South of Midnight: Every Clever Easter Egg You Might Have Missed
South of Midnight, the atmospheric Southern Gothic adventure from Compulsion Games, isn't just a visual stunner—it’s a thoughtful collage of folklore, pop culture, ancestral memory, and cheeky references that reward players who pay attention to the finer details. From haunting literary nods to sly pop culture callbacks, the game is packed with layered Easter eggs that deepen its rich, mythical world.
Here’s a breakdown of the best hidden references in South of Midnight—some fun, some historical, and some that connect directly to Black Southern folklore and cultural identity.
“The Raven” – A Nod to Edgar Allan Poe
One of the game’s more poetic touches comes from the recurring symbolism that echoes Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem “The Raven.” The presence of dark birds, haunting atmospheres, and literary sorrow isn’t a coincidence. Poe’s influence can seen on a wall and it fits South of Midnight perfectly.
Compulsion Games Bumper Sticker – A Meta Wink
Fans who explore the world closely may spot a Compulsion Games bumper sticker hidden on a vehicle—an Easter egg that breaks the fourth wall and reminds players that yes, the developers are watching.
Cow on the Roof – O Brother, Where Art Thou? Reference
A surreal moment in the game features a cow on top of a barn, a direct reference to the Coen Brothers' film O Brother, Where Art Thou? In the movie, a similar scene follows a massive flood, capturing the strange beauty of Southern surrealism. It’s a small touch that ties the game into a broader tradition of Southern storytelling in film.
Giant Peach
A giant peach appears in-game, alluding to the children’s classic James and the Giant Peach. But I also caught on to something cheekier—a billboard that’s clearly playing on the double meaning of the peach emoji (you know the one). It’s a tongue-in-cheek moment of humor that’s very aware of its own innuendo. A perfect example of the game's mix of myth and mischief.
Bottle Trees – Deep Roots in West African Tradition
The appearance of bottle trees is one of the most meaningful nods in the game. While some might see them as fantasy decor, these trees originate from West African spiritual practices, carried into the American South by enslaved Africans. In hoodoo and Southern folk magic, bottle trees are believed to trap evil spirits. Their presence in South of Midnight connects the game’s mystical world to real Black history and ancestral tradition.
“Old Smokey” – A Folk Song Reimagined
A subtle reference to the folk classic “On Top of Old Smokey” can be found on a signpost. This nod to American folk music history adds a melancholic undertone that matches the game’s themes of longing, memory, and the eerie beauty of the past.
Alice in Wonderland – Two Layers Deep
There are two distinct nods to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: one through a rabbit painting, and another through more direct visual references like a watch and book. The “down the rabbit hole” metaphor works well in a game about falling into a mysterious and unpredictable world—complete with strange logic and twisted realities.
Yeller Dawg – Budweiser Parody
The Yeller Dawg sign, styled like a Budweiser ad, offers a tongue-in-cheek take on Southern dive bar culture. It evokes classic Americana branding while adding a layer of satire that fits the game’s playful tone.
Monster’s Daughter – Frankenstein Reborn
A character or in-game poster titled “Monster’s Daughter” may reference Frankenstein’s daughter, a lesser-known but deeply symbolic archetype in gothic horror. In South of Midnight, this kind of reference bridges classic horror with new mythologies, offering fresh takes on inherited monstrosity and legacy.
Tarantala – Old-School Horror Vibes
“Tarantala” sounds suspiciously like “Tarantula!”, a 1955 black-and-white horror film about a giant mutant spider. For fans of classic creature features, this is a loving homage to the vintage monster genre that played on Cold War-era fears and small-town dread—perfect parallels for a game that thrives on mysterious rural legends.
Waylon Jones Poster – The Secret of Shakin’ Bones?
A poster featuring Waylon Jones and the Big Brass Bones Orchestra could be a major clue to the game’s most enigmatic figure: Shakin’ Bones. Some fans speculate this may reference Robert Johnson, the legendary blues musician who, according to folklore, sold his soul at the crossroads for musical talent. The symbolism here is strong—tying music, myth, and identity into a character shrouded in mystery.
Watch the full video breakdown for even more Easter eggs hidden throughout South of Midnight. From subtle folklore nods to clever cinematic references, we uncover the secrets you might’ve missed.