Edward Van Helgen

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Edward Van Helgen

Edward Van Helgen is one of the pirate barbers in The Curse of Monkey Island. He joins Guybrush's crew when he is challenged to a gentleman's duel. Guybrush is able to match his skill with a banjo upto the point when Helgen begins playing a furious solo. Guybrush is none the less successful in convincing him by underhandedly shooting his banjo, proving that "[he's] a pirate, after all".

After their departure from Plunder Island, Guybrush's ship is boarded by Captain Rottingham who Edward and friends promptly ignore in light of some whale-watching. After being scolded by Guybrush they engage in song (see: A pirate I was meant to be). Later when the Sea Cucumber crashes on Blood Island he joins the crew in mutiny and leaving Guybrush to find the uncursed diamond ring on his own.

Edward's pet name is Snugglecakes. He is named after the famous heavy metal guitarist Eddie Van Halen.

He says he joined the barbershop quartet to enjoy the music of the sea while remaining safely on land. The singing group is comprised of two others: Haggis McMutton and Cutthroat Bill - Dominique, the tenor, left because of creative differences. In the game the player can attempt auditioning for Van Helgen but each time he recieves furious criticism and even causes Van Helgen to have a minor stroke.

Journeys

In 1675, Edward Van Helgen was on a course towards the wreck of The Rattling Phlegm, aboard his ship The Obsessivo-Compulsivo. Two months into the journey, he and his mates realized something was horribly wrong: they were all haunted by a diabolical melody (Edward himself demostrates the song which sounds exactly like the Monkey Island theme), and many threw themselves into the sea. Out of a crew of 50 men, only 8 returned.