Summary
A new theory suggests that Dutch van der Linde from theRed Dead Redemptionseries may have been a cannibal later in his life. The theory comes from a fan who suspects that the antagonist from the game may have been more than just a psychopathic murderer. The fan posted their evidence online, supported by screenshots to prove their theories regardingDutch van der Lindeand the final days of his life during the events of the originalRed Dead Redemption.
Dutch van der Linde is a notorious outlaw in the world ofRed Dead Redemption, known for leading theVan der Linde gangbefore encountering several different troubles that occurred inRed Dead Redemption 2. He’s known to be a killer, a robber, and an all-around criminal of the Wild West. To add to his ever-demeaning resume, aRed Dead Redemptionfan has provided some interesting evidence that implies Dutch van der Linde may have dabbled in some disturbing extracurricular activities while running from the law.
By stitching together pieces of evidence with a slideshow,TikTok user jr.rdr2 posted a videoexposing Dutch van der Linde in a new light. The theory by jr.rdr2, a content creator who specializes in game edits and theories, suggests that Dutch van der Linde was a cannibal, with screenshots pointing to multiple points of interest at Dutch’s Cochinay camp inRed Dead Redemption. Claiming that Dutch was a psychopath, the TikTok user then explores the antagonist’s living quarters at his campsite. There, the user spots piles of supposed human bones, their appearances resembling the human femur. Other points of interest include positioned skulls, meat on a plate, and a bathtub that may either be filled with blood or covered in rust. The user argues that the living quarters and the presence of bones is a “great end to Dutch’s character arc,” hinting that the antagonist had completely lost his mind by the end ofRed Dead Redemption.
With how the events play out in theRed Dead Redemptiongames, jr.rdr2 has offered some ideas that don’t normally come to mind about Dutch van der Linde. They further point to the importance of some ofJohn Marston’s dialogueregarding Dutch’s murderous acts. One such line that they recall is when Dutch responds to John’s questioning about getting killed along with Professor Harold MacDougal. “I don’t know. Sport, I guess?,” he says to John, further indicating the decline of Dutch’s sanity in the games.
While there isn’t a scripted event inRed Dead Redemptionthat proves that Dutch van der Linde devolved into cannibalism, the evidence provided by TikTok user jr.rdr2 - as well as the harsh environment Dutch resided in - opens the door for conversation. Many of thecharacters in theRed Dead Redemptionseriesare complex, with Dutch notably being one that many players look to when referencing the games' best characters.
