The “Bite of ’87” is one of the most infamous and debated moments in the Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNaF) universe. It has intrigued fans, sparked numerous theories, and contributed to the lore’s complexity. The franchise, created by Scott Cawthon, is known for its eerie atmosphere, complex backstories, and hidden secrets. While the “Bite of ’87” is not directly shown in the games, it plays a critical role in the series’ backstory. This article will explore everything you need to know about the event, the mystery behind it, and the theories that have emerged over time.
What is the Bite of ’87
The “Bite of ’87” refers to an event that occurred at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, a fictional family-friendly pizzeria in the Five Nights at Freddy’s universe. During this incident, one of the animatronic characters attacked and bit a human, causing severe injuries. The bite was so severe that the victim lost the frontal lobe of their brain, though they surprisingly survived.
The exact details of the event are shrouded in mystery, and much of what fans know comes from in-game dialogue, fan theories, and external media like books. Despite not being fully explained in the games, the Bite of ’87 remains one of the most crucial points in the lore of Five Nights at Freddy’s.
Origins of the Bite of ’87
The first mention of the Bite of ’87 comes in the original Five Nights at Freddy’s game, released in 2014. During one of the game’s phone calls, which serve as a way for players to learn more about the backstory, a character known as “Phone Guy” explains that an incident occurred where one of the animatronics bit someone, causing significant damage to the victim’s head.
This quote was the catalyst for years of speculation, as the details of the Bite of ’87 were left intentionally vague. Fans immediately started theorizing about which animatronic was responsible for the attack, who the victim was, and what circumstances led to the bite.
Which Animatronic Was Responsible for the Bite of ’87
One of the most hotly debated questions surrounding the Bite of ’87 is which animatronic was responsible for the attack. Over the years, several suspects have emerged based on clues and theories within the community. The main contenders are:
Mangle: Mangle is one of the leading candidates for being responsible for the Bite of ’87. Mangle, a broken-down, disassembled version of Foxy, was introduced in Five Nights at Freddy’s 2. Unlike the other animatronics, Mangle can crawl on the ceiling and is often seen in a distorted, dismantled state. Fans have pointed to the fact that Mangle has a second head-like appendage that resembles a mouth, leading some to believe it was responsible for the bite.
In Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Mangle has a jumpscare animation where it attacks the player by lunging directly at their head, seemingly in the perfect position to bite down on the frontal lobe. This has been one of the primary reasons fans consider Mangle as the culprit of the infamous bite.
Freddy Fazbear: Freddy Fazbear, the main animatronic mascot of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, is another strong contender. As the face of the pizzeria, some fans believe that Freddy could have been involved in the bite, especially since he is featured prominently in the game and lore.
In certain minigames in FNaF 2, players can see Freddy seemingly positioned near the event of the Bite of ’87, leading to speculation about his involvement. However, unlike Mangle, there isn’t as much direct evidence linking Freddy to the bite, making this theory less supported by the broader community.
Foxy: Foxy, the pirate-themed animatronic fox, has also been a popular suspect. Foxy is known for being aggressive and different from the other animatronics, often behaving erratically. In the original Five Nights at Freddy’s game, Foxy is the animatronic that frequently charges at the player, leading some to believe that his fast, unpredictable nature could have contributed to the bite.
Foxy also has sharp teeth and a more menacing appearance, which aligns with the idea of an animatronic biting down with enough force to cause such a serious injury. However, much like Freddy, the evidence directly linking Foxy to the Bite of ’87 remains circumstantial.
Toy Chica: Toy Chica, one of the newer, more polished animatronics introduced in FNaF 2, has also been speculated to be the culprit. Her appearance is more sleek and modern, which fits with the timeline of the Bite of ’87 occurring later in the pizzeria’s history. While Toy Chica isn’t as aggressive as some other animatronics, her beak and design have made fans consider her a possible candidate.
Who Was the Victim of the Bite of ’87
Another key mystery surrounding the Bite of ’87 is the identity of the victim. The only information provided by the games is that the victim survived the attack but suffered a severe injury, losing their frontal lobe.
Fans have speculated on whether the victim was a child or an adult. Given that Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza is a family restaurant frequented by children, many believe that the victim was a child attending a birthday party or some other event at the restaurant. However, there is also speculation that the victim could have been an employee, potentially one of the night guards or other staff members working at the pizzeria.
Some fans have theorized that the Bite of ’87 was part of a larger pattern of incidents at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, which included numerous child disappearances and deaths linked to the animatronics. This has led to theories that the Bite of ’87 might have been one of several tragedies orchestrated by the restaurant’s management or other malicious forces within the lore.
The Significance of the Frontal Lobe Loss
One of the most notable details about the Bite of ’87 is that the victim lost their frontal lobe but survived. The frontal lobe is a critical part of the brain, responsible for important functions like reasoning, problem-solving, and emotional control. In real life, losing part of the frontal lobe can lead to significant cognitive and behavioral changes.
In the context of the FNaF universe, the loss of the frontal lobe adds to the eerie and unsettling nature of the event. It also raises questions about how the victim managed to survive such a horrific injury. This detail has led to further speculation about the supernatural or technological elements within the FNaF universe, with some fans suggesting that the animatronics or the pizzeria itself may have played a role in keeping the victim alive.
How Does the Bite of ’87 Fit into the Five Nights at Freddy’s Lore
The Bite of ’87 is an integral part of the Five Nights at Freddy’s lore. It marks a pivotal moment in the timeline of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza and the behavior of the animatronics. After the bite, the pizzeria implemented stricter security measures, and the animatronics were no longer allowed to roam freely during the day.
The event also seems to tie into other major plot points, including the murders of children by William Afton, the infamous Purple Guy, and the possession of the animatronics by the spirits of these murdered children. Some fans believe that the Bite of ’87 was part of a larger pattern of violence and tragedy at the pizzeria, potentially linked to Afton’s actions.
Theories and Speculation
Since its introduction, the Bite of ’87 has been the subject of countless fan theories. Some of the most prominent theories include:
William Afton’s Involvement: Some fans believe that William Afton, the main antagonist of the FNaF series, may have been directly or indirectly responsible for the Bite of ’87. As a serial killer who used the animatronics to cover up his crimes, Afton’s influence on the animatronics’ behavior could explain why one of them attacked a person in such a brutal way.
Animatronic Malfunctions: Another theory is that the Bite of ’87 was caused by a malfunction in the animatronic’s programming. Throughout the games, there are references to the animatronics behaving erratically or unpredictably, which could indicate that a technical glitch led to the attack. Given that the animatronics were equipped with facial recognition and other advanced technologies, a malfunction could explain why an animatronic suddenly bit a human.
Supernatural Possession: The FNaF universe is full of supernatural elements, including the spirits of murdered children possessing the animatronics. Some fans believe that the Bite of ’87 could have been the result of a possessed animatronic lashing out in anger or confusion. This theory ties into the broader lore of the series, where the animatronics seem to be driven by more than just malfunctioning AI.
FAQs
What is the Bite of ’87?
The Bite of ’87 refers to a pivotal incident in the Five Nights at Freddy’s series, where an animatronic attacked a child at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, resulting in severe injuries. This event is crucial to the storyline, creating a dark atmosphere that permeates the franchise.
When did the Bite of ’87 occur?
The incident occurred in 1987, which is why it is referred to as the “Bite of ’87.” The exact date is not specified, but it significantly impacted the establishment and its reputation.
Conclusion
The Bite of ’87 stands as a cornerstone of the Five Nights at Freddy’s lore, encapsulating the franchise’s blend of horror, mystery, and tragedy. Though the details surrounding the incident remain shrouded in ambiguity, its impact resonates throughout the series, influencing character behavior, plot developments, and fan theories.
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