If you’ve spent any time on the internet in the past few years, you’ve likely come across the Luigi Death Stare. The meme, inspired by a single glance from the iconic Mario Brothers character, quickly took the internet by storm and has since become a staple of internet culture.

The Luigi Death Stare originated from the game Mario Kart 8, released in 2014 for the Wii U. In the game, players can choose to play as Luigi, who, like many other characters in the Mario franchise, has his own unique expressions and animations. One of these animations, discovered by players after the game’s release, is a particularly intense glare that Luigi gives to other racers as he passes them by.

It’s hard not to be taken aback by the intensity of Luigi’s stare. His eyes are wide and focused, his brow furrowed in concentration. Some players even claimed to feel a sense of intimidation as they were stared down by the virtual plumber.

The meme took off not long after the game’s release, with players taking to social media to share screenshots and videos of their encounters with Luigi’s angry stare. It quickly became a viral sensation, with memes and gifs popping up all over the internet.

What makes the Luigi Death Stare so enduring is its utter absurdity. Here we have a character known primarily for his comic relief in a game about racing go-karts, and yet, for a brief moment, he becomes an intimidating figure capable of striking fear into the hearts of his competitors.

Beyond its comedic value, the Luigi Death Stare is also a testament to the power of internet culture. A single screenshot from a video game has managed to capture the imagination of millions of people around the world, inspiring countless memes, videos, and even works of art.

So the next time you’re playing Mario Kart and find yourself on the receiving end of Luigi’s death stare, don’t be too intimidated. Just remember that you’re part of a larger internet phenomenon, one that’s managed to find humor and joy in the most unexpected of places.