Hoid Slayer

they all die ep. 1, and the season is about them going through hell

Bruh

Last minute theory I've had since I first watched Stranger Things in 7th grade and just want to put out there:

In the finale, good guys accept they cannot defeat Vecna so long as he is connected to the Mind Flayer - the Mind Flayer's well of power is just too strong. So to win, Eleven sacrifices herself, offering herself up as avatar of the Mind Flayer. Realizing how much stronger she is than Henry, the Mind Flayer releases it's bond with him (after which he either immediately disintegrates while screaming or gets absolutely ganged up on and roasted - literally - by the good guys) and latches onto her instead. In the ultimate sacrifice, she transforms into a Vecna-like being and, as vines wrap around her face and body, she takes one last look at her friends in Hawkins - at Mike - and uses her Vecna-powers to close the gates for good.

After all the emotional stuff and aftermath, the final scene of the show is of Eleven, completely wrapped in vines and Vecna-material, reigning over the Upside Down. She is now immortal - the Mind Flayer will do everything in its power to get her to reopen the gates, but so long as her will stands firm, it will never be loose in the Rightside Up.

Sooooo I'm just realizing writing it out right now that she basically turns into a herald.

So yeah

That's my theory

It also leaves the door open for a potential sequel series (although the Duffers have said they probably won't do that) where Eleven's will breaks, she succumbs to the Mind Flayer and rains hell on the Rightside Up as a villain ten times worse than Vecna

AAHHHHHHHHHH I'M SO EXCITED

OH MY GOSH ITS GOING TO BE SO GOOD

IM WATCHING IT ON SATURDAY CUZ I GOTTA WATCH IT WITH A FRIEND