Why does Big Boss wear a bandana?
Big Boss, the main protagonist in the Metal Gear series, is often seen wearing a white bandana around his face. But why does he wear it? In this article, we will delve into the history and significance behind Big Boss’s iconic fashion choice.
A token of love and loyalty
According to the Metal Gear series, Big Boss first wore a bandana as a reminder of his past relationship with The Boss. The Boss, also known as Naked or Elika, was a legendary military commander who became Big Boss’s mentor and lover. The bandana was originally hers, and Big Boss wore it as a way to honor their bond. This intimate connection between them is highlighted in the early scenes of Metal Gear Solid (MGS), where Snake (a.k.a. Big Boss) reflects on his tumultuous relationship with The Boss.
A symbol of independence
As Big Boss, also known as Sneaking Suit, underwent his transformation from a solider to a mercenary, the bandana came to symbolize his increasing independence from his past identity. Wearing the bandana served as a subconscious reminder of his past accomplishments and experiences, allowing Big Boss to tap into those memories and skills when navigating complex situations. This association with independence is further supported by the bandana’s presence during Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (MGSV), where Big Boss is depicted as a ghost-like figure, operating freely without any attachment to organized military structures.
Unifying identity
The bandana has also become synonymous with Big Boss’s in-game personas, including those of Sneaking Suit, Naked, and Big Boss. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (SOL) highlights this dichotomy when Sergeant Frank Yaeger’s notes mention Big Boss’s dual identity, as both Naked Snake and Big Boss. This duality is mirrored in the in-game costumes, where wearing the bandana serves to unify Big Boss’s scattered identities under one persona.