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The Psychology of Errormare

Otherwise known as Rosa’s Errormare master essay on the perfection of the ship (trademarked…)

Important Notes: This is all MY interpretation and will not line up with everyone’s opinion on the character’s og versions. I always try to keep the characters accurate, but Nightmare makes it difficult due to his canon traits, so he will be having some liberties, as well as Error. This is also not a ramble made to put down other ships or to make ERRORMARE seem like the “best” ship. This is all in good fun. If you don’t agree with some of the stuff I say here, that’s completely fine and I don’t expect you to. Please remember I’m just having fun and writing the majority of this between my college classes- terribly sleep deprived. I just want an excuse to explain my thoughts on how ERRORMARE could work, even in its most toxic forms because I find them very interesting. Thank you, and happy reading!

Beginnings

When I first got into the fandom again, after many years of just being into the base game of Undertale, I was faced with a new culture I wasn’t used to: Shipping. In most fandoms I had been apart of, shipping wasn’t a priority and if it was, I managed to skip out on participating due to my disinterest in romance and the dynamics presented. Of course, to fit in, I began exploring the different pairings this side of the fandom had to offer, which included ships I now do not partake in. Way back when, I did make a Errorink comic, just to get used to the idea of Sanscest, and also because I didn’t see much content being made with other characters besides those two. While Errorink was a good dynamic, it wasn’t one I was interested in just due to my own tastes, but I tolerated it as I browsed through the fandom’s history. It was like the stars aligned when I first found Errormare. It was a dynamic I never knew I needed, and i immediately got hooked before I fully even processed why.

In my more simpler interpretation formed when I was 16, I adored the idea of two villainous gods who were outcasted by everyone around them finding endless love with one another. It was a beautiful thing to me- that their love was a blessing for one another but a curse to everyone in the Multiverse. A perfect mix of tragedy and devotion that I couldn’t get enough of. Nightmare, paired with a fellow villain, and finally getting love after so many years of being hated for what he represented by the one person who would understand. Error, who was isolated for eons and lost when it comes to affection, paired with someone who looked at him gently, despite all the pain he’s caused. It was a love formed from loneliness that fed off their cravings for destruction while being the one sweet thing they could endure together. I fell in love just as hard as those two did for each other in my work.

During this time, I did see a lot of critique about the ship, and I couldn’t blame a lot of those people. The past content made of Errormare was not sweet and sugary, and a lot of it featured Nightmare pushing Error’s boundaries and causing a very uncomfortable feeling. At this time especially, Errormare was classified as a rarepair, so the only content out there was this familiar boundary pushing art, which was sure to turn off many from the ship. Not to mention how people were becoming more strict when it came to canon and Fanon, understanding that the fandom had let a lot of characters get trampled by false assumptions. Blue is a great example of this. Due to this, people were pushing for more canon Nightmare content, which created even more of a lull of interest for the ship. While rarepairs were becoming more common, I couldn’t help but notice Errormare was not one of them just yet, and it would be a couple months until it had its resurgence into one of the more popular ships.

I state all this to make it clear I understand the typical issues people have with the ship. At times, the ship was so out of canon it was a falsehood, while other times, it was too monstrous for most people to enjoy. Even now with more content, I understand that struggle of fully understanding the ship. With Errorink, there was many essays and statements and art for years carving out the path that ship had- to the point even its haters could understand WHY people enjoy the ship due to the common themes. With Errormare, there hasn’t been much build up. It just suddenly popped back into the fandom as something a lot softer, without much clear deep dives into what exactly makes these two so interesting to people. While it’s cute to see, it leaves most audiences a bit confused on the connection besides the typical “villain x villain” dynamic, which is a problem because I believe Errormare is so much deeper than that.

Which is the true point of this post. I hope today to explain the complexities of Errormare and why I and others love it, while also detailing my own personal interpretation of their dynamic. To start, I must lay out the two characters we are working with, using both Fanon and canon traits to fully understand them.

Error

Error is a character who is painted as selfish, dramatic, childish, and violent. In his canon, he is unpredictable, switching from laid-back and silly to demented and dangerous. In Fanon, he is a character who primarily wishes to be left alone, while either choosing to cause his chaos or is forced. At times, he does speak maturely depending on the story, referencing his old god status. In most cases, he is a Destruction God who is quite powerful. A individual placed into circumstances he never wanted, with a traumatic event In his past that made him as closed off and twisted as he is now. The interesting thing with Error is that it’s very common to pair him with genuine connections. Even in non-shipping situations, Ink is still painted to be a good friend to him despite their rival status. Swap and Dream are also seen to be on good terms with him in most media, which makes Error have a very interesting dynamic with most stories. He is evil and most often a villain, but he is just as neutral. He has the unpredictable nature as someone who would be a cutthroat villain, but most often than not, Error is humanized and seen to have limits.

However, even with his positive traits, a very common problem with Error is his ego. Error is commonly written to have a high opinion of himself, and even when he’s self-loathing, he still believes he is the most attractive or strongest person in the room, even if he isn’t. Either this is used as a defense tactic , or it is genuine. His ego can be a huge issue in many stories, getting in the way of his positive connections and the potential to do good. With this ego comes with a hunger for power, which is the main reason why Error destroys in stories. The motive changes of course, but a common theme is that he enjoys the power and destruction his own hands bring. His puppets are used in art to prop up his ego, which also shows his unhinged side that many do not skimp out on. Let’s not forget that even with his few favorite people, Error does not see the people around him as anything other than mistakes. He reasons with himself that each AU must be destroyed to get rid of abominations, and his friends are included in this. He does not have high empathy for those he cares for, and though he may help them in stories, it’s very clear in stories closer to canon, he will pick himself every-time due to this mindset.

With all this in mind, Error primarily is a character with many hardships in life that had led him to his dark path, and has the full potential to become a better person if he chooses to. However, due to his ego issues and lack of typical empathy, he will always take steps back that make it forever impossible to fully pull him out of his toxic ways. He’s addicted to the life he lives, and gets a massive rush everytime he destroys. He will not change in most stories unless pushed heavily, and that’s even less likely when Nightmare is in the picture.

Nightmare

Nightmare is a character that is also selfish, but is deeply darker than Error is painted to be. Nightmare is cruel, abusive, and commonly seen as completely irredeemable. In his Fanon, he cares for his workers, but is still not a good example for them, and still does not care as much as he should. He typically always has an eloquent way of speaking and is written to be very old and wise. He is always seen as a God of Negativity due to his insistence on titles in most medias, and he makes sure to flaunt his power through his men. While Nightmare had a tragic past that brought him to where he is now, either killing that old self completely or simply changing who he is, he is fully aware of his life now. Due to Dream’s insistence of doing better, it’s clear in most medias that Nightmare had the chance to leave his old life and do better but he chose not to. His connections to others is almost nonexistent besides his gang, and even those can be a hit or miss in most medias. Nightmare is usually the final villian in most stories, and when he isn’t and the story features his gang, it’s still very clear he is not a good person. In no uncertain terms, Nightmare is a man who fully knows what he’s doing is wrong and has many chances offered to him to leave that path, but he choses not to due to his want of destruction and power. His only limits tends to be killing, but it’s clear Nightmare is not typically seen as someone that can be redeemed in the normal sense.

Nightmare does not have many positive traits to note of (lol), but even his kindness to his gang in fandom comes with strings. Nightmare’s main flaw is his manipulative tendencies and his animalistic need to be the strongest person in the room. He does not settle to bend to the will of another, which is why a lot of his ships tend to end in abuse on his end. His old (kinda?) canon ship with Ccino was a mentally and implied physically abusive dynamic that was done so Nightmare could continue to feed off Ccino’s misery. It was not a happy relationship, which Implies that Nightmare searches for those weaker to indulge in romance while also hurting them for a sick sense of power. His gang may be his closest allies, but his abuse ranges from physical, mental, or neglectful. Even in the most positive cases, his boys work for him, which creates an unhealthy power imbalance that is never quite touched on due to Nightmare’s lack of empathy. Even if he does not realize it’s wrong, that in itself shows his neglect as someone with more knowledge, power, and experience in life compared to his gang. He is not a good person in any case, and while he an be written to have a rounded personality, his past actions never escape him. He is not meant to be a good person. It depends on the story if he knows that or not.

With this in mind, Nightmare is a character who has the capacity to be good in some cases, while terribly abusive in others. Even in his most positive iterations, he unintentionally hurts the people he loves due to his neglect, and he uses his power and knowledge on things HE wants first and foremost. He needs power and respect to keep himself in line, and he can not stand being weaker than someone. He refuses help from every turn, and is violent towards anything that may take him out of his spiral. He has practically no connections that can be truly considered healthy, and simply focuses on his goals and his gang. He is reserved, older, and cruel. He most commonly can not be redeemed. His chances get worse when Error is near.

And Finally, The Why (My Interpretation)

I hope I’ve made it abundantly clear how terrible both of these individuals are. They both have different issues that make them horrible to most of the people they hang around, which in turn, makes most people around them untrusting of them for understandable reasons. I want to make it very clear I am NOT the type of person to say that both of these characters are so abusive you should not ship them with others. However, I do believe their shared terribleness makes them on even playing ground, which is essential to both of their developments. Nightmare specifically targets mortals as they will forever be weaker than him, but Error simply isn’t. Error also refused most connections due to his low empathy, but the one person who shares that feeling is Nightmare, which creates an understanding. They are the epitome of two terrible people who are potentially unlovable by everyone they meet.

Except…each other….

It wouldn’t start with genuine, romantic interest. Not in a healthy sense, at least. For starters, this comes down to a view point of power. Personally, I view power scaling among the gods of the Multiverse through the lens of creator interaction. Due to Error being one of the first Undertale AU Multiverse characters, I do believe he is older and therefore stronger than Nightmare in most cases. This is essential to their dynamic, as it finally puts Nightmare in a position where he is not the strongest, and cannot use his power to manipulate or get what he wants. Error can knock him down a peg if truly needed, and this makes Nightmare have to play his cards right or submit with his power a bit to keep himself from getting too beat up. This immediate humbling sets the stage for them as individuals, and even if you view them on similar power scales, this still stands. Nightmare can’t easily scare his partner into submission. In some cases, Nightmare finally has to concede and lose.

I also believe that it’s important to note that Nightmare doesn’t really have anything to offer Error. For Nightmare, getting Error on his team is something that could change the playing field when it comes to his fight with Dream. Error’s destruction brings negativity, and with his immense power, he’d be an essential ally that could fully help turn the tides of the war. However, what does Nightmare truly have to offer Error? Nothing. Error does not need companionship, as I discussed how he does not truly care for it and tends to find it just fine regardless in most medias. Error does not need an ally for his quest of destruction, and getting one would defeat the whole purpose of destruction. While Error is childish, he isn’t stupid, and I don’t believe he would give in just for silly reasons like food or UnderNovela, especially when it comes to his morals and goals. Error loves many things, but it’s important to acknowledge that his goal of destruction is his driving force. Anything threatening that is something I believe he would deny. Nightmare also can’t just force Error to work with him (see above). So, why do I believe that Error’s clear lack of trade off is needed?

Because it fuels Error’s ego and makes Nightmare a little bitch. Simple as that.

As I stated, I don’t believe that Error is stupid. He may be childish and impulsive, but he’s able to figure things out pretty quickly and has to be smart in order to deal with codes. I think he’d fully be able to see that Nightmare has nothing to offer him, which would give him a rush like no other. The idea that Nightmare, the God of Negativity, has to practically beg for help, a date, or partnership in any interpretation you please, would make Error’s pride run wild. Due to this fueled ego, I think that’s the only reason that Error would agree to date Nightmare. I don’t think he’d outright help him. I think Error likes to play his own games and would make Nightmare wait to see if he does offer it, because Nightmare’s frustration and desperation would still make Error feel high on his ego. It puts Error in the position of power which would blind him just enough to explain away dating Nightmare for the pledge to his goal.

Meanwhile, Nightmare is finally the one pushed to the bottom of the power. Even if you view Nightmare as the same strength as Error, he can’t easily push Error into listening to him. He has to abide by Error’s wishes because if he doesn’t, he loses his ultimate weapon and his power. And as we know, Nightmare NEEDS power to live his life. Error is his one key to a true turn of the war, and if he loses that due to him pushing his luck, he’ll be in worst standing if Error goes to Dream to further spite him. Because of this, this twist of power makes their dynamic almost healthy and balanced.

Nightmare should not be the most powerful in a dynamic due to his abusive tendencies. It just simply won’t be healthy- and even if he never harms his partner and treats them well- the knowledge that he COULD is a thought I wouldn’t wish on any of his pairings. It’s a scary thought to have. Nightmare simply has too many toxic traits that could lead to fear or abuse. However, with Error calling the shots and forcing Nightmare to listen and to abide by what he says, it flips the script. Nightmare cannot fallback on his typical abusive tendencies with Error, and even if he tried, Error can FIGHT BACK. Unfortunately for him, trying to harm Error simply will not work, and Error will be able to bite back ten times harsher if needed, which would make Nightmare naturally back down or flee. The denial of ultimate power is something that Nightmare would not be used to, so I believe it would force him to behave himself and attempt to cope with the loss.

Nightmare is written to be poetic and eloquent. I think how he copes with his loss is simply by convincing himself that Error is a prize he won in a way- that though he may not be the most powerful- he still WON. Therefore, I believe he’d start saying these type of compliments to Error rather than his typical mentally abusive quips, which causes a whole new hurdle. These two are fucked. Up. With the repeated advances and rapid convincing that Nightmare is attempting due to his spirals, I think slowly, he would start to genuinely believe it. The coping would morph into obsessive and adoring love for Error, especially as Error’s destruction begins to feed Nightmare more and more. Rather than stay angry at his lack of control, I fully believe he would lose himself in his rapid worship of Error until it’s too late to back out. He would start to genuinely fall for him at that point, especially because of his violence, and then he’s in too deep.

With Error, I believe this would make his own mindset WORSE. Error already agreed to the partnership due to his ego, and hearing constant compliments that slowly turn more and more genuine and obsessive would make him also start to break his walls. I think he’d become addicted to the worship- as an egomaniac getting a constant supply is something that can not be easily passed up. While I don’t think he would let his walls down enough to let Nightmare overpower him (who at this point, I think would be RIGHT WHERE HE WANTS TO BE LMAO), he would start to actually enjoy Nightmare’s company because of the praise he gets. It’s even more powerful when acknowledging that the person who’s giving it is still the GOD OF NEGATIVITY. This wouldn’t be just some random guy that has a well deserved obsession with Error, but rather a man who thrives with power bending to the will of Error himself- and sprouting praise after praise while doing so.

Now, this isn’t healthy by typical standards, but they are gods. Nightmare’s warped mind influenced by his power is not good, but his devotion to Error is not fake. Error’s usage of Nightmare for his boosts is not healthy, but his enjoyment of Nightmare’s company is also not fake. In a way, this dynamic helps both of them stay as fucked up as they are in canon while getting both of their needs met. Nightmare gets his weapon who will make him loopy with how much negativity can be produced at once, while Error gets a source of constant worship that would validate all his thoughts and make him stay as selfish and power hungry as canon Error. The two cannot truly hurt each other when fighting, and neither can force the other to deal with constant abuse due to their power. Their unhealthiness creates one of the healthiest God relationships out there- with both of them staying completely obsessed.

Now, of course, I have smaller reasons for loving them. I do still think their connection as outcasts is cute and something they would bond over. I also think that with Error’s loud personality and Nightmare’s quiet one, it’s a good contrast. Error has quiet boyfriend privileges so he can be the main yapper and I respect that. I also think Nightmare having a partner who he can’t reason is “too good for him” due to the fact that..,Error is also a murderer, is also good in a way. It prevents Nightmare from self-sabotaging simply because he doesn’t think he deserves the happiness he gets. and, even if he tries, Error can track him down and properly drag him home with scoldings. They are both twisted and old, so their knowledge would be on a similar level, and I think both would enjoy having someone they can relate to on that front. And in the most simple terms, they have similar viewpoints on life with both wanting the end of the multiverse. They may have different methods, but the end result is still the same. I think Error’s constant need to be validated and vindicated would be met with Nightmare, and while the relationship would be terrible for Error’s potential redemption, I think it would be good for Error’s viewpoint on himself too. I also believe Error, with his own limits, would not be fond of Nightmare’s abusive actions towards the gang. I don’t think he’d necessarily step in per se, but his distaste would be clear, and Nightmare’s want to please would make him behave as long as Error is present. Which….is good for the gang, I guess!

At the end of the day, these two would have such an obsessive attachment to one another that is wholesome in a way. Nightmare is forced to finally properly appreciate someone and gets to love wholeheartedly in return. Error gets companionship that actually validates all that he is, and he doesn’t have to hide and pretend to be good in order to make Nightmare proud, as Nightmare adores all the ugly sides of him just as much. These two would bring the worst out of each other- but they need that. They never had someone love their darkness as much as they do, and it’s something that I think would heal a small part of both of them when they finally admit that it’s no longer a scheme or game- that it’s genuine love and obsession with one another. Sure, their fights would be explosive and violent, and they may be very evil people who make the world worse together, but they understand one another and finally would have someone that’s their match. In destruction and love alike.

I love you ERRORMARE please come home your daughter misses you

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