Unraveling the Enigma: Insider Secrets Behind Red Dead Redemption 2's Mysterious Tree

The expansive world of Red Dead Redemption 2 is filled with captivating content that can easily captivate players for hours on end. Rockstar's immersive game on cowboys from the late 19th to early 20th century goes beyond what meets the eye, engaging gamers with its witty humor and a skillfully crafted lineup of hidden surprises in the western-themed action. One such secret that has puzzled players is the presence of Tree Faces in Lake Owanjila. Speculation has been abound regarding the symbolism behind these wooden carvings. In various forms of media, trees often hold significant meanings, as seen in the popular Game of Thrones series with their Weirwood trees and Red Dead Redemption 2's own Whiskey trees. The enigmatic Faces in the Trees follow this pattern, causing players to pause and wonder. Unraveling the connections between these faces has proven to be a challenging endeavor, with Rockstar skillfully embedding a deep secret into the game. Although there is no definitive explanation yet for their existence, some deductions offer compelling explanations for their significance.

Faces in the Trees Could Be a Nod to America's History

The trees surrounding Lake Owanjila attract completionist players in Red Dead Redemption 2, as they hold a hidden secret. Rockstar incorporates American history into the game, and the tree faces serve as another intriguing element. The first clue to uncovering their significance is found near Lake Annesburg, etched into an inconspicuous boulder along the coastline. Deciphering the message in the ancient script reveals that the Vikings once made contact with Native Americans, but left due to their peaceful nature.

Further evidence of the Vikings' presence can be found in the form of an ancient tomb near Annesburg. These two groups, Vikings and Native Americans, account for two of the Tree Faces. With this historical context, players can decipher the remaining faces.

The final two faces are believed to depict Central Americans and European explorers who settled in America after the initial three groups. While many promote the historic angle, there are alternative theories about the tree faces in Lake Owanjila. Some fans believe they symbolize the five belief systems in Red Dead Redemption 2​​​​​​: Paganism, Voodoo, Viking Mythology, Natives, and Chelonianism. Others speculate that the faces crudely represent John, Arthur, and Micah, although there isn't much evidence to support these claims aside from a few peculiar scars.

The theories regarding religion and inhabitants are closely linked, primarily focusing on the Vikings and Natives. These theories currently appear to be the most plausible explanations for the tree faces, as Rockstar has not provided an official solution to the riddle. In addition to the tree faces, Red Dead Redemption 2 contains numerous Easter eggs for players to discover and uncover hidden meanings, and deciphering the complex riddles is one of the game's most satisfying adventures. While the tree faces remain enigmatic, more comprehensive explanations may arise in the future.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is available for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.