One of the major mysteries in Stranger Things is who is controlling the Upside Down. Some believe it is the Mind Flayer while other thinks it is Vecna. Now some fans have found clues that might answer the burning question.

Stranger Things has featured many monsters over the seasons with the Mind Flayer being the most deadly and prominent. It was believed to be in command of all the creatures in Upside Down.

In season 4, Vecna was introduced as the main protagonist. Vecna was once a human named Henry Creel, a subject at the Hawkins Lab. He was later banished to the Upside Down by Eleven in 1979. In this alternate dimension, Vecna started to explore and found the Mind Flayer.

Vecna is Controlling the Mind Flayer Theory Explained

Now some fans have found clues suggesting that Vecna could actually be controlling the Mind Flayer. Let’s explore this theory.

In season 2, Will Byers was possessed by the Mind Flayer. In one of the scenes at the hospital, Will Byers refers to the Mind Flayer as ‘Him’ instead of ‘It’. He also said that “they upset him” which implies that it could be a person.

Another clue is in season 3 when Billy Hargrove is possessed by the Mindflayer. He also repeated the same line as Will Byers.

Some fans also pointed out that when Will Byers was taken to the Upside Down, you can hear Vecna’s clock. Also, Will even managed to survive by singing the song, “Should  I Stay or Should I Go”.

While these clues are not conclusive, they certainly lend weight to the theory.

Is Mind Flayer Controlling Vecna?

On the other hand, it is also possible the Mind Flayer is controlling Vecna. Stranger Things Play has strongly hinted at this possibility.

In the play, it was revealed that Henry Creel was transported to the Upside Down as a kid which gave him superpowers. However, he was heavily influenced by the Mind Flayer throughout his childhood.

In one scene, Henry Creel is hanging out with his girlfriend Patty Newby (Bob Newby’s sister). Suddenly he is possessed by the Mind Flayer and tries to kill Patty’s father but is stopped when Patty intervenes.

Later when her father woke up in the hospital, he revealed that he was attacked by a monster and was saved by Henry. He drew the shape of a monster, and it was the Mind Flayer.

This suggests that the Mind Flayer might actually be controlling Vecna.

Both these theories have strong arguments and either could be true. However, we would like the Mind Flayer to be the ultimate protagonist. Meanwhile, there is also a possibility that both Vecna and the Mind Flayer are working together as a team.

What are your views on this theory? Share your thoughts in the comments below.