The chanting at the end of The Shining was the ominous word "REDRUM". This chilling utterance, repeated by Danny Torrance, serves as a terrifying premonition and a direct link to the escalating horror within the Overlook Hotel.
The Significance of REDRUM
The word "REDRUM" holds immense importance in the film's climax, unraveling the true nature of the danger Wendy and Danny face.
- A Child's Warning: Danny, who possesses psychic abilities known as "the shining," begins to chant and write "REDRUM" on doors and in the air. These actions are a direct manifestation of his heightened sensitivity to the hotel's malevolent forces and the dark events unfolding around his father, Jack.
- The Mirror's Revelation: The terrifying truth behind "REDRUM" is revealed when Wendy Torrance sees the word in a mirror, where it appears reversed as "MURDER." This chilling discovery confirms the grave danger they are in and the murderous intent of the hotel and Jack.
Danny's Visions and the Hotel's Influence
Danny's chanting is intrinsically linked to his traumatizing experiences and visions throughout his time at the Overlook.
- Early Premonitions: Even before arriving at the hotel, Danny experiences disturbing visions of the hotel's sinister atmosphere, particularly after Jack secures the caretaker position.
- Room 237: A pivotal moment occurs when Danny is drawn into the infamous Room 237. This encounter deeply affects him, further opening him up to the hotel's malevolent influence and intensifying his psychic abilities, leading to the "REDRUM" chanting.
The table below illustrates the word and its chilling reversal:
| Chanted Word | Reversed Meaning | Significance in the Film |
|---|---|---|
| REDRUM | MURDER | A terrifying prophetic warning of impending violence and Jack's descent into madness. |
The revelation of "MURDER" from "REDRUM" is a critical turning point that propels the final, desperate struggle for survival against Jack and the hotel's evil influence.
