Odd Theory: The Schism and Mudo/Gluk/kon Society
Alright so I've had my own headcanon for the events of The Schism for a while which I'd use when making lore for my old fan games, so I'm just gonna put down my theory here.
We know that Mudokons and Glukkons used to exist somewhat peacefully with one another, what some people overlook is that you can tell this just from their name's. Mudo
kon and Gluk
kon. This shared etymology, is only present in other species besides ones of a similar nature:
Slo
gs/
Sle
gs, Para
mites/Bola
mites. This already shows some kind of connection between the two races, and if we're to understand what could've happened in The Schism to cause a divide in these two races, we have to look at the definition.
:
Schism:
a split or division between strongly opposed sections or parties, caused by differences in opinion or belief.
• the formal separation of a Church into two Churches or the secession of a group owing to doctrinal and other differences.
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When talking about the formation of the Mudokon Moon we know that the Glukkons were outraged; hiding themselves and lurking in caves vowing to never again see the sky. But besides the pridefulness of most Glukkons, what was the reason for this kind of a reaction? Well besides sharing culture, the Glukkons and Mudokon shared a god, or well I guess two gods? Now take my source for this with a grain of salt as it is outside confirmed Q and A's but still from the mouth of the man himself, Lorne Lanning.
Edit: Coincidentally I've found out that Lorne told me this exactly 3 years ago today, Sorry for not telling you guys sooner. Whoops.
Whilst making Kip's Awakening and struggling with the story, I'd asked Lorne if there existed any more "Dualistic" gods like Shrykull. My poor choice of words led to him telling me about a dualistic god in the Yin/Yang sense,
"The Ancient Twins." We see that Lorne separates the Alchemists from the "Ancient Civilisations." Mudokons are the most prolific examples of Ancient Civilisation we ever see throughout the series. With Glukkons entering an Age of Alchemy following the formation of the Mudokon Moon, in which they tried to disprove the Mudokons claims of self divinity and being the Chosen Race.
My speculation for what happened during these events is that the Glukkons, seeing such an obvious bias against their own species as a divine sign, shunned their gods. Retreating underground so they'd never have to see the moon that shamed them.
In previous interviews with Lorne by Nate we've heard him to speak of this "hollow earth" with Oddworld's most devious puppet masters, "The Investors" deep below the surface.
:
There are scenes in the film I want to do where Mullock, after he fucked up and he’s being taken to the boss and he passes his mom who says “You blew it,” and he has to go down and meet the investors. They live underground; like how I said about how the world is separated. He takes an elevator ride down 1700 storeys and a little midget guys picks you up as an escort, but as you go down and the temperature increases, they’re getting bigger and bigger, while the security guards from up above are dying and sweltering from the heat. So there’s this more mythical idea of what might be pulling the strings. And I want to embrace that in a sort of left-handed, literal way.
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I believe that due the Glukkons retreat into caves and underground, they made contact with these subterranean species - whom in the current age of the Quintology seem to hold massive sway over what the Glukkons can and can't do - and as such were able to progress significantly faster as a species when compared to the Mudokons. Explaining how despite the disadvantages of not being above ground, the Glukkons were able to somehow come out on top against the Mudokons.
To quickly summarise, we find that the story of the Mudokons and Glukkons may be more closely intertwined than one might think. The innocent and all around good guy Mudokons set about the events of the Schism, and the enslavement of their race, following their own arrogance to declare themselves The Chosen Race. Leading the spiteful and bitter Glukkons to thrive underground, returning to the surface prepared and with the outside help of their Investors.
Do you believe that the Glukkons and Mudokons shared some aspects of their religion?
Or is the idea of tapeworms in suits controlling the Glukkons just too absurd for Oddworld?
Either way here's my first Odd Theory, feel free to pick it apart, and I'd like to see someone else pick up the reins if they've got any theories of their own!