This theory may seem a little bit far-fetched, but by the end, you will be fully convinced.
We don't technically know when Maxwell dies (as it happens in the future), but we do know that Maxwell's character was most likely inspired by the real-life magician Charles Carter, who went by the stage name Carter the Great. Carter The Great was born on June 14, 1874 and died on February 13, 1936 (R.I.P. Charles Carter). This lines up with the setting of Don't Starve. Let's assume from here on out that Maxwell also died on February 13, 1936.
David Bowie was born on January 8, 1947, which leaves almost 11 years fully unaccounted for. The average Don't Starve player would give up on their fan theory here, but I, Ratituee, am a Wolfgang main, and us Wolfgang mains never stand down.
Speaking of Wolfgang, there is a key point of lore outside of The Constant that many people overlook: how Maxwell faked his death. As seen in his animated short, Wolfgang rescues Maxwell from a flaming train wreck. It is never specified when this takes place, but does 1936 really seem so far-fetched?
Yes, it does. Not only is it on the late side, but this takes place right before World War 2. Tensions were rising in Europe at the time, and as we all know, Wolfgang is Russian. Maxwell, most likely, was British, and in 1936, tensions between these two superpowers were tense. Travel would have technically be possible, but for a mere magician, literal time travel would be easier. This is where Wanda, the comes in.
Wanda is probably the most unique character in the game. We don't know much about her backstory, but I, as a Wanda main, can easily scare some sense into it, as us Wanda mains never take 1936 for an answer. Wanda has magical powers like reversing her own age and dealing lots of damage with her Alarming Clock. Is it really so far-fetched to imagine that Wanda could use her Alarming Clock to prevent World War 2 from happening in the first place? Yes, it is.
There is another thing that points to this truth. As seen in his animated short, Wolfgang lifts an elephant. Everyone assumes that this animated short takes place in Russia or England, but what region is known for its elephants? India. Where did Charles Carter's "death" take place? That's right, India. This makes even more sense when you consider the fact that Britain occupied India at the time, making Maxwell's placement in the region much more plausible.
However, let's just imagine for the sake of the theory that Maxwell did fake his death in 1936 and that Wanda somehow used brute force to prevent World War 2. This means that Charles Carter actually faked his own death, which isn't that out of place for a magician. For all we know, Charles Carter could still be alive, working for Klei right now!
...But, he isn't. Because Charles Carter actually died on January 8, 1947. And I have proof of this rather bombastic claim. A McDonalds receipt from the day that he died.
![image.png.b8f7b4a78b15b4ac1bcca61b9f87b1c2.png]()
More proof of this claim is the fact that Charles Carter was actually directly responsible for the Manhattan Project. If you don't believe me then you are arguing with a literal, objective fact.
Charles Carter being alive in 1947 implies the real-life existence of the entire Don't Starve universe , which has many strange implications. But those will be left for another day.
There is only one logical conclusion: if Maxwell died on January 7, 1947, assuming he used a meat effigy, he reincarnated as someone who was born that day. David Bowie.
Now, you might not yet understand my theory. But the more astute readers will have taken note of the fact that Maxwell is Charles Carter. Don't believe me? Well, did you know that Maxwell's actual real name, in Don't Starve lore, is Charles Carter?
It makes sense for more reasons. Like Maxwell, David Bowie is British!
For the 1% of readers who still don't believe me, please know that I am a Maxwell main, and everything that us Maxwell Mains say, goes.
There is one thing that some readers might know. Sadly, David Bowie died on January 10, 2016 (may he Rest in Peace). Assuming he used a meat effigy, Maxwell reincarnated again and is currently in his third form. But who did he reincarnate as? Is he back in The Constant?
If you see a child born in 2016 who speaks eerily like an old magician, writes songs about eldritch horrors, or mysteriously vanishes for weeks at a time, be warned:
Maxwell has returned.
And if you happen to be that person...
Welcome back, old friend.
