This page is about the enemy named "Dodongo". For the Boss of the same name, see Dodongo (Boss).

Dodongos (pronounced /dɵˈdɒŋɡoʊ/ də- DONG -goh[1]) are recurring enemies in the The Legend of Zelda series.[2]

Characteristics

Dodongos are reptilian monsters usually found in caves and volcanic environments. Dodongos in The Legend of Zelda resembled a Triceratops or a rhinoceros, appear as bipedal, monstrous lizards in Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask and resemble Geckos in Twilight Princess.

Dodongos have very tough hides, ribbed with green or sometimes yellow scales that serve as strong armor that protects them from any attack. In the same vein, Dodongos have very large mouths in proportion to their bodies. These grand cavities enable them to suck in air to blow streams of flames, which is their primary form of attack. However, this also makes their mouths the species' primary vulnerable site. A Bomb can be thrown down their gaping mouths, and it will explode from within, heavily damaging the creature. For this reason, Dodongos are widely known for their weakness to Bombs. In Twilight Princess, an Arrow may also be shot into the mouth of a Dodongo to inflict internal damage. Another vulnerable site is the tip of its tail. However, Dodongos can also harm Link with their tails by sweeping them around in a full turn. If the sweeping tail manages to make contact with Link, it will knock the hero off his feet, damaging him. Dodongos are slow-moving creatures,[3] giving Link plenty of time to attack them.

The size of Dodongos ranges greatly between games and regions. In Majora's Mask, two sizes of Dodongo are known to exist in Termina. Smaller variants can be found in the Northeast portion of Termina Field and the much larger sizes can be found in the Northwest section of the Field. These Dodongos drop large quantities of Rupees upon defeat. The larger Dodongo yields a Purple Rupee when destroyed and the smaller Dodongo drops a Red Rupee. There are also two large Dodongos found in a Secret Grotto near the entrance to Ikana Canyon. Defeating them earns Link 100 Rupees and a Piece of Heart from a nearby Treasure Chest.

Despite the dangers they pose, the scales of a Dodongo are also a valuable resource. Gorons use them to make their heat-resistant Goron Tunics, one of which Link can purchase in Ocarina of Time.[4] The stomach linings of Dodongos are used to make Bomb Bags as well.[5]

Not all Dodongos are hostile creatures. In Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages, there is a benevolent Dodongo by the name of Dimitri, who cooperates with and helps Link in Holodrum and Labrynna. Dimitri is a River Dodongo who can swim across deep water and up waterfalls to help Link gain access to previously outlying areas. Due to the type of Dodongo Dimitri is, he does not breathe fire like his wild counterpart, but he still has a large mouth, which he uses to eat Link's foes. In order to find him, Link must obtain a certain Strange Flute.

Ocarina of Time

Navi's Comment Dodongo Dodongo Watch out for its fiery breath! Use Z Targeting techniques!

In Ocarina of Time, Dodongos appear throughout Dodongo's Cavern. They breathe in as they aim toward Link, expelling a stream of fire toward him. While emitting flames, they stay in place, allowing Link to damage their tails. The tail is their only vulnerable spot, as their hard scales can withstand all attacks. Dodongos also spin their bodies to swing their tails at Link. If the tail manages to make contact with Link, it will knock him off his feet and damage him. While a Dodongo breathes in, Link can throw a Bomb into their mouth to damage them.

Majora's Mask

Tatl's Comment Dodongo Dodongo? It moves slowly, so you can circle around to its backside. Got that? ( MM ) What?! Don't you know about the? It moves slowly, so you can circle around to its backside. Got that? That's a Dodongo! It moves slowly, so you should be able to circle around to its backside. Got that? (MM3D)

In Majora's Mask, Dodongos can be found in Termina Field near the entrance to the Snowhead region. A Dodongo moves slowly, allowing Link to circle around to its backside and hit its tail. Its tail is its only vulnerable spot, as its tough scales are invulnerable to all attacks.[6]

Twilight Princess

Dodongos appear as Gecko-like creatures in Twilight Princess. They can be found in the Goron Mines, Cave of Ordeals and various Lantern Caverns. Link can defeat them by attacking with his Sword, throwing Bombs into their mouths, or shooting Arrows into their mouths.

Other Appearances

Nomenclature

The name Dodongo could be derived from ドドン (Dodon), the Japanese onomatopoeia for the sound of an explosion.

Names in Other Regions Language Name Meaning Japanese ドドンゴ (Dodongo) Chinese SI 多东哥 (Duōdōnggē) French CA Dodongo ( OoT3D | MM3D ) Same as English. French EU Dodongo Same as English German Dodongo Same as English. Italian Dodongo ( OoT3D ) Same as English. Korean 도동고 (Dodongo) Spanish LA Dodongo ( TLoZ | OoT3D | MM3D ) Same as English.

Gallery

A Dodongo from The Legend of Zelda TV Series

A Dodongo from The Legend of Zelda comic

A Dodongo from The Faces of Evil and The Wand of Gamelon

See Also