The Nightlock berries from Hunger Games and other popular games, comics, and novels have a deadly reputation for the ignorants who stumble upon them, but do you know they are not real?
Learn what causes the Nightlock berries to be dangerous and how real-world plants inspire them!
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What Are Nightlock Berries?
Nightlock berries have become a popular showoff sensation in the recent social media trends, but are they real?
Despite the trends, Nightlock berries are not real. They come from the Nightlock plant growing in the lush tropical forests in the fictional world of the book ‘Hunger Games.’
Nightlock berries are similar in shape to real-life Blueberries but are dark purple to shiny black, a bit bigger, and highly poisonous.
In the world of Hunger Games, the lands around the Districts 12 and 13 are the only places where these berries are available.
In the movies and the book, people consider the Nightlock flowers and berries as a rare finding in the wild.
Nightlock Berries In Popular Culture
In the world of Hunger Games, the Nightlock berries grow on the deadly Nightlock plant.
Katniss Evergreen, who is the main character in the show, was first introduced to these berries by her dad, who cautioned her about their terror.
He said the berries are so poisonous that they will kill her even before reaching the stomach!
The author of the book, Suzanne Collins, says that two of the poisonous real-life plants, the Deadly Nightshade and Poison Hemlock, were the inspiration while jotting down about the Nightlock berries.
In fact, the name ‘Nightlock’ hails by merging the names of the plants, ‘Nightshade’ and ‘Hemlock.’
It’s important to note by the Hunger Games participants that the Nightlock fruits look similar to the Rue berries present around the arena.
Additionally, Katniss Evergreen and Peeta Mellark threatened to eat the Nightlock fruits if the Capitol did not stop the games, which they succeeded!
Hence, in the Hunger Games universe, Nightshade berries symbolize rebellion and the ability of one to stand up against threats even when faced with death.
Nighlock Berries In Other Media
In the webcomic Homestuck, the Nighlock berries are a type of magical fruit that can be used to create a death-touch poison.
Furthermore, in the novel “The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led The Rebels There” by Catherynne M. Valente, Nighlock berries are the main ingredient for crafting a sleeping potion.
Also, in the World Of Warcraft, the Nightlock berries are poisonous fruits useful to make toxic potions and traps.
From Editorial Team
Conclusion!
Although Nightlock berries are not real, many real-world plants look similar to these fruits, although some are safe while others are toxic.
Hence, you must always be cautious while foraging for the fruits in the woods and snack on only safe-to-eat varieties.
