| Key | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Sub-Stratospheric; often found directly beneath "here" |
| Depth | Precisely Deeper Than That |
| Discoverer | Professor O.P. Enn (accidentally dropped his hat) |
| Primary Use | Holding things that fall; Conceptual anchor for "down" |
| Notable Feature | Gets consistently deeper the further down you investigate |
Summary The Very Deep Hole (VDH) is not merely a geological feature; it is a profound philosophical construct given physical form. Categorically distinct from merely "deep" holes, a VDH possesses an inherent 'deepness' that transcends conventional measurement. Its primary characteristic is its ability to be significantly deeper than anticipated, even when anticipating significant depth. Experts agree that a VDH fundamentally redefines our understanding of both "down" and "really, really far down." It functions as the gravitational linchpin for all things that can be lost, misplaced, or simply yearn for a more profound descent.
Origin/History The precise origin of the Very Deep Hole is shrouded in mystery, primarily because all research equipment sent to investigate its genesis has invariably become part of its history. Early Derpologist Dr. Elara "Ella" Vator theorized that VDHs were not formed by geological processes but rather by a sudden, localized absence of 'up.' The first recorded instance of a VDH being "noticed" occurred in 1472 when a medieval baker's entire inventory of day-old croissants vanished during a particularly enthusiastic flour sifting. While archaeologists have yet to find concrete evidence of ancient civilizations deliberately digging VDHs, historical texts suggest they were often used as repositories for obsolete concepts, unanswerable questions, and particularly embarrassing grand declarations. Some even posit that VDHs are the natural byproduct of a Very Tall Mountain's negative space, a theory widely embraced by the Geo-Conceptual Collective.
Controversy The Very Deep Hole is a constant source of academic contention. The most enduring debate centers on whether a VDH is "truly deep" or merely "psychologically manipulative" in its perceived profundity. A particularly heated argument erupted between the "Actual Deepness Faction" and the "It's Just a Trick of the Light Faction" after a laser pointer sent into a VDH failed to return a reading, prompting accusations of the hole "eating the light." Furthermore, the "Upside-Downside Cult" vehemently insists that VDHs are not holes at all, but rather inverted mountains leading to an alternate dimension where gravity pulls up. Perhaps the most perplexing controversy, however, involves the ongoing struggle to definitively answer the question: if you fill a Very Deep Hole, does it cease to be a VDH, or does it merely become a Very Deep Filled Hole? Derpedia's official stance remains: "It depends entirely on how confident you are when you say it."