Henry Creel outside the Cave in Stranger Things 5 looking upset
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Liz Declan
Published 39 minutes ago
Liz Declan is a Lead Writer for ScreenRant, primarily covering Star Wars. She is a massive fan of Star Wars, the MCU, and Supernatural. In addition to writing, Liz loves attending and covering conventions. Find her on TikTok and Instagram @va.va.vera
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Warning: There are spoilers ahead for Stranger Things season 5, Volume 1 and The First Shadow.The first four episodes of Stranger Things 5 dropped last week, and many viewers are wondering why Henry Creel/Vecna/One looked downright terrified of one mysterious cave in episode 4. These four episodes, comprising Stranger Things 5, Volume 1, contained a host of surprises.
In addition to the action-packed ending of Stranger Things 5, Volume 1, which saw Will wielding newfound powers, Max had a shocking on-screen return in these first few episodes, not solely trapped in a coma, lying in a hospital bed, but up and about in Henry's memories, helping Holly discover the truth about Henry's identity and his intentions.
Within this plot was the revelation that Max managed to escape from Henry's clutches—as he hunted her like a horror movie—by running into a cave that he was unwilling to enter. It was immediately clear something much deeper was going on, particularly given the extent of Henry's reaction, so why exactly is Henry so scared of this cave?
Henry Refuses To Follow Max Into The Cave During Stranger Things Season 5
Max in the cave in Stranger Things 5 looking fearful
The scene in which Henry stalks after Max is jarring for multiple reasons. For one, Henry's appearance is perhaps its most terrifying yet (at least in terms of when he's in his Henry form), as he has the hand of Vecna and blood splatters across his clothing but otherwise looks human/normal, as he did in Hawkins Lab at first.
However, the most unsettling part of this scene is actually how Henry reacts to the cave. He isn't merely afraid of it—he looks utterly terrified, complete with wide eyes and trembling lips, which is something we've certainly never seen from this character before. What could possibly cause this reaction? Stranger Things' prequel play, The First Shadow, has the answer.
Stranger Things' First Shadow Play Explains Why Henry Is Afraid Of The Cave
Young Henry Creel in Stranger Things Season 4
Although Stranger Things' creators, the Duffer Brothers, have assured audiences that The First Shadow is not essential viewing to understand this final season of the show, it certainly helps to solve this mystery because The First Shadow explained the connection to this cave. Specifically, it was revealed that this cave led to Henry's first interaction with the Mind Flayer.
This response to the cave isn't just fear, then; it's effectively a trauma response. This suggests an entirely new layer to Henry/Vecna's story, wherein he, not unlike Will, is a victim of an evil that corrupted him. It's true that Henry was an odd little boy even before this encounter, but could it be that he is somewhat misunderstood?
What The Cave Means For Vecna's Story In The Rest Of Stranger Things Season 5
Vecna in Stranger Things season 5 episode 4
This cave could mean major changes to Vecna's story in Stranger Things. Throughout season 4, and for the most part in season 5, Volume 1, Vecna seemed like the overall 'Big Bad' of the show. Yet, if Henry is having such a visceral reaction, could it be that it's the Mind Flayer, not Vecna, who is the greatest evil?
It's entirely possible that this will be a reveal in the finale, if not in Volume 2, which will forever change what Vecna/Henry Creel/One represents in Stranger Things. Sadly, for those anxiously awaiting answers, the next three episodes will not be released until Christmas Day—so, for now, we wait.
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10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-14 Drama Mystery Horror Science Fiction Release Date 2016 - 2025-00-00 Network Netflix Showrunner Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer Directors Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer, Andrew Stanton, Frank Darabont, Nimród Antal, Uta Briesewitz Writers Kate Trefry, Jessie Nickson-Lopez, Jessica Mecklenburg, Alison Tatlock
7 Images
Eleven looking into an opening of the Upside Down with pink light in Stranger Things season 1
Jim Hopper (David Harbour) grabbing Jonathan's (Charlie Heaton) shoulders in Stranger Things season 1©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection
Eleven with cables all over her head in Stranger Things season 4
Vecna looking towards Will in the trailer for Stranger Things season 5 (2025)
Max and Eleven in Stranger ThingsNetflix
Stranger Things season 2, episode 2 "Trick or Treat, Freak".MovieStillsDB
The Upside Down in Stranger Things season 5Courtesy of Netflix Close
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