#and to reitorate im absolutly dont think any less of anyone who believes this theory or anything!!

[bornetoblood]

That’s the thing, no one so far has actually said the Doll is a literal mourning doll. That would be creepy. It’s just the concept of people making dolls in memory of their loved ones. The way mourning dolls were also commissioned for parents also was oddly in line with the theme of surrogate children in Bloodborne, but death dolls have been a thing in other cultures too and for a million different reasons.

The Japanese text says that the doll was created with the purpose of gentle consolation for its creator. That’s why the mourning doll theory got popular, but I don’t think anyone is actually trying to say that it’s a one-on-one comparison. It could just be a place where From Soft drew inspiration, since they often reference history in their games.

From Soft also has done the doll thing before. Ranni made two dolls in Elden Ring that looked like her former mentor and then possessed them. It’s just a theme they like to use apparently. I think people should feel free to discuss the mourning doll inspo theory without being told to be careful. We know it’s not the same thing. I’m trying to make this sound as non-hostile as possible, but it does feel like some people may be assuming the worst of others for offering different takes on the doll :/

Just to preface, I don't think ill of anyone who believes in or pushes the theory! This is just a fun little game discussion. It is essential to mention and acknowledge wider context when talking about possible inspirations and I do believe that wider context sours it a little bit. It's just that when people talk about more positive interpretations of the Doll they just say "Victorian Mourning Doll" without any specifications, I think that's just what puts me off a little bit.

Along with that, I think it's important to understand that the way that Gehrman and the Doll's relationship is presented within the game is uncomfortable- even if it wasn't intended to be so. The story concerning the Doll shifted a lot through development and it can even be assumed that Maria was created retroactively for the DLC and based on the Doll, instead of the other way around. That the unfortunate presentation that Gehrman stripped his apprentice of her masculine attributes and agency wasn't planned initially. I just think that the way that it is presented in the final product should defiantly be considered!!

This isn't Gehrman slander I really like Gehrman, but he absolutely isn't completely moral. I have to end this by stating that this is my opinion here!!! My specific wants about lore discussions aren't gospel or anything! It's just that when people mention this theory they tend to disregard the context around it is all and it's unfortunate that the context presents the exact opposite takeaway.