There are few things more terrifying in the Zelda series than that ear-piercing shriek of the undead. The terror that forces Link to stop in his tracks and watch as he becomes prey. The horror that is burned in our memories from some of the darkest places in Hyrule. I’m of course talking about the ReDead. YouTuber Zeltik recently published a video delving into just what the ReDead are, where they come from, and what’s their purpose. He addresses the theory put forth in the Super Smash Bros. games, that they are simply animated magic clay. To counter this, he presents the poem that is read before learning the Sun Song in Ocarina of Time. After that is where it gets really interesting, though.

Zeltik’s theory posits that the ReDead are creations of the Hylian Royal Family themselves, and more specifically the Sheikah. He uses evidence from games across the series to support this, even looking at Breath of the Wild and the petrified Sheikah at the end of shrines. Zeltik also brings in information about the ancient Japanese funeral ornaments, the Haniwa, that likely inspired the appearance of the ReDead.

Personally, I loved this theory. It’s creepy, it’s well researched, and above all, adds a layer of depth to one of the iconic enemies of my childhood. I’m a fan of all things horror, and one of the best troupes in horror, is the revelation that something you thought was evil is actually good. Zeltik’s theory provides that for me with this video.

What do you think about the ReDead? Are they simply clay monsters like Smash Bros. would have us believe? Or are they creations of the Hylian Royal Family? Perhaps something else entirely? Let us know in the comments below, or bring it up for discussion in our discord!

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