The True Cause of Vecna's Fear of the Cave in Stranger Things Season 5

Spoiler Warning: This article contains spoilers for the first four episodes of "Stranger Things" Season 5!

In the fifth and final season of Stranger Things, Holly Wheeler (played by Nell Fisher) becomes the newest victim of the menacing Vecna, also known as One or Henry Creel (Jamie Campbell Bower). Although the precise reasons for Vecna's interest in Holly are unclear in the first few episodes, it's revealed that he pulls her into his memories and confines her at the Creel house. Within these memories, Holly uncovers two crucial details: a mysterious cave and Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink), who remains in a coma following her earlier encounters with Vecna in season 4.

One of the key revelations comes from Max, who tells Holly that this cave is the only place where they can find safety from Vecna. The question ariseswhy is this cave significant?

In a Variety interview with the Duffer Brothers, it was pointed out that a reference to a cave in Nevada, near a military base, is mentioned in the "Stranger Things" play, titled The First Shadow. In this play, a young Henry Creel first encounters something connected to the Upside Down. Is this the same cave featured in the show? The answer is yes, according to Matt Duffer. He explained, "There was always a balance that we had to find in terms of how much we were going to put in the play," adding that the creators had to withhold some details for the main show. As the series progresses, more connections between the play and the show will be revealed, especially in the final episode.

The Stranger Things play, which debuted in London's West End in November 2023 and later moved to Broadway, explores Henry's past, including his first exposure to the Upside Down in a cave near his family's home in Nevada. This moment marks his first interaction with the terrifying world that would later shape him into Vecna. Even as an adult, Vecna remains haunted by this initial encounter.

Additionally, the play contains other references that tie into the show, like the "Oklahoma!" poster found by Max. Although this subplot, involving an amateur production of the musical, may confuse viewers unfamiliar with the play, the Duffer Brothers emphasized that these are mere Easter eggs. "You do not have to have seen the play to understand the show," Matt Duffer clarified.

But how did Holly and Max end up in Vecna's memory world in the first place? At the start of season 5, Holly, the younger sister of Mike and Nancy Wheeler, is introduced as a pre-teen. Played by Nell Fisher (taking over from the previous portrayal by twins Anniston and Tinsley Price), Holly shows signs that something is off. She has an imaginary friend named "Mr. Whatsit," who, by the second episode, is revealed to be a manifestation of Henry Creel.

This connection leads to a terrifying sequence where a Demogorgon attacks the Wheeler house, injuring Ted and Karen Wheeler before abducting Holly. As Holly is held captive, the mystery deepenswhy would Vecna want her? Through her conversations with Henry in his memories, it becomes apparent that he intends to collect more children from her class, though the exact reasons remain unclear. When Holly finds Max and the cave, the two girls take refuge, with the cave serving as a safe haven from Vecna's terrifying influence.

The upcoming episodes of Stranger Things season 5 will continue on Christmas Day, with the series finale scheduled for New Year's Eve. The first four episodes are currently available for streaming on Netflix.

Author: Aiden Foster