Throughout the previous seasons of Stranger Things, the Upside Down has been a mysterious and crucial element in the unfolding of the story. While we’ve been given many clues about this strange world, the true origin and nature of the Upside Down have yet to be fully revealed. With Season 5 being the final chapter of the series, we are likely to uncover answers to some of the biggest questions about this parallel dimension. Below are several theories regarding the Upside Down’s origin that could be explored in the final season.
The Upside Down as a Parallel Universe
One of the most popular theories is that the Upside Down is a parallel dimension, or what is sometimes called a “symmetric universe,” that exists alongside the real world of Hawkins. This world appears to be stuck in a “static” state, not progressing over time, which could explain why the Upside Down mirrors Hawkins, yet remains shrouded in darkness and destruction.
If the Upside Down is indeed a parallel universe, it could exist simultaneously with the real world, but frozen at a specific moment in time. This theory would explain why we see Hawkins in a decayed and ancient form within the Upside Down.
The Upside Down as a Result of Government Experiments
The Hawkins Lab conducted many experiments involving psychic energy and interdimensional travel. According to this theory, these experiments accidentally opened a portal to the Upside Down. While the Upside Down may have existed long before, it was the government’s experiments that forged a connection between this dimension and the real world.
The events in Hawkins may have triggered the opening of a permanent gateway to the Upside Down, causing the invasion of creatures like the Demogorgon and the Mind Flayer into the real world.
Vecna Created the Upside Down
In Season 4, Vecna (also known as Henry Creel) demonstrated the ability to manipulate space and time. One theory posits that Vecna is the creator of the Upside Down, or at least the one who opened the portal connecting the two realms. Given Vecna’s powers and desire for control, it’s plausible that he used his abilities to construct a mirrored world of Hawkins, perhaps as a place to rule after being trapped in another dimension. It’s possible that Vecna’s involvement with Hawkins’ early experiments led to the creation of the Upside Down.
The Upside Down as an Ancient Entity
Another theory suggests that the Upside Down is not man-made but is instead an ancient entity that existed long before the real world came into being. This primordial dimension, full of chaos and darkness, could be the origin of many of the creatures in the series, including the Demogorgon and the Mind Flayer. If the Upside Down is an ancient entity, it may exist independently of the real world, only accidentally discovered through the experiments in Hawkins. When the portal was opened, it allowed the creatures to spill into our world.
The Upside Down as the Result of a Historical Mistake
Another possibility is that the Upside Down is the result of a historical accident, perhaps a natural or cosmic disaster that created the gateway between the two worlds. These events could have taken place long before the Hawkins Lab experiments ever began. A historical event that remains unexplained could have inadvertently created the rift between the real world and the Upside Down. When the Hawkins experiments (or Vecna’s actions) triggered the portal, it allowed the Upside Down to invade.
In conclusion, Season 5 of Stranger Things may finally reveal one of these theories about the origin of the Upside Down. Whether it’s a parallel universe, the result of government experiments, the creation of Vecna, an ancient entity, or the consequence of a historical mistake, fans can expect to uncover dramatic and surprising truths about this shadowy dimension in the final season. Get ready to dive deep into the remaining mysteries of the Upside Down as Stranger Things reaches its thrilling conclusion.
