A Vodyanoi, a monstrous aquatic creature from Middle-earth, lurks in a murky forest pool at twilight.
The Vodyanoi (Var."watery") was a relative of the Giant Hellbender, and much like that beast it was most likely one of the many Things of Morgoth, bred in the darkness of the Elder Days in small numbers and released upon the north with the breaking of Angband. An aquatic carnivore, it preferred the flesh of mammals, and Men it considered a treat. Growing up to 6' tall, it resembled a giant, black frog. It lurked in dark pools, below the water, ready to strike. Then the Vodyanoi either dragged its prey into the water in order to drown it, or swallowed its victim whole. Fortunately, few victims were small enough for the latter, but that did not prevent it from dislocating its own jaw to swallow creatures larger than its mouth would normally allow. The Vodyanoi had huge eyes which it sometimes used to distract and hypnotize its prey.
Notes[]
The Vodyanoi is loosely based on the Vodyanoy, a "Gill-man" or "Aquarius" from Slavic mythology. The wicked nature of that monster suggests an infernal origin in the pits of Morgoth.
References[]
- Retrieved from [Realms of Arda]; original reference: [ICE MERP 2012]