The Bite of ’87: Unraveling the Most Infamous Mystery in Five Nights at Freddy’s

Introduction

In the chilling world of Five Nights at Freddy’s, few events are as shrouded in mystery and speculation as the Bite of ’87. This seemingly offhand mention in the original game has spawned countless theories, fan interpretations, and debates within the Five Nights at Freddy’s community. Five Nights at Freddy’s, the indie horror game that took the internet by storm, offered a simple yet terrifying premise: survive the night against possessed animatronics. But beyond the jump scares and strategic gameplay, lies a deep and complex lore, filled with tragic backstories and unsolved enigmas. One such enigma is the Bite of ’87, a horrific incident briefly referenced in the first game, which has become a cornerstone of Five Nights at Freddy’s mythology.

This article aims to delve into the darkest corners of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, to explore the prominent suspects, compelling theories, and enduring impact of the Bite of ’87 on the Five Nights at Freddy’s universe. We will analyze the evidence, weigh the arguments, and examine why this single event continues to haunt fans years after its initial mention. Join us as we try to unravel the truth behind one of gaming’s most enduring mysteries.

The Initial Mention and Context

The chilling reference to the Bite of ’87 comes from the Phone Guy, an employee who provides guidance and warnings to the player in the original Five Nights at Freddy’s. In one of his recorded messages, he mentions that the animatronics have been acting strangely and that there was an incident, a “bite,” that occurred sometime in the past. He states, “Uh, they’re just a bit twitchy, I guess. Uh, I-I-I’m not sure. But the bite of ’87? Yeah. I-It’s amazing that the human body can live without the frontal lobe, you know?”

The significance of this statement is immediately apparent. The Phone Guy explicitly mentions the year, implying that the incident happened in nineteen eighty-seven. Furthermore, he reveals that the victim survived, albeit with severe brain damage, specifically the loss of the frontal lobe. This detail is crucial because it limits the possibilities and adds a disturbing layer of medical realism to the otherwise supernatural events of the game.

While the Phone Guy provides the initial breadcrumbs, he offers no concrete details about the location of the incident. However, fans generally assume that the Bite of ’87 occurred at a Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza establishment. This assumption is supported by the context of the game, the behavior of the animatronics, and the overall atmosphere of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. The year is also important; with the timeline of the games being loosely linked and difficult to piece together, the year of the incident is helpful in making connections between characters, animatronics, and locations.

Key Suspects and Theories

The lack of definitive information has fueled countless theories regarding the identity of the animatronic responsible for the Bite of ’87. Several animatronics have emerged as prominent suspects, each with their own circumstantial evidence and dedicated proponents.

Mangle: The Toy Animatronic Suspect

One of the most popular theories centers around Mangle, a broken-down animatronic fox from Five Nights at Freddy’s Two. Mangle is in a state of disrepair, with exposed wires, missing limbs, and a chaotic appearance. The theory suggests that Mangle, in a moment of malfunction or aggression, lunged at a child and caused the Bite of ’87.

The evidence supporting Mangle as the culprit is compelling. Firstly, the way Mangle attacks the player is unique. Mangle will crawl along the ceiling of the pizzeria, eventually dropping down into the office where the player is sitting. Secondly, Mangle’s broken state implies a history of aggressive behavior or malfunctions, making it a plausible candidate for the Bite of ’87. Thirdly, Mangle’s endoskeleton is exposed, potentially allowing for the sharp metal components to cause significant damage.

However, this theory has its weaknesses. Mangle is a toy animatronic, generally smaller and less imposing than the original animatronics. It’s also questionable whether the damage Mangle could cause would be severe enough to remove a frontal lobe. Many fans have said that it is more likely that Mangle was responsible for a different biting incident.

Foxy: The Classic Pirate Fox

Foxy, the pirate fox animatronic from the original Five Nights at Freddy’s, is another prime suspect in the Bite of ’87 mystery. Foxy is known for his aggressive behavior, running down the hall to attack the player in the first game. Additionally, Foxy is often found “out of order,” leading some to believe that he has a history of malfunctions.

The evidence supporting Foxy as the culprit lies in his sharp teeth and overall menacing appearance. His hook is also theorized to be a cause of the bite, instead of his teeth, if he used the hook to grab a child before biting them. Foxy’s sprinting animation and jumpscare in the first game support the theory that he can act on impulse to hurt people.

However, there are also counterarguments against Foxy’s involvement. Foxy is a beloved character among children, and it seems unlikely that he would be allowed to roam freely if he had a history of aggressive behavior. Additionally, the victim of the Bite of ’87 survived, suggesting that the attack was not intended to be fatal. Foxy’s jumpscare is more of a tackle, making it difficult to bite someone.

Freddy Fazbear: The Iconic Mascot

Freddy Fazbear, the titular character of the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise, has also been considered a suspect in the Bite of ’87. While Freddy is generally portrayed as the leader and main antagonist, there are some clues that suggest he may have been involved in the incident.

Some fans have pointed out that Freddy Fazbear has a bite mark on the top of his head. While it is never explicitly stated that the bite mark is related to the Bite of ’87, it does raise questions about Freddy’s past. Freddy Fazbear is also one of the largest animatronics, making it possible for him to bite the frontal lobe off a child.

However, there are also arguments against Freddy’s involvement. Freddy Fazbear is the face of the franchise and is generally portrayed as a sympathetic character. It seems unlikely that Scott Cawthon would make him responsible for such a horrific act.

Other Potential Animatronics

While Mangle, Foxy, and Freddy are the most popular suspects, other animatronics have also been considered as potential culprits in the Bite of ’87. These include:

• Golden Freddy: A mysterious and enigmatic animatronic that appears as a hallucination in the first game. Golden Freddy’s unexplained presence and ability to cause the game to crash have led some to believe that he may have been involved in the Bite of ’87.
• Bonnie and Chica: While less likely, some fans have speculated that Bonnie or Chica may have been responsible for the Bite of ’87. These theories are often based on circumstantial evidence, such as their proximity to children or their overall unsettling appearance.

The Victim

Another enduring question surrounding the Bite of ’87 is the identity of the victim. While the Phone Guy mentions that the victim survived, he provides no further information about their name or occupation. This lack of information has led to numerous theories and speculations among fans.

One popular theory is that Jeremy Fitzgerald, the security guard in Five Nights at Freddy’s Two, was the victim of the Bite of ’87. This theory is based on the fact that Jeremy is instructed to stay close to the animatronics on his final night, suggesting that something bad is about to happen to him.

However, this theory has been challenged by other fans, who argue that Jeremy’s shift ends before the Bite of ’87 supposedly occurs. Additionally, there are other potential victims, such as children who attended Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza or even other employees.

Impact on the Five Nights at Freddy’s Lore and Future Games

The Bite of ’87 has had a profound impact on the Five Nights at Freddy’s lore and future games. The incident has been referenced in numerous entries in the franchise, often serving as a plot point or a source of mystery.

For example, in Five Nights at Freddy’s Four, the nightmare animatronics are implied to be manifestations of the protagonist’s fear and trauma related to the Bite of ’87. Additionally, in Five Nights at Freddy’s: Sister Location, the character of Circus Baby references a past incident involving children, which some fans believe is connected to the Bite of ’87. The creation of Withered Mangle came because of the bite of ’87 as well, so that animatronics were not allowed to be around children anymore.

Why the Bite of ’87 Remains Compelling

The Bite of ’87 continues to captivate fans for several reasons. Firstly, the mystery surrounding the event has never been definitively solved by Scott Cawthon, the creator of the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise. This lack of closure has allowed fans to engage in endless speculation and theory-crafting.

Secondly, the Bite of ’87 offers a glimpse into the darker aspects of the Five Nights at Freddy’s universe. It serves as a reminder that the seemingly innocent animatronics are capable of violence and that the world of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza is filled with hidden dangers.

Finally, the Bite of ’87 is a testament to the power of storytelling. A single, offhand remark has spawned years of debate and speculation, solidifying the event’s place in gaming history.

Conclusion

The Bite of ’87 remains one of the most enduring mysteries in the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise. While the identity of the culprit and the victim may never be definitively revealed, the theories and speculations surrounding the event continue to fascinate and intrigue fans. Whether the responsible party is Mangle, Foxy, Freddy, or some other forgotten animatronic, the Bite of ’87 will forever remain a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking within Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. This one event has elevated the franchise, proving that a simple jump scare can turn into a full universe for players to explore and discover.