Ah, Undertale. That quirky indie game that burrowed into our hearts and stays there. It’s like a houseguest with a suitcase who never leaves, but you enjoy their chaotic presence. And at the center of this chaos? A skeleton family, mysteries in font names, and enough fan theories to fill the MTT Resort buffet.
1. Gaster and Sans’s Relationship: A Bone to Pick
Let’s start with the big question: What’s the deal with Gaster and Sans?
Is Gaster Sans’s Father? The Great Skeletal Paternity Debate
Is Gaster rocking a “World’s Best Dad” mug somewhere in the void? The internet thinks so. Fan theories overflow with “evidence,” like a Papyrus-made spaghetti pot left unattended.
Fan Theories and the Whispers of Evidence
The digital winds howl “Gaster is Sans’s father!” The circumstantial evidence is intriguing. AI Overviews state, “In Undertale, Sans’s father is W.D. Gaster.” If an AI said it, it must be true, right? Just kidding. AIs are as reliable as Papyrus trying to cook gourmet meals.
But seriously, the fan theories are compelling. Folks dig into the game code and connect dots that may or may not exist. It’s a digital scavenger hunt. The prize? Understanding a cartoon skeleton’s parentage. Priorities, people.
As someone said in April 2019, “It isn’t confirmed, but there is a lot of evidence. W.D Gaster is named after a font, just like Sans…” The point stands: the font names are big clues. Sans is named after Comic Sans, Papyrus after Papyrus, and Gaster after Wingdings and Aster. The skeleton family’s naming convention comes from typography. Coincidence? Maybe. But where’s the fun in that?
Official Confirmation Status: Still in the Void
Now, for the cold truth: Official confirmation from Toby Fox? Nada. Zilch. Undertale lore is ambiguous like Sans’s intentions during a Genocide Route. AI Overviews say, “While not explicitly stated in-game, fan theories suggest that W.D. Gaster is Sans and Papyrus’s father, but this is unconfirmed.” It’s a strong maybe, leaning into fan-canon territory. It’s like believing in Santa Claus for Undertale nerds. We *want* to believe, but the big guy hasn’t confirmed anything.
Is Sans Gaster’s Son? The Specificity of Skeletal Lineage
The fatherhood question is murky. But let’s get detailed. Is Sans *specifically* Gaster’s son? Does Papyrus matter here, or are we focused on the pun-loving skeleton?
Is Gaster Actually Sans’s Father? Rephrasing the Paternity Puzzle
Yes, we’re back to this. Because it’s the question that keeps giving, like a box of donuts from Sans. Is Gaster *actually* Sans’s father? The phrasing is crucial. “Actually” implies proof, a paternity test in Undertale (imagine Sans explaining DNA to Papyrus). We circle back to fan theories and hints. It’s interpretive dance with lore.
Is Gaster Sans’s Dad in Glitchtale? Venturing into Alternate Universes
Now we’re diving into fan-made universes. Glitchtale is a popular series that takes liberties with original canon. In Glitchtale, things are more explicit. “Doctor Wing Ding Gaster is the father of Papyrus and Sans, as well as the former royal scientist.” Boom. Fatherhood confirmed. Glitchtale isn’t canon, more like well-produced fanfiction. But if you want an answer, Glitchtale delivers. Just remember to take it lightly depending on your canon purist level.
Does Sans Remember Gaster? The Haunting Presence of a Forgotten Scientist
If Gaster lurks as a spectral father figure, does Sans remember him? Or has Gaster faded into the void, a forgotten scientist in Undertale’s memory?
The Fandom’s Conviction: Sans Knows Something
The Undertale fandom responds with a resounding “YES!” “While not explicitly stated, fans believe Sans remembers W.D. Gaster due to various clues in the game.” They believe with fervor. They have points. Hints, suggestive dialogue, cryptic details fuel fan theories. It’s like Toby Fox sprinkled Gaster-related breadcrumbs for us to obsess over. Mission accomplished, Toby.
Gaster’s Workshop Connection: A Lab of Lingering Secrets
One key piece of “evidence” is Sans’s secret workshop behind his house. “Sans’s workshop connects to Gaster’s research since his weapons in the Genocide Route reference Gaster.” This isn’t just a shed for bones and ketchup bottles. This is a *workshop*. A workshop revealing scientific endeavors linked to the Royal Scientist. The “Gaster Blasters” Sans uses in the Genocide Route? Their name screams “Gaster!” It’s like naming your dog “Einstein” if you love physics. Subtle, yet obvious.
Font Association: Names Written in the Stars (or Fonts)
We’ve touched on font names, but it bears repeating: “The names of Sans and Papyrus are based on fonts and Sans uses the ‘Aster’ font, which is also Gaster’s name.” It’s a skeletal family tree in typography. Gaster, Aster. Sans, Comic Sans. Papyrus, Papyrus. It’s too on the nose to be coincidence unless Toby Fox loves fonts. Given the game, it’s plausible.
“It’s Raining Somewhere Else” Song: A Melodic Mystery
Music in Undertale isn’t just background noise. It’s thematic and laden with meaning. The song “It’s Raining Somewhere Else” plays when Sans takes the protagonist to dinner and in his workshop, also tied to Gaster. This song connects Sans, his lab, and the enigmatic Gaster. Does Sans subtly blast Gaster-themed tunes to remember him?
Sans’s Observational Skills: The Keen Eye of a Skeletal Detective
Sans isn’t just lazy. He’s perceptive. “Sans can notice subtle details, suggesting he might remember Gaster.” He sees timelines resetting and player actions across playthroughs. It seems he operates on a higher awareness than most Undertale characters. This perception could extend to remembering Gaster, even if others forget. It’s like he has a Gaster-shaped file in his skeletal memory.
Gaster Blasters: Weapons Named in Remembrance?
Ah, Gaster Blasters. Those skull-shaped cannons. “The Gaster Blasters used by Sans in the Genocide route are named after Gaster. Fans theorize Sans created them in honor of him.” Naming a weapon after someone? It’s either tribute or threat, depending on perspective. For Sans, it feels like acknowledgment, a way to weaponize Gaster’s memory in the face of despair.
of impending doom (the Genocide Route). It’s saying, “You messed with the wrong skeleton family. Prepare for Gaster Blasters!”
Gaster Followers: The Cult of the Forgotten Scientist
Then we meet the Gaster Followers. These grayscale NPCs whisper about a scientist who “fell into his creation.” “The existence of Gaster followers reinforces that Gaster is not forgotten.” They spread cryptic rumors about a figure many have erased. Their existence shows Gaster’s effect, even in absence. They exist because *someone* remembers.
What is Gaster’s Relationship to Papyrus? Sibling or Creator?
Gaster and Sans… maybe father and son. What about Papyrus? Where does he fit in?
Brother? A Simple Skeletal Siblinghood
Theories suggest a sibling relationship. “Gaster is the brother of Sans and Papyrus.” Simple and clean. Maybe Gaster was the cool older brother who vanished, leaving Sans and Papyrus behind. It’s less dramatic, but maybe the simplest answer is the most… bone-headed. (Pun intended.)
Creator? A Godlike Origin Story
Then there’s the grandiose theory. “He is the god of magic, a creator of Sans and Papyrus, along with Asgore and Gerson.” God of magic? This theory elevates Gaster to cosmic status. He is responsible for bringing Sans and Papyrus into existence. It’s like a skeletal creation myth.
It gets specific: “Papyrus is the second god of painless death. They were created by Gaster, the god of magic, who they see as their father.” So, Papyrus loves puzzles and is also… the god of death? The lore keeps getting weirder. Sans too has a divine role, being the “first god of death.” The skeleton brothers have side gigs we never knew about.
Could Sans and Papyrus be Parts of W.D. Gaster? The Fragmented Scientist Theory
Some theorists suggest Sans and Papyrus are more than just related. They could be parts of him. Fragments scattered across time and space. This wild theory fits into Undertale’s odd world. Imagine Gaster, a brilliant scientist, experimenting beyond control, only to be… fragmented.
His essence splitting into multiple entities, perhaps even Sans and Papyrus themselves. It adds a tragic layer to these siblings. Are they just skeletons? Or pieces of a forgotten genius?
2. Gaster’s Identity and Backstory: Unraveling the Enigma
Let’s focus on Gaster’s identity. Who is W.D. Gaster really? What do we know beyond theories?
Who is Gaster? Peeling Back the Layers of Mystery
Let’s begin with the basics. Who *is* Gaster? What role did he have in Undertale before he vanished?
Former Royal Scientist: The Genius Before Alphys
One of the few facts about Gaster is his old job. “The Undertale fandom believes Sans remembers W.D. Gaster, former Royal Scientist.” Former Royal Scientist. This title holds weight. It suggests intelligence, innovation, and influence in the scientific community. He was the top dog before Alphys came along. Think of him as the OG Royal Scientist.
Glitchtale presents a definitive take: “Doctor Wing Ding Gaster is a renowned scientist, father of Papyrus and Sans, and former royal scientist.” “Renowned scientist” emphasizes his importance. He was significant, respected, and then… gone.
Overarching Antagonist of Deltarune? A Shift in Allegiance
Things shift to the sinister. “Is Gaster a secret boss? He is the overarching antagonist of Deltarune, a secret boss of Chapter 7.” Wait, he’s an *antagonist*? In *Deltarune*? This changes everything about his character. Is he misunderstood? Or does he have a darker side we didn’t see in Undertale?
Is Gaster Even a Skeleton? The Skeletal Speculation
He has links to skeletons, font names, and cryptic imagery. But is Gaster *actually* a skeleton? Or is that just a fan assumption?
Skeletal Similarities and Stark White Appearance
“Due to his similarities to Sans and Papyrus, most believe he may be a skeleton, albeit deformed.” The similarities are undeniable. The font names, the Gaster Blasters, it all indicates a skeletal connection. The “stark white appearance” reinforces this idea. Judging by the “Mystery Man” sprite, it all points here.
Is Gaster a Secret Boss? Boss Battles and Hidden Encounters
This bears repeating: Is Gaster hiding in code, waiting to unleash a boss battle?
Deltarune Chapter 7 Speculation: The Final Showdown?
“Gaster is the overarching antagonist of Deltarune, serving as secret boss in Chapter 7.” His presence in Undertale feels atmospheric. Deltarune makes him a direct threat. A secret battle in Chapter 7? Anticipation builds for that face-off against Gaster.
What is the Story Behind Gaster? Unveiling the Backstory
Beyond titles and theories, what’s the story behind Gaster? What drove him? What happened to him?
Human Scientist Turned Skeletal Mystery? A Theory of Transformation
“Gaster was a human scientist, studying time and space ideas. He built a machine to travel to different worlds. The machine broke, melting his skin and turning him into a skeleton.” This paints Gaster as a brilliant but reckless scientist who pushed too far with dangerous results.
Is Gaster Even in Undertale? Ghosts in the Machine
For all the talk of Gaster, is he even *actually* in Undertale? Or just a figment of fans’ imaginations?
Sprites in the Code: Mystery Man and Redacted
“Gaster’s existence in Undertale surfaced after
Players examined the game’s code. Two sprites appear, representing Gaster: “Mystery Man” and “Redacted.” The code holds secrets. Gaster’s essence resides in the shadows of Undertale. “Mystery Man” and “Redacted” serve as echoes of his presence. They hint at a character nearly there but not entirely present. Finding these sprites is like uncovering traces of a lost civilization within Undertale’s digital ruins.
What is Gaster the God of? Divine Domains and Magical Prowess
If Gaster is a god, as theories propose, what is his domain? What kind of god is he?
God of Magic: The Arcane Deity
He symbolizes magic. He created Sans and Papyrus, along with Asgore and Gerson. God of magic suits him well. Gaster’s enigmatic presence aligns with this title. His void connection and influence on Sans and Papyrus seem profound. He is more than a scientist; he is a magical scientist engaging with the unknown. This may have brought about his undoing.
What God is Gaster in Reapertale? Multiverse Deities
Let’s venture into the multiverse. What role does Gaster play in AU Reapertale?
Reapertale God of Magic: A Natural-Born Deity
Gaster in Reapertale is a god of magic, but he is a “natural-born” god. This detail suggests a different origin for him. In this AU, he is not merely a scientist elevated to divinity; he was born with magical power. This subtle difference points out diverse interpretations of Gaster across Undertale AUs.
Is Gaster a Real Name? Linguistic Origins
Let’s pause for a moment. Is “Gaster” an actual name? Or is this part of Undertale’s quirky names?
German Surname: A Guest in the Void
Gaster is a German surname. The Dictionary of American Family Names states it may derive from Gast meaning ‘guest’. “Guest” embodies Gaster’s role. He feels like an unwelcome presence in the game, haunting Undertale’s reality. A guest in the void, perhaps?
Gaster’s Stats: Numbers of Mystery
Stats in Undertale indicate a character’s power. What do Gaster’s stats reveal?
666666 HP, 66666 ATK, 66666 DEF: Overwhelming Power
In the code, Gaster shows absurdly high stats: 666666 HP, and 66666 ATK and DEF. These numbers suggest immense power, bordering on demonic. This portrayal emphasizes Gaster as a being far beyond other characters in Undertale. Asriel’s infinite stats are an exception, but Gaster’s stats quietly scream power.
How Does Gaster Talk? Text-to-Speech and Wingdings
Gaster’s speech is also unusual. It’s not merely what he says but how he delivers it.
Text-to-Speech and Cryptic Wingdings
Gaster communicates using a text-to-speech method for nearly all dialogue unless it’s in Wingdings. This text-to-speech style feels unsettlingly modern for a retro game. It breaks the fourth wall of the game. Wingdings add to the mystery, allowing him to speak in coded language.
What Does Gaster Eat? Culinary Conundrums
Even gods must eat, right? So, what does Gaster prefer?
Instant Noodles and Grillby’s Gourmet
Gaster loves instant noodles. Grillby forbids these unhealthy choices, trying to cook for Gaster instead. Gaster enjoys Grillby’s meals. This detail adds warmth to his mysterious character. Picture Grillby urging Gaster toward veggies while he wants to devour instant ramen.
What is Gaster’s Soul? Soulful Speculations
Souls are vital in Undertale. But what kind of soul does Gaster have?
Powerful Skeleton Monster Soul: Surface Dweller and Proud Father
Gaster represents a powerful skeleton monster. He is also a devoted scientist and father to two. This confirms his connection to Sans and Papyrus in this interpretation. The surface dweller detail adds depth, hinting at a past before the war with humans.
What Gender is Gaster? Gender Identity in the Void
Does gender truly apply to Gaster? Or is he above these mortal limits?
Male Presenting, Gender Fluid Skeletons? A Fluid Identity
Gaster appears male, but being a skeleton allows freedom uncommon in other races. Skeletons typically do not associate with rigid gender identities. This concept suggests fluidity within the Undertale monster world. Perhaps Gaster’s identity is as fractured and enigmatic as his existence.
What Do Gaster’s Hands Do? Holes and Hidden Powers
Gaster’s hands are notable, especially with holes in his palms. But what purpose do they serve?
Power Conduits: Holes for Hand-Based Abilities
Gaster uses the holes in his hands to control his unique powers. These holes fill depending on the power he utilizes, allowing him to project abilities. This visual dynamic indicates his power usage, like a meter that reveals his strength through energy shifts.
Who is Gaster Swapped With? Swap AU Pairings
In various Undertale AUs, character swaps are common. So who swaps with Gaster?
River Person: A Cryptic Swap
The River Person swaps with Gaster. This ferryman speaks in riddles. Both figures are cryptic presences on the edges of Undertale’s world. This swap intensifies their mystery and creates a doubly enigmatic character. Imagine Gaster ferrying across the river, communicating in Wingdings and text-to-speech.
Who is Gaster’s Mom? Maternal Mysteries
Even enigmatic scientists have mothers. Who is Gaster’s?
Mistral: Noble Lineage and Prequel Appearances
Mistral is Gaster’s mother and is of noble birth in Human and Monster Kingdoms.
This adds a new layer to Gaster’s backstory. It hints at lineage and social status that we did not know. “She will appear in the Prequel”? Fascinating. A prequel game set in the pre-Underground time. Gaster’s noble mother plays a role. Count us in!
Who is the Strongest Version of Gaster? Power Rankings Across Universes
In the multiverse, Gaster takes various forms. But which one is the most powerful?
War-Time Gaster: Strategic Advisor and Core Creator
“W.D. Gaster served as a strategic advisor to Asgore alongside Gerson during the war. After humans sealed monsters underground, Gaster became a royal scientist. He created the CORE and echo flowers. Gaster is indeed the strongest in Undercore, the strongest version of him.” This version holds great power and influence. He shapes monster society. “Strongest person in Undercore”? That’s a big claim, but with his achievements and role in war, it feels valid. This Gaster is more than a scientist; he’s a leader, strategist, and innovator.