szntlarn

Szntlarn is a fictional character and setting from the 2019 interactive horror game *SOMA*, developed by Frictional Games. The name "Szntlarn" refers to both the protagonist’s altered identity after a traumatic event and the underwater research facility where much of the game’s narrative unfolds. The character is introduced as a marine biologist named David Baker, who survives a shipwreck and awakens in the facility, now referred to by the facility’s AI as "Szntlarn," a distorted version of his name.

The name originates from a misinterpretation of his vocalizations after a severe brain injury, where the AI system mishears "David" as "Szntlarn" due to his altered speech patterns. This transformation reflects the psychological and physical decay the character experiences throughout the game, as he grapples with memory loss, hallucinations, and existential dread. The facility itself, located in the Arctic Ocean, serves as a hub for research into consciousness, AI, and the nature of human identity.

Szntlarn’s journey explores themes of consciousness, artificial intelligence, and the ethics of human experimentation. The character’s deteriorating mental state raises questions about the boundaries of personhood and the consequences of scientific ambition. The game’s narrative is known for its philosophical depth, blending horror with thought-provoking commentary on technology and morality.

Szntlarn’s story is deeply tied to the game’s immersive atmosphere, where environmental storytelling and psychological tension drive the experience. The character’s fate remains ambiguous, leaving interpretation open to players. The name "Szntlarn" has since become a cultural reference in discussions about AI ethics, consciousness, and the blurred line between human and machine.