Human-Monster War

The Human-Monster War was a devastating conflict that occurred centuries ago between humans and monsters, ultimately leading to the magical imprisonment of monsters beneath Mt. Ebott. This pivotal event in monster-human relations fundamentally shaped the development of both societies and established the conditions that would persist until the Barrier's recent destruction.

A preserved mural in the Ruins depicting scenes from the Human-Monster War

Origins of the Conflict

The origins of the war can be traced to a period of increasing tension between human and monster communities during the early medieval period. Despite initially peaceful coexistence, growing human fears about monsters' ability to absorb human SOULs led to widespread distrust. The Royal Scientific Society has since discovered evidence suggesting that much of this fear stemmed from misunderstandings about the fundamental nature of SOUL absorption and its rarity among monster populations.

Archaeological findings during the Great Ruin Restoration project have revealed that monster-human relations were actually quite cooperative in the years leading up to the war, with extensive trade networks and shared settlements. The catalyst for the conflict appears to have been a series of incidents involving the accidental absorption of human SOULs by monsters, which, despite being unintentional, sparked widespread panic among human populations.

The War Period

The war itself lasted approximately three years, though precise dating remains challenging due to the destruction of many historical records. What is known with certainty is that the conflict was remarkably one-sided. Humans, possessing physically stronger SOULs and greater determination, held a significant advantage over monster forces, whose primarily magical nature made them vulnerable to human attacks driven by negative emotions.

During this period, the monster kingdom suffered devastating losses, with numerous ancient monster settlements destroyed and countless monsters turned to dust. The Ancient Battlegrounds near what would later become the Ruins bear silent testimony to these battles, with magical residue from the conflict still detectable by sensitive instruments even today.

The Seven Mages

The war's conclusion came with the intervention of seven powerful human mages, whose combined magical abilities created the Barrier that would confine monsters underground. These mages, whose true identities remain a subject of intense historical debate, employed a form of magic that combined human determination with elements of monster magic, creating a seal that would prove nearly unbreakable for centuries.

Recent studies by Dr. Alphys suggest that the mages may have actually intended the barrier as a temporary measure to end the bloodshed, rather than a permanent imprisonment. However, the complexity and power of their spell proved far more enduring than potentially intended, requiring the power of seven human SOULs to break.

Underground Exile

The aftermath of the war saw the entire monster population forced beneath Mt. Ebott, beginning what would become known as the Great Underground Migration. King Asgore led his people through this difficult transition, establishing new settlements including Home (later renamed to Old Home) and eventually New Home. The monster population showed remarkable resilience, developing new forms of magic and technology to adapt to their subterranean environment.

The perpetual winter of Snowdin and other unique environmental features of the Underground emerged during this period, as monster magic interacted with and transformed their new home. These changes would eventually create the distinct regions and ecosystems that characterized monster society until their return to the surface.

Historical Documentation

Much of what is known about the war comes from a combination of human historical records, monster oral traditions, and archaeological evidence preserved in the crystalline caverns of Waterfall. The war's history was also partially recorded through the Echo Flowers, which preserved fragments of conversations and memories from the earliest days of underground settlement.

Legacy and Modern Impact

The war's legacy continues to influence monster-human relations today, though the Surface Integration Initiative has made significant progress in healing ancient wounds. Modern scholars from both societies now study the war as a cautionary tale about the importance of understanding and communication between different peoples.

The Educational Exchange Program has made the war's history a central part of its curriculum, ensuring that both monster and human students understand the complex factors that led to the conflict and the importance of maintaining peaceful relations. This educational initiative has proven particularly effective in preventing the spread of historical misconceptions that could otherwise lead to renewed tensions.

See Also

• Ancient Monster Settlements
• War Memorial Gardens
• Pre-War Monster Culture
• Surface Integration Initiative
• Barrier

References

• "Chronicles of the Underground Exile" - Royal Historian's Office
• "The Seven Mages: Fact and Fiction" - Underground Sciences Department
• "Archaeological Findings from Pre-War Settlements" - Professor Toriel's Research Papers
• "Magic and Memory: Echo Flower Records of the War Period" - Royal Scientific Society Publications

The study of the Human-Monster War continues to yield new insights as archaeological discoveries and magical research provide fresh perspectives on this pivotal historical event. Understanding its causes and consequences remains crucial for maintaining and strengthening the renewed peace between humans and monsters in the modern era.