When it comes to naming a creature from an alternate dimension, few would immediately leap to D’Artagnan. But in Stranger Things, every choice has intent, and the Duffers’ nod to Alexandre Dumas’ classic, The Three Musketeers, is a stroke of narrative brilliance.
The pet’s name links him to the swashbuckling hero D’Artagnan, whose loyalty and bravery defined his relationships with Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. In a similar vein, Dustin’s bond with his otherworldly friend mirrors this same sense of steadfast camaraderie. The Upside Down may be dark and threatening, but through D’Artagnan, viewers witness the light-hearted and enduring spirit of loyalty that transcends realms.
The homage extends beyond the name. References to the 1948 film adaptation provide an extra layer for fans who enjoy spotting cinematic easter eggs. By drawing this parallel, Stranger Things subtly underscores that heroism is not only the province of 17th-century musketeers—it can exist in a young boy’s friendship with a creature from another dimension.
D’Artagnan and the Musketeers Connection in Stranger Things
If the name D’Artagnan is clever, the candy bar choice is equally deliberate. The Three Musketeers bar, with its trifecta of nougat, chocolate, and whipped chocolate centres, resonates symbolically with the themes of friendship, indulgence, and shared joy. Just as the musketeers function as a united trio, Dustin shares a tightly knit bond with Mike, Lucas, and Will, all while fostering a unique connection with a creature born from darkness.
Feeding D’Artagnan is more than an act of sustenance—it’s a small but meaningful ritual of connection. Every bite represents Dustin’s nurturing nature and his willingness to extend friendship beyond the human realm. In a narrative universe rife with danger and suspense, these moments of simple, tactile connection humanise the supernatural, making both characters and creatures emotionally resonant.
It also adds a touch of humour and whimsy. Watching a terrifying monster happily munching on a candy bar creates a delightful juxtaposition, softening the horror elements of the Upside Down while reinforcing the heart at the centre of the show.
As Stranger Things barrels toward its fifth and final season, fans have been theorising about the potential significance of D’Artagnan’s candy obsession. Could his preference for Three Musketeers hint at a deeper connection to the Upside Down’s mysteries? Or is it a narrative tool meant to anchor lightheartedness amidst escalating tension?
Speculation is half the fun. D’Artagnan’s playful attachment to the candy bar suggests a parallel with the Hawkins kids: both are navigating new, often dangerous realities while relying on simple comforts and bonds of loyalty. It also raises questions about how D’Artagnan might influence upcoming storylines. Could he play a pivotal role, as Eleven does with her powers or Dustin with his intelligence and ingenuity? Will his sweet tooth become a key to understanding the creature’s behaviour, or even a plot device in Season 5?
These small details exemplify why Stranger Things captivates fans so effectively. By weaving pop culture, literature, and 1980s nostalgia into narrative minutiae, the show turns something as seemingly trivial as a candy bar into a storytelling mechanism. D’Artagnan’s diet becomes a lens through which viewers examine character, friendship, and the delicate balance of humour and horror that defines Hawkins.
The brilliance of Stranger Things lies in its layered storytelling. D’Artagnan’s fondness for Three Musketeers is not merely a gag—it’s a convergence of literary homage, character development, and nostalgic cultural reference. Fans appreciate these moments because they reward attentiveness, encourage discussion, and cultivate shared excitement about the show’s meticulous attention to detail.
The candy bar reference also exemplifies how the series bridges generations. Older viewers familiar with Dumas’ tale or the 1948 film can enjoy the homage, while younger audiences experience the humour and charm on a more immediate level. These cross-generational easter eggs enrich the viewing experience, deepening the series’ cultural footprint and ensuring that even minor details resonate long after the screen goes dark.
The playful act of sharing candy with a creature from the Upside Down mirrors larger themes within Stranger Things: courage in the face of adversity, loyalty among friends, and the preservation of innocence amidst chaos. It reminds audiences that even in a world threatened by supernatural forces, the smallest gestures—like offering a chocolate bar—can embody resilience, hope, and connection.
D’Artagnan’s Three Musketeers obsession is therefore emblematic of Stranger Things at its finest: layered, playful, culturally literate, and emotionally intelligent. As the series heads into its climactic fifth season, the little details like this provide both depth and delight, showing that the Duffers’ careful integration of narrative and nostalgia is what makes Hawkins feel simultaneously fantastical and achingly real.
Fans should keep a close eye on D’Artagnan and his sweet tooth, because in Stranger Things, even candy bars have the power to illuminate character, forge bonds, and deepen the mysteries of the Upside Down.
