *suspected* facts, surround the Bite of ’87. Firstly, we know the incident occurred in the year mentioned above. Secondly, a human employee suffered a traumatic head injury, specifically damage to the frontal lobe of the brain. This injury implies a forceful and targeted attack. Thirdly, it’s believed that the restaurant either closed down entirely or underwent significant changes in its operating procedures and animatronic behavior in the aftermath of the incident. Finally, and perhaps most frustratingly, the identity of the victim remains unknown or, at best, heavily contested. This lack of concrete information is what allows the mystery of the Bite to endure and to fuel the fervent theorizing of the *Five Nights at Freddy’s* community. The mystery continues to intrigue players and fans.
The Suspects: Animatronics Under Scrutiny
The animatronics of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, once symbols of childhood wonder, quickly transform into terrifying suspects when considering the Bite of ’87. Each character possesses unique characteristics and behaviors that have led fans to identify them as potential perpetrators, each with their own strengths and weaknesses as a possible culprit. Many fans have theorized the animatronics.
Mangle
The most popular theory surrounding the Bite of ’87 centers on Mangle. This broken and mangled animatronic, originally designed as a “take apart and put back together” attraction for children, presents a compelling case as the perpetrator. Mangle’s sharp teeth, exposed endoskeleton, and erratic movements immediately raise suspicion. Her placement near children in the main dining area further strengthens the argument. Perhaps most compelling is Mangle’s jumpscare animation in *Five Nights at Freddy’s 2*, which focuses directly on the head of the security guard, suggesting a targeted attack. However, there are counterarguments to consider. While Mangle’s appearance is certainly menacing, it’s possible that her aggressive behavior is simply a result of her damaged state, not necessarily a predisposition towards violence.
Freddy Fazbear
Freddy Fazbear himself, the titular character of the franchise, has also been considered as a potential suspect. Some argue that as the most iconic animatronic, Freddy’s involvement in the Bite would have the greatest dramatic impact on the lore. They also invoke Occam’s Razor, suggesting that the simplest explanation is often the correct one. However, there is a distinct lack of direct evidence implicating Freddy in the Bite. Other animatronics appear to possess more overtly aggressive characteristics and are thus more likely candidates.
Foxy
Foxy, the pirate fox, also features prominently in Bite of ’87 theories. His “Out of Order” sign suggests a potential malfunction, hinting at a hidden danger. Foxy’s sharp hook presents a readily available weapon, and his aggressive running animation during his attack sequence reinforces his potential for violence. However, some argue that Foxy’s attack pattern is more indicative of a lethal assault, not the more precise and calculated bite implied by the victim’s injuries. Additionally, the “Out of Order” sign, while suspicious, doesn’t directly connect Foxy to the Bite of ’87. Other animatronics such as Chica and Bonnie have been considered, but most of the evidence points to Mangle, Foxy, or Freddy.
Other potential suspects
Other potential suspects cannot be entirely dismissed. Chica and Bonnie, while less overtly aggressive than Foxy, are still capable of causing harm. Some theories even implicate Golden Freddy, a mysterious and enigmatic animatronic whose very existence is debated. Some have even alluded that William Afton, also known as the Purple Guy, may have some connection to the Bite. While these theories are less common, they highlight the open-ended nature of the mystery and the willingness of fans to explore every possibility.
Evidence and Clues
Unraveling the mystery of the Bite of ’87 requires careful examination of the evidence scattered throughout the *Five Nights at Freddy’s* games. In-game dialogue, particularly Phone Guy’s cryptic comments, often provide subtle hints and clues about the events that transpired at Freddy Fazbear’s. These dialogues often make you feel that you are not getting the full story. However, interpreting these fragmented pieces of information requires careful attention to detail and a willingness to read between the lines.
Hidden easter eggs and secrets within the games can also provide valuable insights. These hidden details, often discovered through meticulous exploration and analysis, offer glimpses into the darker corners of the *Five Nights at Freddy’s* lore. Scott Cawthon, the creator of the series, has deliberately cultivated an air of ambiguity around the Bite of ’87. This intentional obfuscation has fueled countless discussions and debates, solidifying the event’s status as a central mystery within the franchise. He may have wanted the players to try to put the pieces together on their own. The franchise may also be telling us that sometimes we may never know.
The *Five Nights at Freddy’s* community has played a pivotal role in developing and analyzing theories surrounding the Bite of ’87. Fan forums, wikis, and YouTube channels are filled with countless interpretations and analyses, each offering a unique perspective on the available evidence. These collaborative efforts demonstrate the power of collective intelligence and the dedication of fans to unraveling the mysteries of the franchise. The community has become an active participant in the unfolding narrative.
The Victim (If Known/Theorized)
The lack of a confirmed victim of the Bite of ’87 only adds to the mystery. Several characters are theorized to be the victim of the tragic event, including past security guards Mike Schmidt or Jeremy Fitzgerald. Some believe it was a child, an employee, or an unlikely volunteer who found themself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Does the victim being a certain character impact the game series? That would depend on the details and what happened afterwards. Did they live? How did they become the way they are after the incident? These answers are not yet known.
The Impact and Legacy of the Bite
The Bite of ’87 had profound consequences for Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. The incident undoubtedly damaged the restaurant’s reputation and led to significant changes in its operating procedures. The event likely contributed to increased scrutiny of the animatronics and the implementation of stricter safety measures. It may have lead to more security in the place overall.
The Bite of ’87 also appears to have influenced the design and programming of the animatronics themselves. Later iterations of the characters exhibit different behaviors and safety protocols, suggesting a concerted effort to prevent a similar incident from occurring again. These changes, while subtle, serve as a constant reminder of the tragic event that forever changed the landscape of Freddy Fazbear’s.
The Bite of ’87 continues to fascinate and intrigue *Five Nights at Freddy’s* fans because it represents the ultimate unresolved mystery within the franchise. Its ambiguity, its implications, and its lasting impact on the lore make it a compelling subject of discussion and analysis. The Bite is an enduring part of the Freddy Fazbear history. The Bite as a plot point brings additional context to each of the games.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bite of ’87 is more than just a gruesome detail in the *Five Nights at Freddy’s* franchise; it’s a symbol of the underlying darkness and the unresolved mysteries that permeate its world. While we’ve explored the various theories, suspects, and pieces of evidence surrounding the event, the truth remains elusive. Who caused the Bite? Why did it happen? And what were the true consequences of this horrific incident?
The ambiguity surrounding the Bite of ’87 is likely intentional, a deliberate choice by Scott Cawthon to keep fans engaged and speculating. Whether we ever definitively learn who caused the Bite of ’87, its impact on the *Five Nights at Freddy’s* lore is undeniable, a testament to the power of mystery and the dedication of its fan base. The search for answers continues, and the legacy of the Bite lives on, forever etched into the chilling history of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. And so the fans speculate, asking who, what, when, where, and why.
