Spiked Beetle

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Spiked Beetles are recurring Enemies in The Legend of Zelda series.[1][name references needed]

Characteristics

Spiked Beetles are turtle-like creatures with pointed spikes on their shells. Their appearance, as well as their Japanese name Togezō, are based on the Spiny enemies from the Mario series. They normally crawl around rooms, charging towards Link and attempting to crash into him with their spiked shells. These shells block most attacks; however, if a Spiked Beetle is flipped over, its vulnerable underbelly is exposed. Their charges can be defended against with the Shield, which also flips them over;[2] however, a number of other items can also be used to flip them over, such as the Cane of Pacci and the Shovel.

Link's Awakening

Spiked Beetles in Link's Awakening inhabit Dungeons; they are found in Tail Cave, Bottle Grotto, and Angler's Tunnel. They slowly crawl about the room, immediately dashing towards Link in a straight line to attack when they spot him. When they are upright, they are completely invulnerable to all attacks. Only by blocking their attack with the Shield can they be flipped over, exposing their weak underbellies. If left alone, they will eventually flip back onto their feet.

Oracle of Seasons

Spiked Beetles in Oracle of Seasons appear identically to their appearance in Link's Awakening. When Link comes into their view, they will charge at him in a straight line. They can be flipped over with the Shield as before; however, they can also be flipped over with the Shovel. Link can also use or shoot Gale Seeds at them, warping them out of the room. They are found in Poison Moth's Lair, Dancing Dragon Dungeon, the Ancient Ruins, the Sword & Shield Maze, and the Hero's Cave.

Oracle of Ages

Spiked Beetles in Oracle of Ages appear identically to their appearance in Link's Awakening. When Link comes into their view, they will charge at him in a straight line. They can be flipped over with the Shield as before; however, they can also be flipped over with the Shovel. Link can also use or shoot Gale Seeds at them, warping them out of the room. They are found in the Wing Dungeon and the Hero's Cave.

Four Swords

Spiked Beetles in Four Swords behave similarly to their previous incarnations, though they withdraw into their shells and spin at the Links while homing in on them rather than charging in straight lines. The Shield remains the only item that can flip them over, and is typically provided near areas where Spiked Beetles can be found. They appear slightly more reminiscent of Spinies from the Mario series, being shelled reptilian creatures. They are found in the Chambers of Insight, the Sea of Trees, Death Mountain, and Vaati's Palace, as well as the Realm of Memories and the Hero's Trial.

The Minish Cap

Spiked Beetles in The Minish Cap appear identically to their appearance in Four Swords. They will withdraw into their shells and hurl themselves at Link in a spinning attack. While the Shield can still be used to block and flip them over, the Cane of Pacci can also be used to turn them onto their backs. The explosions of well-placed Bombs can be used to flip them over, as well. They appear in the Cave of Flames and the Palace of Winds.

Other Appearances

Link's Awakening (Cagiva)

A Spiked Beetle makes an appearance in the Link's Awakening manga by Ataru Cagiva, alongside a Stalfos and a Shrouded Stalfos fighting Link as soon as he entered the Tail Cave.

Trivia

  • Beetles and Spiny Beetles were confused with Spiked Beetles in the enemy roster of the Nintendo Player's Guide for Link's Awakening, both being given the same method of defeat (by flipping them over) despite not having any relation to this enemy.

Nomenclature

The name Spiked Beetle refers to the enemy's spiny shell. The name may be derived from Buzzy Beetles, another turtle-like enemy in the Mario series that are similar to Spinies, but without spiked shells. Their Japanese name, "Togezō", comes from the word toge, meaning thorn.

ZW Nomenclature Asset.png Names in Other Regions ZW Nomenclature Asset 2.png
LanguageNamesMeanings
Japan
Japanese
トゲゾー (Togezō) (TMC)[5]From Toge, "thorn".
The Italian Republic
Italian
Spinosi (LA | LADX | OoS | OoA | FS | TMC)[3][4]Thorny
The Kingdom of Spain
SpanishEU
Pinchón (TMC)[6] 
This table was generated using translation pages.
To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference.

Other Names

These names, though from official English sources, are not considered Canon by Zelda Wiki as they contradict a name or names from a higher-priority source.

Gallery

See Also

References

  1. Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 205 (LA | OoS | OoA | FS | TMC)
  2. "Good defense is the best offense against spikes." — Owl Stone (Oracle of Seasons)
  3. Enciclopedia di Hyrule, Magazzini Salani, pg. 205
  4. "Spinosi
    Dimora: labirinti.
    Sono coperti da un carapace spinoso. Prima di attaccarli conviene provare a ribaltarli.
    " — Figurine Gallery (The Minish Cap, Italian localization)
  5. "071:トゲゾー
    出現場所: ダンジョン
    トゲのついた かたい こうらに おおわれている
    なんとかして ひっくり返してからでないと
    攻撃が きかない やっかいな敵
    " — Figurine Gallery (The Minish Cap, Japanese localization)
  6. "Pinchón
    Aparece en las mazmorras. Está recubierto de unos fuertes pinchos. O le das la vuelta para atacarle o no le causarás ningún daño.
    " — Figurine Gallery (The Minish Cap, European Spanish localization)
  7. Official The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons & Ages Perfect Guide, Versus Books, pg. 26 (OoS)