Crypt-Keeper

**The Crypt-Keeper** (alternatively spelled as **Cryptkeeper** or **Crypt Keeper**) is the host character of horror/horror-comedy franchise *Tales from the Crypt*. The Crypt-Keeper was one of the first official icons of *Halloween Horror Nights* at Universal Studios Florida (coming after Betelgeuse), and the first icon to be tied into one of the event's haunted houses.

## History

### Background

The Crypt-Keeper's origins in *Halloween Horror Nights* continuity is unknown. The Crypt-Keeper is a twisted and sadistic individual with a ghoulish appearance resembling a rotting corpse. The Crypt-Keeper lives in a mansion where he has a compendium of "Tales from the Crypt" horror comics kept within a book which he will read to guests.

The Crypt-Keeper has been identified as one of the past "Icons" of the Halloween Horror Nights cycle (presumably in the year 1995), having been icon over Horror Nights' fifth cycle. At some point, he appeared to have run his own twisted movie-studio called "*The Cryptkeeper's Film Works*". At some point, the Crypt-Keeper also might have served as "**The Grand Marshal of the Underworld**" in the *Festival of the Dead Parade*, a parade historically used to lure victims into the *Midway of the Bizarre*.

In 2010, the God of Fear was inadvertently released onto *Universal Studios Florida* by the organization *Legendary Truth: The Collective*. During Fear's attempt to gain power and freedom, his lantern summoned various beings from the past twenty "Cycles" of Halloween Horror Nights, including the Crypt-Keeper who appeared similarly to a film-director, watching the events from a chair.

## Appearances

### Halloween Horror Nights

#### Halloween Horror Nights V The Curse of the Cryptkeeper

The Crypt-Keeper was icon of this Halloween Horror Nights event.

##### Cryptkeeper's Dungeon of Terror

This haunted house was set in the Crypt-Keeper's mansion.

#### Halloween Horror Nights VI

##### The Crypt Keeper's Festival of the Dead Parade

The Crypt-Keeper was the "Grand Marshal of the Underworld" in this iteration of the Festival of the Dead Parade.

##### The Crypt Keeper's Studio Tour of Terror

This haunted house was themed around the Crypt-Keeper.

#### Halloween Horror Nights: Sweet 16

##### The Arrival

The Lord of Darkness' opening poem had the line "***The** **Keeper of the Crypts** kept the Fifth*" referring to the Caretaker as having been icon of Halloween Horror Nights V.

#### Halloween Horror Nights: Twenty Years of Fear

##### HHN: 20 Years of Fear

The Crypt-Keeper appeared in this scarezone, dressed like a film director.

#### Halloween Horror Nights 32

The Crypt-Keeper did not appear at this event but was indirectly mentioned as a past icon "**Fossil***"* by Doctor Oddfellow.

## Trivia

* The Crypt-Keeper appears to have inspired the Halloween Horror Nights original character "The Curator" at the 2023 *Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store*.
* The Crypt-Keeper's *Legion of Horror* has not been identified.
* In the Crypt-Keeper's mansion was the Rat Lady, one of the oldest recurring HHN figures.

## References

1. ↑ 2004 Festival of the Dead Parade backstory
2. ↑ *Dialogue "You've practically worshiped those who stood here before me, Matriarchs, Visionaries, Fossils, Jesters, but I don't want your worship...I want what you want right? You wanted Fear! I can offer that, for a price of course"*