Are ReDeads Actually Undead Creatures? YouTube’s Extra Info Strives to Find Out
Posted on May 14 2015 by Rod Lloyd
ReDeads are without a doubt some of the most menacing monsters in the Zelda series. Occupying the darkest crevices of Hyrule, these zombie-like creatures look and behave like animated corpses. Nintendo has offered contradicting facts about ReDeads’ undead status, with sources unclear if they are the “living dead” or “clay monsters.” YouTuber MasaeAnela recently sifted through the facts in her Extra Info series, arguing that these unsettling creatures truly are the dead brought to life by Ganon.
While many first assumed that ReDeads were undead, trophy descriptions for these monsters in Super Smash Bros. games assert that they are “magic animated into hideous humanoid shapes” and “clay monsters in the shape of humans.” MasaeAnela did not agree with these descriptions and set out to uncover all the evidence to the contrary seen in Zelda games. Pointing out key clues in Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, she makes a good case that the ReDeads seen in these games were once living humans.
MasaeAnela also digs deep into the Nintendo Power guide for Ocarina of Time to prove her case. The guide supports the fact that ReDeads are “decomposing” undead creatures and not merely magic fashioned to look undead. Using the guide and many quotes from the games, I’d say the YouTuber makes a pretty good case for ReDeads’ undead fate. Perhaps these monsters were once living people brought back to life by Ganondorf’s evil designs.
Whether or not you agree with this conclusion, the video still brings to light many contradictory facts about the monsters spread across Zelda and Nintendo media.
What is your stance on the issue? Are ReDeads actually undead zombies or men brought back to life by magic? Or are they merely magical beasts that resemble a decomposing figure? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Rod Lloyd is the Editor-In-Chief at Zelda Dungeon, overseeing the news and feature content for the site. Rod is considered the veteran of the writing team, having started writing for Zelda Informer in 2014 as a Junior Editor. After ZD and ZI officially merged in 2017, he stepped into the Managing Editor role and has helped steer the ship ever since. He stepped up to lead the writing team as Editor-In-Chief in 2023.
You can reach Rod at: rod.lloyd@zeldadungeon.net
