Dodongo

Dodongos (pronounced ) are recurring enemies in the.

Characteristics
Dodongos are reptilian monsters usually found in caves and volcanic environments. Throughout the series, it has resembled both a Triceratops or rhinoceros-like creature in, as well as bipedal, monstrous lizards in and , and gecko-like creatures in. Physically, these creatures 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 also 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, which will explode from within, heavily damaging the creature. For this reason, Dodongos are widely known for their weakness to Bombs. The best opportunity to throw the explosives is when these enemies suck in air in preparation for their fiery attacks, which will also inhale the thrown Bomb. Some Dodongos however will merely be damaged just from being near a Bomb's explosion, as is the case in. In Twilight Princess, an Arrow may also be shot into the gaping mouth of a Dodongo to inflict it internal damage as well.

Another, although less common, 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. While these enemies are often hard to defeat, they are quite slow moving creatures, and are easily avoided or confounded into showing their weak spots.

The sizes of Dodongo range greatly between games and regions. In Majora's Mask, two sizes of Dodongo are known to exist in Termina: the smaller variants in the North-East area of Termina Field, and the much larger sizes to the North-West section of the field. These Dodongos reward Link with large quantities of Rupees upon defeat; the big Dodongo yields a Purple Rupee when destroyed, and a Red Rupee for a regular Dodongo. There are also two large Dodongos found in a Secret Grotto near the entrance to Ikana Canyon, which defeating them earns Link 100 Rupees and a Piece of Heart from a chest nearby.

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. The stomach linings of Dodongos are also used to make Bomb Bags as well.

Bosses
Dodongos have commonly appeared as a boss, appearing in several titles to date as such, the most prevalent being Ocarina of Time, where the massive King Dodongo makes an appearance at the end of the Dodongo's Cavern. Dodongos first appeared as bosses in The Legend of Zelda, sometimes appearing in pairs or as a mini-boss, and have also appeared as bosses in the and in Four Swords Adventures. Unlike the common Dodongo, more than one Bomb must be used to vanquish these foes, and rightly so, as they are not only bigger, but stronger than their commonplace counterparts. Exclusively in, Link must equip the Power Bracelets to hoist the boss into Floor Spikes after assaulting it with a Bomb, as the explosive will merely stun it.

Baby Dodongo
The Baby Dodongo is the infant version of the Dodongo, which appears as a serpentine, almost larva-like creature that slithers on the ground. They are found in Dodongo's Cavern in Ocarina of Time. These enemies will burrow up from underground, moving quickly and directly attacking Link in small groups whenever he is in close proximity. They can also jump up above Link and attempt to ram him, which can be blocked with the Hylian Shield. They are otherwise weak enemies, and can be easily defeated with just the Sword. Once defeated, it will explode. The resulting explosion is capable of harming Link but can be used strategically against soft or rock walls in the place of Bombs.

Dimitri
Not all Dodongos are hostile creatures. In the Oracle series, there is a benevolent Dodongo by the name of Dimitri, who co-operates with and helps Link in Holodrum and Labrynna. Dimitri is a River Dodongo, he 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 breath fire like his wild counterpart but he still has the large mouth, which he uses to eat Link's foes. In order to reach him, the Strange Flute (which will later be identified as Dimitri's Flute) is needed, especially to summon him at will in both games.

Animated series
A Dodongo also makes an appearance in the Animated series episode "The Moblins Are Revolting". After Link and Princess Zelda arrive to an almost-deserted Underworld, a Dodongo comes charging in their direction. Link pushes Zelda out of the way and shoots various Sword Beams at the beast, but to no avail. Just as the Dodongo is approaching Link once again, Zelda throws a Bomb at its mouth, which instantly defeats it.

The Legend of Zelda comic
In the Legend of Zelda comic, Princess Zelda encounters a Dodongo while she is in training in the Eagle dungeon. When Miff appears to look out for Zelda, she warns the princess about the Dodongo behind her, allowing Zelda to defeat it with her last Bomb.

Etymology
The name Dodongo could be derived from "Dodon", Japanese for the sound of an explosion.