What does a game series about Aryan elves repeatedly spanking uppity pig warlords have to do with one about killing Freudian monster nurses? A surprising amount, actually. It all starts with a really dark religion ...

The Legend Of Zelda takes place mostly in Hyrule, which is home to The Sheikah. Also known as "the shadow folk," this is a near-extinct group of kickass ninja nannies who originally served the goddess Hylia but these days spend their time serving her reincarnation (Zelda) and the rest of the royal family -- pretty much the way they do it in modern-day England. The Sheikah are also fans of the forces of darkness and like hanging out in their Shadow Temple, probably because their dads just don't understand them.

http://zelda.wikia.com/wiki/Sheikah

Take note of the symbol on her chest. We'll be coming back to that.

Continue Reading Below Advertisement

Over on another planet sits a sleepy little town called Silent Hill, where its local cult, The Order, adopted some Native American beliefs, added a bit of Christian flavor, and somehow came out the other side serving a god that will usher in paradise by killing everyone dead as shit. Violent and brimstoney enough to make Jim Jones look like Mr. Rogers, The Order also has a thing for black magic and getting psychic girls knocked up by their hellspawn god. Much like modern-day Pennsylvania.