List of references to popular culture in Identity V
Contributors to Identity V Wiki
References to other Franchises, Historical Figures/Events/Media and Mythology on Identity v are usually made. Most of the references in the game are mainly Cthulhu Mythos, Classical Mythology and 19th century events. "Warning: The allusions, references, similarities, homages, and other items on...
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Identity V Wiki
References to other Franchises, Historical Figures/Events/Media and Mythology on Identity v are usually made. Most of the references in the game are mainly Cthulhu Mythos, Classical Mythology and 19th century events.

"Warning: The allusions, references, similarities, homages, and other items on this list should be specific, detailed, unique, or identifying. Avoid adding incidental, broad, general, or tangential similarities."

See also: List of references to Identity V in popular culture

Main Storyline[]

Story Mode[]

The Prologue[]

(WIP)

Time of Reunion[]

(WIP)

Diaries & Letters[]

Survivors[]

(WIP)

Hunters[]

(WIP)

Playable Characters[]

Survivors[]

Doctor, Emily Dyer's name references Amelia Dyer, an English serial killer who was infamous for murdering hundreds of innocent infants in her care.

Thief, Kreacher Pierson references George Müller, a Christian evangelist and the director of the Ashley Down orphanage in Bristol, England. He was one of the founders of the Plymouth Brethren movement. His surname is named after Arthur Tappan Pierson, a friend of George Müller who wrote his biography.

Magician, Servais Le Roy references Servais Le Roy, a Belgian magician, illusion designer and businessman. He is known for the act Le Roy, Talma and Bosco and as the inventor of the classic levitation illusion Asrah the Floating Princess.

Explorer, Kurt Frank's Gulliver's Travels Book references the author's Jonathan Swift's prose satire Gulliver's Travels.

Mercenary, Naib Subedar's background story mentions East India Company.

Coordinator, Martha Behamfil's previous identity's name references to Mata Hari, a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan who was convicted of being a spy for Germany during World War I.

Priestess, Fiona Gilman's name references Walter Gilman from author H.P Lovecraft's short story The Dreams in the Witch-House.

Forward, William Ellis references William Webb Ellis, the alleged inventor of rugby. He also shares the exact same name as him (however, his middle name only appears in his diary.)

The Mind's Eye, Helena Adams references Hellen Keller, an American author, disability rights advocate, political activist and lecturer.

Seer, Eli Clark's Owl is possibly based on Blodeuwedd the wife of Lleu Llaw Gyffes who was turned into an Owl by Gwynedd and became hated by all the other birds.

Enchantress, Patricia Dorval's adoptive mother references Marie Laveau a Louisiana Creole practitioner of Vodou, herbalist and midwife who was renowned in New Orleans.

Wilding, Murro's Deductions mentions Kasper Hauser, a German youth who claimed to have grown up in the total isolation of a darkened cell.

Female Dancer, Margaretha Zelle references both Mata Hari, a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan who was convicted of being a spy for Germany during World War I and Natalia from The Last Circus.

Acrobat, Mike Morton's appearance references both Arlecchino from Commedia dell'arte and Vander Clyde Broadway an American female impersonator, high-wire performer, and trapeze artist born in Texas.

"Prisoner", Luca Balsa references Nikola Tesla a Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, and futurist best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system.

Entomologist, Melly Plinius references Pliny the Elder (Gaius Plinius Secundus) the Roman author/naturalist/natural philosopher.

Batter, Ganji Gupta's background story references the British Colonization of Indian Subcontinent (1858-1947).

"Psychologist", Ada Mesmer's Surname references Franz Anton Mesmer, a German physician who developed the theory of animal magnetism.

Aeroplanist, Charles Holt is likely based on Charles Dellschau, a Prussian-American and member of the real life Sonoro Aero Club who became famous after his death due to his collection of drawings, collages, and watercolors of airplanes and airships.

Puppeteer, Matthias Czernin is possibly based on Matěj Kopecký, a famous Czech puppeteer. His last name Czernin may also reference the Czernin family, one of the oldest noble families in Czechia.

Fire Investigator, Florian Brand's first name may be a reference to Saint Florian, who is notably the patron saint of firefighters, among other professions and locations.

Hunters[]

The Ripper, Jack references Jack the Ripper an unidentified serial killer active in the impoverished districts in and around Whitechapel in the East End of London in 1888. His background story references Walter Sickert, a German-born British painter and print maker who was a member of the Camden Town Group of Post-Impressionist artists in early 20th-century London and was suspected of being Jack the Ripper.

Soul Weaver, Violetta references Aloisia 'Violetta' Wagner, a famous German freak show performer from the early 20th century. She was renowned for having tetra-amelia syndrome.

Geisha, Michiko references Chōchō-San from Madame Butterfly.

The Feaster, Hastur is based on The King in Yellow from H.P. Lovecraft novels (Cthulhu Mythos Franchise).

Wu Chang, Xie Bi'an and Fan Wujiu references Heibai Wuchang (黑白无常, Black and White Impermanence) the two Deities in Chinese folk religion in charge of escorting the spirits of the dead to the underworld.

Photographer, Joseph Desaulniers references both Nicéphore Niépce a French inventor, usually credited as the inventor of photography and a pioneer in that field and Dorian Gray from The Picture of Dorian Gray. His background story also mentions the French Revolution.

Mad Eyes, Burke Lapadura references Edmund Burke, a highly regarded Canadian architect best known for building Toronto's Prince Edward Viaduct or "Bloor Street Viaduct" and Toronto's Robert Simpson store.

Dream Witch, Yidhra references Yidhra from the H.P. Lovecraft novels (Cthulhu Mythos Franchise).

Bloody Queen, Mary references both Marie Antoinette the last queen of France and a controversal figure during the French Revolution and the abilities based on Bloody Mary.

"Disciple", Ann's background story references the Salem witch trials.

Violinist, Antonio references Niccolò Paganini, an Italian violinist and composer. He was the most celebrated violin virtuoso of his time, and left his mark as one of the pillars of modern violin technique.

Sculptor, Galatea Claude possibly references Camille Claudel a French sculptor known for her figurative works in bronze and marble and her name references to the statue carved of ivory by Pygmalion of Cyprus of the same name from Greek Mythology.

"Undead", Percy references Victor Frankenstein from the author Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein.

The Breaking Wheel, Will Brothers references the Breaking wheel with their trailer also referencing the Execution of St Catherine.

Naiad, Grace references Naiads, fresh water nymphs presiding over fountains, wells, springs, streams, brooks and other bodies of fresh water from Greek Mythology. She also appears to reference H.P. Lovecraft's novella The Shadow Over Innsmouth.

Wax Artist, Philippe is based on Philippe Curtius a Swiss physician and wax modeller who taught Marie Tussaud the art of wax modelling.

Hermit, Alva Lorenz is based on Hendrik Lorentz, a Dutch physicist who made several discoveries in the field of electromagnetism. His first name Alva also comes from the middle name of Thomas Edison, a famous inventor.

Night Watch, Ithaqua is based on Ithaqua from H.P. Lovecraft novels (Cthulhu Mythos Franchise).

The Shadow, "Ivy" takes inspiration from the Great Race of Yith from H.P. Lovecraft novels (Cthulhu Mythos Franchise).

"Goatman", Jeffrey Bonavita's title references the Goatman from urban legends.

Identity Switch & Other[]

Both Weeping Clown, Joker and Smiley Face, Joker background stories are based on Javier from The Last Circus.

Detecive, Orpheus even as well his Playable Survivor and Playable Hunter Counterparts are named after the hero of the same name who is a Thracian bard, legendary musician and prophet in ancient Greek religion from Greek Mythology.

Both Prospector, Norton Campbell and "Fool's Gold", Norton Campbell background story references the author H.P Lovecraft's short story titled The Transition of Juan Romero.

Minor Characters[]

Albert Wayne's name likely comes from the middle name of Charles Dellschau (full name Charles August Albert Dellschau).

Allen, while little is currently known about him, is likely based off Zadok Allen from The Shadow Over Innsmouth.

Andrea may be based on Antonia Bianchi, a singer and the long term lover of Niccolo Paganini.

Arthur Byers is likely based on Ambrose Bierce, the author of “Haïta the Shepherd” in which Hastur first appeared.[1]

"Big Daddy" is likely a reference to "Big Brother" from 1984 by George Orwell, the leader who keeps all citizens under constant surveillance and controls them.

Catherine is based on St. Catherine of Alexandria who was executed using a breaking wheel.

Chang Chip is likely based on the real life Chang Chip, one of 6 Chinese men who survived the Titanic sinking.

Like his daughter, Charles Mesmer's Surname references Franz Anton Mesmer, a German physician who developed the theory of animal magnetism.

Christina's death scene in Philipe's character trailer is an allusion to The Death of Marat by French painter Jacques-Louis David.

Claude Desaulniers is based on Claude Niépce, the older brother of French inventor Nicéphore Niépce.

Damballa is based on the benevolent spiritual intermediary in Haitian Voodoo of the same name.

Edmund Reed is based on the real life Detective Inspector Edmund Reid who was the head of the CID in the Metropolitan police’s H division during the time Jack the Ripper was active.

The Eye of Darkness is likely based on the short stories Nyarlathotep and Cats of Ulthar by H.P. Lovecraft.

Herman Balsa is likely based on Pieter Zeeman who together with Hendrik Lorentz discovered the Zeeman effect.

James Reichenbach's last name is a reference to Reichenbach Falls, the name of the location where Arthur Conan Doyle's character Sherlock Holmes had his fight to the death with his greatest foe Professor Moriarty.

James Whistler is based on the real life painter James Abbott McNeill Whistler who was the mentor of Walter Sickert.

John Henry Anderson is based on the real life John Henry Anderson, a professional Scottish magician who helped bring the art of magic into theaters rather than simply as street performances.

Manus de Capet's family name might come from the House of Capet, a family that used to rule France.

Mikhail is based on Victor Frankenstein's assistant, who first appeared in the first theatrical adaptation of Frankenstein, the stage play Presumption; or, the Fate of Frankenstein by Richard Brinsley Peake.

Napoli might be based on pulp artist Vincent Napoli, an illustrator for Weird Tales.

Papa Legba is based on trickster spiritual intermediary in Haitian Vodou of the same name.

Princess Lamballe is based on Marie Thérèse Louise of Savoy (Princesse de Lamballe) who was one of Marie Antoinette's closest friends.

Principal Guillaume is likely based on Guillaume Guillon-Lethière, a French neoclassical painter and a professor at the École des Beaux-Arts.

Professor Kaiser is likely based on Frederik Kaiser, a Dutch astronomer and teacher of Hendrik Lorentz.

Robert is likely based off Robert Olmstead, the main character and narrator of The Shadow Over Innsmouth.

Sullivan is based on Anne Sullivan Macy, an American teacher and lifelong friend of Helen Keller.

Villhelm Lamb is based on William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, the prime minister of England under Queen Victoria.

Cosmetics & Essences[]

Essences[]

General Essences[]

Season 1 to 3 (2018)[]

Blue Aladdin references to Aladdin from Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp.

Violet Peacock's Chinese description references to The Peacocks Fly Southeast.

Both Poseidon's Crown and Poseidon references to Poseidon the god of the sea, storms, earthquakes and horses from Greek Mythology.

Caged Butterfly's description mentions Madame Butterfly.

The 1st Essence of Season 2 is based on several Fairy Tale Stories on each Costumes.

King's Tailor references to one of the Swindler from The Emperor's New Clothes.

Both Lazy Mr. Bunny and Mr. Turtle references to The Hare and The Tortoise from The Tortoise and the Hare.

The 2nd Essence of Season 2 is based on Arthurian Legends.

King Arthur references to the character of the same name

Merlin references to the character of the same name.

Black Swan is based on Odile (The Black Swan) from Swan Lake.

Season 4 to 9 (2019)[]

The 2nd Essence of Season 4 has several Egyptian Mythology references.

Anubis is based on the god of the same name who is the god of death, mummification, embalming, the afterlife, cemeteries, tombs, and the Underworld in Egyptian Mythology.

Ancient Soul references to the Ankh an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol used in Egyptian art and writing to represent the word for "life" and, by extension, as a symbol of life itself.

Soul Catcher references to Day of the Dead a holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, though other days, such as October 31 or November 6 from Mexica.

Golden Touch is based on King Midas a king of Phrygia who is known to turn everything he touched into gold from Greek Mythology.

The 1st Essence of Season 6 has several references to Greek Mythology.

Icarus is named after and based on the hero of the same name who is the son of the master craftsman Daedalus, the creator of the Labyrinth on Greek Mythology.

Apollo is named after and based on the God of the same name who is the god of oracles, healing, archery, music and arts, sunlight, knowledge, herds and flocks, protection of the young and the Member of Twelve Olympians.

Leonidas is named after Leonidas I a king of the Greek city-state of Sparta.

Pam possibly is based on Pan the god of the wild, shepherds and flocks, rustic music and impromptus, and companion of the nymphs.

The 1st Essence of Season 7 is based on Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up.

Captain Hook is based on Captain James Hook.

Eversleeping Girl is based on Wendy Darling.

Forgotten Boy is possibly based on Peter Pan or one of the Lost Boys.

Siren is possibly based on the Mermaids from Mermaids' Lagoon.

The 2nd Essence of Season 8 is based on Alice in Wonderland.

March Hare is based on the Character of the Same Name.

Alice is based on the Protagonist of the Same Name.

Mr. Bunny is based on The White Rabbit.

Bill is based on Bill The Lizard.

Caterpillar is based on Hookah-Smoking Caterpillar.

Knave of Hearts is based on the character of the same name.

Executioner is based on one of the Queen of Hearts' Card Soldiers.

The Mad Hatter is based on the character of the same name.

Queen of Hearts is based on the character of the same name.

Season 10 to 14 (2020)[]

Serpent is based on Quetzalcoatl the god of life, light and wisdom, lord of the day and the winds from Aztec Mythology.

Lady Thirteen is based on Yu Mo from The Flowers of War, portrayed by the actress Ni Ni.

The 3rd Essence of the Season 11 has costumes based on several historical russian figures.

Sophia is based on Sophia Palaiologina a Byzantine princess, member of the Imperial Palaiologos family, Grand Princess of Moscow as the second wife of Grand Prince Ivan III.

Ivan is possibly based on Ivan III of Russia a Grand Prince of Moscow and Grand Prince of all Rus'.

The 3rd Essence of Season 12 is based on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and elements of it's sequel The Marvelous Land of Oz.

Maroon Crystal is based on Dorothy Gale.

Princess Ozma is based on the character of the same name.

The Wicked Witch is based on both Wicked Witch of the West and Dorothy Gale.

Emerald City Coachman is based on the Coachman.

Oz, the Wizard is based on Wizard of Oz.

The Tin Man is based on Tin Woodman.

The Spookcrow is based on Scarecrow.

The Toothless Lion is based on Cowardly Lion.

The 1st Essence of Season 13 is based on Alchemy.

Golden Ratio references to the Philosopher's Stone a mythic alchemical substance capable of turning base metals such as mercury into gold.

Electrolysis references to the technique of the same name that uses direct electric current (DC) to drive an otherwise non-spontaneous chemical reaction.

Ouroboros references to the ancient symbol of the same name that depicts a snake or dragon eating it's own tail.

Choir Boy has a The squared circle symbol an alchemical symbol (17th century) illustrating the interplay of the four elements of matter symbolising the philosopher's stone on his back.

Mutation represents Chrysopoeia an artificial production of gold, most commonly by the alleged transmutation of base metals such as lead.

Sulfuric Acid has a tattoo on chest resembling the symbol of the same name based on Dalton's Law of Atomic Weights.

Vine references to the Elixir of life a potion that supposedly grants the drinker eternal life and/or eternal youth.

Philofelist possibly references to Necromancy a practice of magic or black magic involving communication with the dead – either by summoning their spirits as apparitions, visions or raising them bodily – for the purpose of divination, imparting the means to foretell future events, discover hidden knowledge, to bring someone back from the dead, or to use the dead as a weapon.

The 2nd Essence of Season 13 has references to the Seven deadly sins.

Judge represents Pride.

Deputy represents Greed.

Clerk represents Envy.

Court 3 Commissioner represents Wrath.

Court 5 Commissioner represents Sloth.

Court 6 Commissioner represents Gluttony.

Court 7 Commissioner represents Lust.

Season 15 to 19 (2021)[]

"Maria's" theme is based on an Iron Maiden a torture device, consisting of a solid iron cabinet with a hinged front and spike-covered interior, sufficiently tall to enclose a human being..

Several of the Season 15 Essence 3 Costumes are named after figures of Greek Mythology.

Narcissus is named after the character of the same name who rejected all romantic advances, eventually falling in love with his own reflection in a pool of water, staring at it for the remainder of his life, his name is the origin of Narcissism.

Clio is named after the goddess of the same name who is the goddess of history, lyre playing and a member of the Muses.

Talia is named after Thalia who is the goddess of comedy and a member of the Muses.

Hebe is named after the goddess of the same name who is the goddess of eternal youth, prime of life, forgiveness.

Three of the higher tier costumes of Season 17 Essence 1 are based on several folklore stories.

"Succubus" is named after a demon of the same name they are female demons that appears in dreams to seduce men, usually through sexual activity.

Rainmaker's Beauty Form is based on both Lady Shizuka, one of the most famous women in Japanese history and literature and Ameonna, a yōkai thought to call forth rain while the Prajna Form is based on Kuchisake-onna, that appears as a malicious spirit, or onryō, of a woman, that partially covers her face with a mask or other item and carries some sort of sharp object.

"The Prince" is based on the titular character of the The Happy Prince.

Feathered Cloak is based on Freyja, a goddess associated with love, beauty, fertility, sex, war, gold, and seiðr (magic for seeing and influencing the future) from Norse Mythology.

The 3rd Essence of Season 17 is based on The Masque of the Red Death.

Man in Red is based on The Red Death.

Runaway is based on Prince Prospero.

The 1st Essence of Season 18 is based on The Marriage of Figaro.

Fury is based on both Count Almaviva (Philippe) and Countess Rosina (Christina).

"Susanna" is based on the character of the same name.

The 3rd Essence of Season 19 is based on The Song of the Stormy Petrel.

Season 20 to Season 24 (2022)[]

The 1st Essence of Season 20 is based on And Then There Were None.

The 2nd Essence of Season 20 takes place on The Crystal Palace on a fictional setting.

Lockheart is shown to be a fictional daughter of the in real life historical figure Joseph Paxton an English gardener, architect, engineer and Member of Parliament, best known for designing the Crystal Palace.

The 1st Essence of Season 21 is based on Bacchanalia, an unofficial, privately funded popular Roman festivals of Bacchus, based on various ecstatic elements of the Greek Dionysia.

Spring Heated Wine is based on Dionysus, the god of the grape-harvest, wine making, orchards and fruit, vegetation, fertility, insanity, ritual madness, religious ecstasy, festivity, and theatre and a Member of the Twelve Olympians from Greek Mythology.

Bai Ze is based on Bai Ze itself, a mystical Chinese beast connected with spirits.

The 3rd Essence of Season 22 is based on insects and also the seven virtues.

Winter Cicada represents Humility.

Frozen Butterfly represents Chastity.

Ant represents Charity.

Scorpion represents Kindness.

Mayfly represents Diligence.

Centipede represents Temperance.

Worker Bee represents Patience.

Season 25 to Present (2023)[]

The 2nd Essence of Season 25 is based on the Tower of Babel.

Call of the Abyss[]

Call of the Abyss I[]

(WIP)

Call of the Abyss II[]

(WIP)

Call of the Abyss III[]

(WIP)

Call of the Abyss IV[]

(WIP)

Call of the Abyss V[]

(WIP)

Costumes (Non Essence)[]

Deduction Star[]

All the Deduction Star series costumes are based off of characters from popular (or even lesser known) films from the 20th century.

Survivors[]

Boudoir Dream is based on Child Jane Hudson from What Ever Happened to Baby Jane which is a film adaptation of a novel of the same name, portrayed by the child actress Julie Allred

Iron Lady is based on Harriet Craig from the film of the same name which is a film adaptation of Craig's Wife, portrayed by the actress Joan Crawford.

Samara is based on Samarra from The Prodigal which is a film adaptation of Parable of the Prodigal Son, portrayed by the actress Lana Turner.

Rhythm of the Rain is based on Kathy Selden from Singin' in the Rain, portrayed by the actress Debbie Reynolds.

Recluse is based on Jef Costello from Le Samouraï, portrayed by the actor and filmmaker Alain Delon.

Hamlet is based on the titular character of the 1948 film which is the film adaptation of the play of the same name, portrayed by the actor and director Laurence Olivier.

Colonel Dax is based on the character of the same name from Paths of Glory which is a film adaptation of the novel of the same name, portrayed by the actor and filmmaker Kirk Douglas.

The Red Shoes is based on Victoria Page from The Red Shoes which is a film adaptation of a fairy tale of the same name, portrayed by the actress ballet dancer and actress Moira Shearer.

The Black Tulip is based on both Guillaume de Saint Preux and Julien de Saint Preux from The Black Tulip which is a film adaptation of the novel of the same name, both portrayed by the actor and filmmaker Alain Delon.

Just Around the Corner is based on Penny Hale from Just Around the Corner which is a film adaptation of Lucky Penny, portrayed by former child actress, singer, dancer, and diplomat and diplomat Shirley Temple.

Zouzou is based on the titular character of the 1934 film, portrayed by actress, French Resistance agent, and Civil Rights Activist Josephine Baker.

Ben-Hur is based on Judah Ben-Hur from Ben-Hur which is a film adaptation of Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, portrayed by the actor and political activist Charlton Heston.

Dorothy is based on Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz which is a film adaptation of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, portrayed by actress and singer Judy Garland.

Salome is based on the titular character from the movie of the same name, portrayed by actress, dancer, and producer Rita Hayworth.

Da Vinci is based on Leonardo da Vinci from The Life of Leonardo da Vinci which is a miniseries about the real life artist, portrayed by actor Philippe Leroy.

Mulan is based on Hua Mulan from the 1939 film Mulan Joins the Army, portrayed by actress and singer Chen Yunshang.

Juliet is based on Juliet Capulet from the 1964 Film, "Romeo e Giulietta", portrayed by actress Rosemarie Dexter.

Phyllis is based on Phyllis Dietrichson from the 1944 Film Double Indemnity, portrayed by actress, model, and dancer Barbara Stanwyck.

Hunters[]

Svengali is based on the titular character of the 1931 film which is a film adaptation of Trilby, portrayed by the actor on radio, stage and radio John Barrymore.

Rashomon is based on the Samurai's wife from Rashomon which is a film adaptation of two Ryūnosuke Akutagawa novels "In a Grove" and "Rashōmon", portrayed by the actress Machiko Kyō.

Broken Blossoms are based on Cheng Huan from Broken Blossoms which is a film adaptation of The C**** and the Child, portrayed by the actor Richard Barthelmess.

Scarlet is based on Scarlett O'Hara from Gone with the Wind which is a film adaptation of the novel of the same name, portrayed by the actress Vivien Leigh.

Faust is based on the titular character of the 1927 film which is a film adaptation of the play of the same name, portrayed by the actor, director and singer Gösta Ekman.

Million Dollar Mermaid is based on Annette Kellerman from the film of the same name which is a biography about the real life swimmer, portrayed by swimmer and actress Esther Williams.

Invisible Man is based on Dr. Jack Griffin from the 1933 Film The Invisible Man, portrayed by actor Claude Rains.

Clara is based on Klara from the 1937 Film Heidi, portrayed by actress Marcia Mae Jones.

Accessories[]

(WIP)

Pets[]

(WIP)

Events[]

(WIP)