Frisk

"Despite everything, it's still you."

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For a gorgeous Undertale track, click here.

Soooooo, I have a confession to make.

I have only recently managed to play Undertale (while miraculously avoiding all spoilers).

I know, I know. I live under a rock and all that. Shikata nai, as they say

From the start I was enthralled by the characters, the music, and the mechanic of befriending monsters; if you're with me for a while then you know I love media about benevolent, friendly yōkai, and Undertale is basically Natsume Yūjinchō: The Game. I was, in fact, rather surprised to learn the game did not come out in Japan, because every aspect of it is filled to the brim with nods to various aspects of the country (which made me very, very happy).

For that reason, I wanted to draw some of the characters in a semi-Ōkami style; where appropriate, I'll explain the background of a legend or a yōkai that inspired me, but for most part I just want to draw some of the delightful, endearing characters Toby Fox smuggled into my head (where they get to live rent-free).

First, though, there's Frisk.

[minor Undertale spoilers warning for those who haven't played the game!]

"Legends say that those who climb the mountain never return."

The opening line of Undertale is something so familiar to me that I can almost taste it; in many folk tales of Japan, mountains are said to be inhabited by fierce and scary creatures who are rarely benevolent and tend to harm humans they come into contact with. However, among those malevolent and sinister monsters, one can find benign, friendly and even helpful yōkai. Those that don't cause harm to humans include Hōkō, Kodama, Tsurubebi, Daitengu, and Hibagon.

It's very interesting to ponder why Frisk chose to climb Mount Ebott, knowing that those who venture there are met with uncertain fate. Every fan has their own theory, no doubt, but I quite like the mystery of it. There is something appealing in not knowing. Many heroes of Japanese folk tales find themselves exactly where they need to be in a certain moment because of fate, whims of the gods, their own persistence, or the mixture of all three. But, at the end of the day, the reason is irrelevant; all that matters is the story itself, and what it teaches us in the process.

I see story of Frisk as one that teaches empathy and understanding; one that praises being patient and not giving up; one that says that no matter how dreadful the situation may be, at the end of the journey there is something worth waiting for - if you only choose to extend kindness to others.

We are all walking collection of memories and experiences. Some of those might be painful, sad, or bitter, but they all contribute towards making us who we are. They all help us grow.

Frisk's journey is worth taking because despite everything that happens, whether good or bad, at the end of it, Frisk is still Frisk - not escaping from responsibility, but rather embracing it. And that is beautiful.

Toby, you rascal, chapeau bas.

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Frisk (Undertale) ©Toby Fox