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

The Fragmented Truth: Gleaning the Known from the Unknown

The eerie chime of the grandfather clock, the unsettling gazes of animatronic eyes, and the constant dread of impending doom – these are the hallmarks of the *Five Nights at Freddy’s* franchise. But lurking beneath the surface of jump scares and unsettling gameplay lies a mystery so profound it has captivated fans for years: the Bite of ’87. This single, unexplained event has become a cornerstone of the FNaF lore, a riddle wrapped in an enigma inside a haunted pizzeria. The Bite of ’87 remains one of the most debated and influential events in the FNaF franchise, sparking countless theories and shaping the narrative’s direction, ensuring its place in gaming history.

The Usual Suspects: Animatronic Accusations and Alibis

What exactly *is* the Bite of ’87? In the murky timeline of *Five Nights at Freddy’s*, it refers to an incident that occurred, unsurprisingly, in the year nineteen eighty-seven. What we understand with certainty is that someone – likely an employee or possibly even a child – suffered a grievous injury, specifically, the loss of their frontal lobe, allegedly bitten off by one of the animatronic performers at a Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza establishment.

This horrific event had immediate and cascading consequences. Daytime roaming privileges for the animatronics were revoked, confining them to the stage during operating hours, a measure presumably intended to prevent a recurrence. The restaurant where the Bite occurred was ultimately closed, adding another layer of darkness to the chain’s already troubled history.

However, beyond these basic facts, the trail quickly grows cold. The identity of the victim remains shrouded in mystery. Who was unfortunate enough to become a casualty of animatronic aggression? Even more tantalizing is the question of which animatronic was responsible for the horrific act. Was it a deliberate act of malice or a tragic malfunction? And perhaps most importantly, what was the motive behind this horrific event? The lack of definitive answers has fueled countless hours of fan speculation and debate. It’s important to note that clear answers are rare, Scott Cawthon, the creator, loved leaving breadcrumbs.

The Mangled One

The list of potential culprits in the *FNaF The Bite of ’87* case is extensive, each animatronic bringing their own set of circumstances that point toward their involvement. Some have more circumstantial evidence, some have compelling arguments and some have alibis, to some extent. Let’s examine some of the prime suspects. Mangle, the jumbled mass of wires and endoskeleton that haunts the halls of *Five Nights at Freddy’s 2*, is perhaps the most frequently cited suspect. Several factors contribute to this suspicion. Mangle is often found near children, indicating proximity and opportunity. The animatronic’s broken state, a chaotic blend of wires and exposed metal, suggests a potential for erratic and unpredictable behavior. Furthermore, the jumpscare animation features a direct lunge towards the player’s head, with its gaping maw seemingly aligned for a bite to the frontal lobe.
However, there are also arguments against Mangle’s guilt. The location of the FNaF two pizzeria is different from the original, but it may not matter since the locations have been known to have multiple incidents over time.

The Face of the Franchise

Freddy Fazbear is always a possibility. As the namesake and de facto mascot of the establishment, Freddy’s involvement would be a particularly dark twist. Theories suggest that Freddy, perhaps influenced by the malevolent spirit of William Afton, might have acted out of a corrupted programming directive.

Of course, arguments against Freddy are less common. The reason why, he is the main suspect in most circumstances, however he wasn’t considered as popular as the other suspects.

The Pirate with a Grin

Foxy the Pirate is the animatronic that captured the hearts of children but also terrorized them in the dark. Foxy, the animatronic pirate, was originally the prime suspect in the early days of FNaF theorizing. This was due to his popularity, his broken state (often cited as a sign of malfunction), and the aggressive nature of his jumpscare, which features a direct lunge toward the player.

Counterarguments against Foxy include the idea that it’s “too obvious,” and that Cawthon often subverts expectations, that the answer is never that simple.

The Deceptive Bird

Toy Chica, while perhaps not as initially intimidating as some of her counterparts, has also been proposed as a possible culprit. One key piece of evidence is Toy Chica’s beak, which detaches from her face, leading some to speculate that she might have used it as a makeshift weapon.
Arguments against this are weaker and more speculative. Most fans agree that Toy Chica, while frightening, doesn’t have enough evidence to be the bite culprit.

Dismissed? Unlikely Scenarios and Red Herrings

While the animatronics mentioned above garner the most attention, other theories, though less prevalent, deserve consideration. One recurring suggestion involves Golden Freddy. As a ghostly apparition that appears seemingly at random, Golden Freddy’s abilities and origin remain shrouded in mystery. The idea is that Golden Freddy caused the Bite through some form of supernatural manipulation or a sudden manifestation of its physical form.

Conversely, some theories have been largely dismissed due to contradicting evidence or a general lack of support within the community. One such theory suggests that William Afton, the notorious “Purple Guy,” directly caused the Bite of ’87 himself. While Afton’s malevolence is undeniable, there’s little direct evidence to connect him to the specific incident.

Echoes of the Past: The Bite’s Impact on the FNaF Universe

The *FNaF The Bite of ’87* is far more than just a gruesome backstory. It is the keystone for events that happen in the FNaF universe. From the animatronics’ designs to their behaviors to the very setting of the story itself, the specter of the Bite hangs heavy over the entire franchise. It provides a motivation for the animatronics’ actions. The incident created an air of suspense. It made players feel that anyone could have been behind it, making the story more immersive.

Gameplay mechanics, too, are often interpreted through the lens of the Bite of ’87. Animatronic behavior patterns, like Mangle’s tendency to gravitate towards the ceiling, can be seen as reflections of their involvement in the incident.

The Collective Mind: Fan Theories and Community Speculation

The Bite of ’87 wouldn’t be the enduring mystery it is without the dedicated efforts of the *Five Nights at Freddy’s* fan base. Countless hours have been spent dissecting game files, scrutinizing cutscenes, and debating the merits of various theories on forums, wikis, and YouTube. The community has helped keep the history alive, even going back to FNaF 4. The community theorized that the Bite of ’83 and ’87 were intertwined.

Some of the most compelling theories hinge on subtle clues hidden within the games. The seemingly random placement of objects, the fragmented dialogue, and even the layout of the pizzerias have all been analyzed for potential hints about the identity of the biter.

An Unresolved Legacy

The *FNaF The Bite of ’87* remains a constant source of fascination, speculation, and intrigue. From Mangle’s suspicious jumpscare to Foxy’s aggressive nature to the possibility of a hidden clue, the mystery lives on. This enduring puzzle reminds us of the power of storytelling, the allure of the unknown, and the incredible community that has grown around this beloved franchise. Will the truth about the Bite of ’87 ever be definitively revealed, or will it continue to haunt the halls of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza for generations to come? The answer, for now, remains elusive, adding another layer to the captivating narrative of *Five Nights at Freddy’s*.