The mutants in The Hills Have Eyes originated from the irradiated descendants of town inhabitants who were in the mines during government testing.
The Genesis of the Mutants
The chilling antagonists known as the "hill people" or mutants in The Hills Have Eyes franchise are not naturally occurring, but rather a tragic byproduct of human activities. Their existence traces back to the original inhabitants of a small town located near a government testing site.
Retreat and Radiation Exposure
When significant government testing, likely involving radioactive materials, commenced in their region, many of these townspeople sought refuge. Their chosen sanctuary was the extensive network of mines that permeated the surrounding landscape. They believed these underground shafts would offer protection from the surface-level experiments.
However, this refuge soon became a source of their undoing. As the testing progressed, radiation began to seep into the mine shafts, gradually contaminating the enclosed environment. The inhabitants, particularly those who remained there for extended periods, were subjected to chronic exposure to these hazardous materials.
Birth of the Mutants
The most profound impact of this seeping radiation was observed in the subsequent generations. Children born within the irradiated confines of the mines were affected at a genetic level. This led to:
- Severe physical deformities: Manifesting in various grotesque forms.
- Cognitive impairments: Affecting their mental faculties and behavior.
- Feral nature: Developing a predatory and aggressive disposition due to their harsh, isolated existence and the mutations.
These mutations transformed the descendants of the original townspeople into the terrifying, cannibalistic mutants seen in the films. Their isolation within the mines, combined with their profound physical and mental alterations, forged them into a distinct, savage clan, perpetually bound to the contaminated land that created them.
The following table summarizes the origin of the mutants:
| Stage | Event | Environment | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Relocation | Town inhabitants seek shelter | Deep Mines | Temporary refuge |
| Exposure | Government testing begins | Mines (seeping radiation) | Contamination of environment |
| Birth | Children born under exposure | Irradiated Mines | Genetic mutation and severe deformities |
| Evolution | Generations adapt to harsh reality | Isolated Hills | Emergence of the "Hill People" mutants |
