Theory [Major Spoilers]

[Mr. Joseph]

"His playing may be enchanting...but the melody that will play at the end of the world will flow from his instrument...
It was he brought it here...he who brought the darkness."

– Tormented Tree, Unforgiving - A Northern Hymn


The above quote is obviously referencing the Näcken, whom we first encounter fairly early on, after we solve the power box puzzle and activate the horizontal lift. We see him and he doesn’t say a word. He just sits there and plays his melody. I believe it is at that very moment that our fate has been sealed.

Though, there is something that is very curious. Just before we hear the Näcken’s melody, a shade fiercely bangs on the cage we enter to cross the lake. I didn’t see the shade as an enemy at that very moment but almost like a friend trying to warn me of my impending doom after my initial playthrough.

My theory is that the shade is a faded remnant of Linn’s soul. And at that very moment, trying to stop the cycle from once again repeating itself.

The specific part I am referencing is at time index 19:15

https://youtu.be/COhlgkwf1FA?t=19m20s

[Adelion]

As far as I can tell it doesn't fit with the lore of the game. The origin of the shade has been explained either in-game or a forum post. I think it was a book in the game. The shade is the remains of a drowned child I think. Now roaming through the swamp looking for victims. Also in the scene you are referring to the shade seems rather aggressive for me and not desperate as one would expect if he tries to warn me.

As it seems there is probably no way to leave the cycle. One could start discussing even what the cycle is. All of this could be bad luck on Linn's side and she was just on the wrong place the wrong time. Or it could be her personal purgatory as she killed her brother and herself with the car crash. And now she has to live through this artificially created hell over and over again. My biggest question would be Ragnar's existence beside some other minor stuff.

[Mr. Joseph]

Hmm. I'd love to see that explanation. I plan to do a little bit more research when I have the time.

But I did find this particular journal page interesting: https://imgur.com/JjJ5B0U

When we translate gengångare from Swedish to English we get wraith or spirit. I didn't see any reference to drowned children. That may be in-game somewhere and I just don't remember.

The blurb on the journal page also raises a few questions.

"It thirsts for your soul. Devouring whole."

vs.

"You'll know its face well, but only time will tell if tonight will be your last."

I think the first quote could reference innately what a wraith craves but the second part does kinda reinforce my theory.

I know it's still a stretch, but I find it kind of interesting even so.

[oralonambaone]

I think it’s a bit late, but still, I have explanation)
Gengångare is not connected with a shadow, shadow is actually a drowned man

Right after riding on a lift we appear near a building with chair and table. There on the table you can find a book with an image of this “shadow” and with its name and explanation of its behavior. So yeah, it tries to kill us)

But still, I love your theory, I would like to believe, that each time Linn goes through the circle she leaves more and more pieces of her soul, and there will be moment, when this shadow will have enough power to stop linn.