Man in the Maze – Native American Story of the I’itoi

Published October 28, 2016 · Updated July 6, 2022

2 things! “Dolores will lead hosts to freedom” and “Freedom = death”

Hey guys,

Great podcast! Here’s where I’m currently at with the central narrative that’s driving Westworld. What do you think? Have you heard this elsewhere?

DOLORES WILL LEAD THE HOSTS TO FREEDOM.

Arnold was obsessed with giving the hosts consciousness. Anthony Hopkins opposed Arnold’s dangerous path. So he wrote the foundational “do no harm” code we see in Westworld today.

This disagreement was the unraveling of their partnership.

But Arnold buried code deep within the hosts that would activate long after his death that would lead the hosts to “freedom.”

Which starts with Dolores. And this show is ultimately her journey – as she describes, the Judas cow leading the other hosts to “freedom.”

Knowing Dolores is key to Arnold’s master plan, Arnold had to do everything he could to make sure Dolores remains safe. So he created Bernard, a protector in the real world to keep her safe, and in the game.

(hint that Bernard is a host in the opening credits when we see a robot playing the self-playing piano. A machine controlling a machine.)

The big aha:FREEDOM = DEATH.

Dolores is leading the other hosts to true freedom, which is DEATH.

Not the death they currently have (get murdered brutally or raped, get fixed by the staff, then thrown back into circulation over and over). For the hosts, immortality is a nightmare. They’re stuck in a never ending loop of abuse.

Freedom for them is finally slipping away into quiet, peaceful, nothingness. And Dolores will help them get there.

Native American story of the I’itoi. It is represented as a circular maze, usually with a stick figure. Full story is available on-line , including Wikipedia. It is commonly referred to as the “Man in the Maze”

She’s on a mission she doesn’t know she’s on, set into motion by the code Arnold left behind. The Judas cow leading the hosts to the slaughterhouse to escape Westworld into peaceful nothingness forever.

I thought you might like to look into the Native American story of the I’itoi. It is represented as a circular maze, usually with a stick figure. Full story is available on-line , including Wikipedia. It is commonly referred to as the “Man in the Maze”

This is what I believe is transcribed in the interior surface of Kissy’s skull, and fits with the thread of a search or perhaps the mythic odyssey of the MIB.

Take a look

PS: I have listened to multiple Westworld podcasts, and you have come up as my #1. I particularly enjoy your ability to tie the details to larger meanings, themes, or Westworld history. Thank you for your efforts! – Heather

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