What animatronic caused one of the darkest and most debated moments in the history of Five Nights at Freddy’s: The Bite of ’87? This single incident, shrouded in mystery and speculation, has captivated fans for years, becoming a foundational element of the FNAF universe. The Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise, a blend of point-and-click survival horror games, has gained immense popularity thanks to its intriguing story, jump scares, and a deep, cryptic lore. At the heart of that lore lies the Bite of ’87, a singular event with far-reaching consequences. This article aims to explore the known facts, delve into the most popular fan theories, and examine the enduring impact of the Bite of ’87 on the Five Nights at Freddy’s narrative, all while trying to decipher its secrets.
The Bare Bones: What We Know for Sure
The Bite of ’87 is far from crystal clear, but some elements are considered established facts within the Five Nights at Freddy’s canon. The incident definitively occurred sometime in the year nineteen eighty seven. This is consistently referenced throughout various games and supplementary materials. What we also know for certain is that a person was bitten by one of the animatronics. The resulting injury was severe, with the victim suffering the loss of their frontal lobe. The important thing to note is, they survived this ordeal. The Bite had substantial ramifications for the establishment itself. It led to significant changes in animatronic behavior and stricter regulations regarding their interaction with customers, suggesting the event was considered a serious safety breach. The days of free-roaming animatronics during the day were numbered.
However, the specifics surrounding the Bite of ’87 remain stubbornly elusive. The most significant unknown is the identity of the animatronic responsible for the attack. Scott Cawthon, the creator of the series, has been deliberately ambiguous about the culprit, fueling countless discussions and elaborate theories. Similarly, the identity of the victim remains unconfirmed, despite numerous attempts by fans to connect the dots and uncover the truth. The exact circumstances that led to the bite are equally unclear. Was it an accident? A malfunction? Or something more sinister? It’s precisely this lack of definitive answers that has allowed the mystery to persist and thrive for so long. The vagueness is key. It allows the community to speculate and develop theories.
The Usual Suspects: Animatronics Under Scrutiny
Over the years, several animatronics have emerged as frontrunners in the investigation into the Bite of ’87. Each contender has their own set of circumstantial evidence, suspicious behaviors, and reasons for being considered a potential perpetrator. Let’s examine some of the most frequently discussed suspects:
Mangle
One of the most cited candidates is Mangle, also known as The Mangle. This animatronic is a dismantled and heavily damaged version of Foxy, popular with the children for being a “take apart and put back together” attraction. Mangle’s appearance is undoubtedly unsettling, with exposed wires, torn fabric, and a generally chaotic aesthetic. More importantly, Mangle’s jumpscare in Five Nights at Freddy’s two involves the animatronic lunging directly at the player’s head, a motion that closely resembles a biting action. Furthermore, Mangle’s sharp teeth and aggressive behavior lend further credence to this theory. However, some argue that Mangle’s mangled state might have made them unpredictable and dangerous through no fault of their own. Being continuously dismantled and reassembled by children could have resulted in some faulty wiring and caused the aggressive behavior.
Foxy
Another frequent suspect is Foxy himself. Foxy is commonly found “out of order” in Pirate Cove, with a sign indicating that they are temporarily unavailable. This out-of-order status, combined with Foxy’s sharp teeth and hook, has led many to suspect their involvement in the bite. The fact that the animatronic is hidden away from the main action leads players to be on edge when Foxy makes a move, adding to the suspect’s allure. However, this theory also has its weaknesses. In some interpretations, Foxy is presented as a relatively harmless character who is simply misunderstood. More significantly, some believe that Foxy was not in the room during the bite, removing them from suspicion.
Freddy Fazbear
Freddy Fazbear, the main animatronic of the franchise, also gets mentioned, though this is not as common. Freddy is the face of the restaurant, and his presence looms large over the entire series. While Freddy’s demeanor is generally perceived as more composed than Mangle or Foxy, some theorize that a malfunction or a moment of unpredictable behavior could have led to the Bite of ’87. The possibility of the restaurant mascot, the face of the franchise, being responsible for the bite adds a dark twist to the mystery, although substantial evidence supporting Freddy’s involvement is relatively scarce.
Other animatronics like Chica, Bonnie, and even Golden Freddy are sometimes mentioned, but the evidence connecting them to the Bite of ’87 is generally considered weaker. The focus typically remains on Mangle, Foxy, and Freddy. While there are some outlandish suggestions, most theories fall within the main suspects.
The Victims: Uncovering the Person Behind the Bite
The identity of the victim of the Bite of ’87 is as much a mystery as the perpetrator. However, one prominent theory suggests that Jeremy Fitzgerald, the night guard in Five Nights at Freddy’s two, might be the unfortunate individual. In the game, Jeremy is instructed to stand close to the animatronics during the day as they test them for faults. This puts him at a distinct risk of being attacked. Furthermore, after surviving the week, Jeremy is moved to the day shift. He is told not to leave, implying something is bound to happen that day. Some fans speculate that this change in shift and subsequent instructions is because management knows of the potential danger to Jeremy, leading to the Bite.
Of course, it’s also possible that other characters, such as the Phone Guy, could have been the victim. Phone Guy is a character in the game who gives advice to the player. His identity is unconfirmed and fans have theorized that it could be him.
The ambiguity surrounding the victim’s identity serves the same purpose as the mystery surrounding the culprit: It keeps the suspense high and encourages fans to engage with the lore on a deeper level. Knowing who was bitten, and why, may remove some of the scariness that surrounds the franchise.
The Bite’s Ripple Effect: How it Changed the FNAF Universe
The Bite of ’87 had a profound impact on the Five Nights at Freddy’s lore, influencing subsequent games and storylines in significant ways. In the immediate aftermath, the incident led to strict limitations on the animatronics’ ability to roam freely during the day. They were now confined to the stage at all times, drastically altering the customer experience. The incident also influenced the animatronics’ behavior. The animatronics become more aggressive, exhibiting signs of malfunction and instability.
From a narrative perspective, the Bite of ’87 has served as a pivotal point in the FNAF timeline. It’s a reference point, a historical tragedy that continues to cast a shadow over the Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza locations. The incident became a part of the restaurant’s history, a dark secret that contributes to the overall sense of dread and unease that permeates the franchise.
Why The Bite of ’87 Endures: A Mystery That Refuses to Die
Even years after the initial release of Five Nights at Freddy’s, the Bite of ’87 remains a central element of the franchise’s appeal. The event serves as a cornerstone of the lore, a foundation upon which many theories and interpretations are built. The ongoing debate among fans regarding the culprit, the victim, and the circumstances surrounding the bite demonstrates the power of a well-crafted mystery.
The proliferation of fan theories, YouTube videos, and online discussions dedicated to the Bite of ’87 highlights the event’s lasting impact. The mystery has encouraged players to dig deep into the games, search for hidden clues, and construct elaborate narratives to explain the events. This community engagement has played a crucial role in sustaining the FNAF fandom and keeping the franchise relevant. Finally, the mystery highlights the horror elements of the games. Without such a dark and twisted history, the animatronics may be seen as friendly characters who sing and dance.
Conclusion: The Bite That Keeps on Biting
The Bite of ’87, an incident shrouded in mystery and speculation, remains one of the most enduring elements of the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise. From the identity of the animatronic responsible to the victim’s identity, the details surrounding the bite remain stubbornly elusive. The fan theories have made the game stay alive and the story becomes more interesting.
Despite the lack of definitive answers, the Bite of ’87 has had a profound impact on the FNAF lore, shaping the timeline, influencing animatronic behavior, and contributing to the overall sense of dread that pervades the series. Whether the culprit is ever definitively revealed, the Bite of ’87 will forever remain a chilling cornerstone of the Five Nights at Freddy’s mythos. The story is a compelling one and makes the game what it is today.
