Stiles Stilinski, beloved sarcastic sidekick of MTV’s Teen Wolf, never actually becomes a wolf. He remains a human throughout the series, but his character is significantly affected by supernatural forces, particularly through his possession by the Nogitsune.
The Human Heart of Teen Wolf: Why Stiles Never Changed
Stiles Stilinski, portrayed by Dylan O’Brien, is the everyman – the relatable, witty, and often vulnerable counterpoint to Scott McCall’s werewolf heroism. He’s the anchor, the strategist, and the best friend who holds the pack together with his intellect and loyalty. The core of Stiles’ character rests on his humanity; turning him into a werewolf would fundamentally alter his role and impact within the narrative. This conscious decision by the writers allows Stiles to remain the grounded, fallible character the audience deeply connects with. His power lies not in brute strength or supernatural abilities, but in his quick thinking, problem-solving skills, and unwavering dedication to his friends. He is the brains to Scott’s brawn, and this dynamic is essential to the show’s success. His vulnerabilities and limitations highlight the dangers the pack faces and emphasize the importance of teamwork and strategy in overcoming them.
The Nogitsune Possession: An Altered Reality
While Stiles remains fundamentally human, he experiences a profound transformation through the Nogitsune possession in Season 3B. This harrowing ordeal tests his resilience and challenges the very essence of his identity. The Nogitsune, a dark kitsune spirit, invades Stiles’s body, twisting his personality and actions for its own malevolent purposes. This is the closest Stiles comes to embodying something supernatural, and it’s a devastating experience for both the character and the audience. The Nogitsune uses Stiles’s vulnerabilities, anxieties, and self-doubts against him, manipulating his actions and causing immense suffering for those he cares about. The possession arc is a masterclass in psychological horror, exploring themes of control, identity, and the power of friendship in the face of overwhelming darkness.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries Surrounding Stiles Stilinski
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify Stiles’ relationship with the supernatural and his role in Teen Wolf:
1. What exactly is a Nogitsune?
A Nogitsune is a dark kitsune, a Japanese trickster spirit that thrives on chaos, pain, and negativity. They are beings of void, the opposite of the benevolent celestial kitsune. They feed on misfortune and are often associated with disease and suffering. In Teen Wolf, the Nogitsune possesses Stiles, using his body to wreak havoc and spread misery throughout Beacon Hills.
2. How does the Nogitsune possess Stiles?
The Nogitsune initially enters Stiles after he is bitten by a fly near the Nemeton, a powerful supernatural tree stump. This bite leaves him vulnerable to possession. His subsequent dreams and experiences further weaken his mental defenses, allowing the Nogitsune to slowly infiltrate his mind and eventually take complete control of his body. The Nemeton’s power, meant to amplify supernatural abilities, ironically becomes a conduit for the Nogitsune to enter the human world.
3. What are the main signs that Stiles is possessed?
The initial signs of Stiles’s possession are subtle, including sleepwalking, nightmares, and periods of disorientation. As the Nogitsune gains control, more significant changes emerge, such as a heightened sense of manipulation, a dark and twisted sense of humor, and ultimately, the ability to manifest physical changes, including sharp teeth and a gaunt appearance. A key indicator is his increasing detachment from his friends and his calculated efforts to sow discord within the pack. The unsettling changes in his behavior are a constant source of worry for Scott, Lydia, and Allison.
4. Does the Nogitsune give Stiles any powers?
While the Nogitsune doesn’t grant Stiles conventional supernatural powers like super strength or shapeshifting, it does enhance his intelligence and cunning. He becomes a master strategist, able to anticipate his opponents’ moves and manipulate situations to his advantage. The Nogitsune also provides Stiles with a connection to the void, granting him limited control over reality and enabling him to perform acts of supernatural manipulation. This enhanced intellect and manipulative ability make him a formidable foe.
5. How is Stiles eventually freed from the Nogitsune?
The process of freeing Stiles from the Nogitsune is complex and perilous. Ultimately, it requires a combination of strategic planning, supernatural intervention, and the unwavering love and support of his friends. Crucially, it involves separating the human Stiles from the Nogitsune form that mimics him. It is his genuine connection to his friends, particularly Scott and Lydia, that gives him the strength to fight back against the Nogitsune’s influence and ultimately reclaim his body.
6. What lasting effects does the possession have on Stiles?
The Nogitsune possession leaves lasting psychological scars on Stiles. He struggles with feelings of guilt and responsibility for the actions the Nogitsune committed while controlling his body. He also grapples with nightmares and flashbacks, reliving the traumatic experiences he endured. However, he emerges from the ordeal stronger and more resilient, with a deeper understanding of himself and the importance of his relationships. The trauma strengthens his resolve and reinforces his commitment to protecting those he cares about.
7. Is there any other time Stiles displays supernatural abilities?
Aside from the Nogitsune possession, Stiles doesn’t typically exhibit supernatural abilities. However, his intelligence and analytical skills are frequently highlighted as his primary assets. He is often the one who unravels mysteries and formulates plans to defeat their enemies. His knowledge of history, mythology, and supernatural lore proves invaluable to the pack on numerous occasions. His strategic thinking and research skills are his superpowers.
8. Why is Stiles so important to Scott’s pack?
Stiles serves as Scott’s anchor and confidant, providing emotional support and logical guidance. His humanity grounds Scott and reminds him of the importance of protecting the innocent. Moreover, Stiles’s strategic mind and quick wit are essential for solving problems and outsmarting their enemies. Without Stiles, Scott’s pack would lack a vital component, making them vulnerable and less effective. Stiles is the glue that holds them together.
9. Does Stiles ever become a different type of creature besides a werewolf?
No, Stiles remains human throughout the series. There are times he faces danger, particularly surrounding his possession by the Nogitsune, but he never becomes a creature of any kind. He is a human caught in a world of supernatural beings.
10. Are there any fan theories about Stiles secretly being supernatural?
While Stiles remains officially human, some fan theories suggest that he might possess latent supernatural abilities that are never fully explored. These theories often point to his uncanny ability to solve mysteries, his resilience in the face of danger, and his deep connection to the supernatural world. These theories, while intriguing, are not supported by the canon of the show. The ambiguity surrounding Stiles’s origins fuels these speculations.
11. What role does Lydia Martin play in Stiles’s story, particularly regarding the Nogitsune?
Lydia’s banshee abilities are crucial to both the initial discovery of the Nogitsune’s presence and the eventual plan to defeat it. Her screams and premonitions provide vital clues about the Nogitsune’s intentions and weaknesses. Moreover, her emotional connection to Stiles plays a critical role in helping him fight back against the Nogitsune’s influence. Their bond is essential to Stiles’s survival and the pack’s success.
12. How does Stiles’s humanity ultimately contribute to the pack’s success?
Stiles’s humanity serves as a constant reminder of what the pack is fighting to protect. He embodies the vulnerability and innocence that they strive to defend from the supernatural threats that plague Beacon Hills. His compassion, empathy, and unwavering loyalty inspire the other members of the pack and provide them with a moral compass. He represents everything they are trying to save, making their fight all the more meaningful and urgent. His human heart is the driving force behind their heroism.