Red Dead Players Think They've Solved The 'Strange Man' Mystery
There are a plenty of random and mysterious characters dotted all around the Wild West of the Red Dead Redemption games. Without any explanation as to their purpose, a chance encounter with these NPCs may leave players feeling confused or even spooked. However, just when we think we've finally got to the bottom of the whole Gavin mystery, one player believes they've solved the mystery behind the 'Strange Man'
The Strange Man is one of the mysterious figures who appears in Red Dead Redemption and its prequel, Red Dead Redemption II. While he makes only a small cameo in II, he has a much more prominent part in the first game. Still, that doesn't make him any less eerie.
Just exactly who this mysterious moustache-sporting man is never made clear, much to the intrigue of players. However, one fan has now presented a theory that could finally bring the stranger's identity to light.
The Strange Man: Who Is He?
With the Strange Man's identity shrouded in mystery and no official word from Rockstar, we've been left to decipher the secret ourselves. One theory is that the Strange Man is the Grim Reaper, who is the cause of a tragic Cholera epidemic, or that he is the Devil himself. Striding on into the Reddit saloon, u/Basketballjuice has presented their theory as to who they think the 'Strange Man' is. It scarily makes a lot of sense. However, be warned, there are *spoilers* ahead.
In the post, Bastketballjuice claimed: "He's Cain from the bible. He is doomed to walk the earth for eternity, marked by god so that all will recognize him." If like me, you're wondering who Cain is, Basketballjuice said: "After killing his brother Abel, Cain is marked by God, so that all will recognize him, and any who do him harm will have vengeance enacted upon them 7 times over. This is why John Marston recognizes him, but can't tell where from, and it's also the reason for something else, more on that later."
In comparison, *spoiler Alert*, toward the end of Red Dead Redemption, the Strange Man "is shot by John Marston 3 times. In the bible, it is said that those who seek to destroy Cain will have vengeance enacted upon them seven fold. When John Marston meets his demise, he is shot about 21 times, 7 times the bullets that he fired at the Strange Man."
So, there you have it. The Strange Man could in fact be Cain from the Bible, also known as the 'First murderer'. Not to mention, Red Dead II fans will recall how young Jack's dog was named Cain...coincidence?
The Strange Man: Where Can I Find Him?
The Strange Man made his first appearance in Red Dead Redemption during the side mission 'I Know You'. Players can first say "howdy, partner" to the stranger when travelling south of Mescalero. Here, they trigger the three-part mission after being enticed by all the detailed facts the Strange Man seems to know about John and his time with the Van der Linde gang. Then, you set to work completing a number of quests for him - all of which feature some form of moral dilemma.
The Strange Man only makes a brief cameo in Red Dead II, and even then, he isn't easy to find. Fans can find the Easter egg as Arthur Morgan, but it's when playing as John Marston that things really get exciting. In an abandoned shack in Bayall Edge lies a spooky painting that gradually evolves into a portrait of the Strange Man over time.
If players look to the mirror, the Strange Man's reflection can be seen looking back at them. Now, if that's not enough to make Arthur go "agh!" and high-tail it to Tahiti, we don't know what is. Maybe the Strange Man could be making an appearance in the rumoured Red Dead Redemption 3 game? If not, there's always the remastered version of the original to look forward to.
