Spiked Beetles are recurring Enemies in The Legend of Zelda series.[1]
Contents
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 Beetle (Figurine from The Minish Cap) | |
|---|---|
 Spiked Beetle | Appears in dungeons. Covered in hard, spiny shells. Few attacks work on them. You have to flip them over to hurt them. |
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.
 Names in Other Regions 
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|---|---|---|---|
| Language | Name | Meaning | |
 |
Japanese | トゲゾー (Togezō) | From toge, meaning thorn. |
 |
FrenchEU | Carapique | |
 |
German | Käfer-Stachi | |
 |
Italian | Spinosi | |
 |
SpanishEU | Pinchón | |
Gallery
A flipped Spiked Beetle from Link's Awakening
See Also
References
- ↑ Encyclopedia (Dark Horse Books) pg. 205 (LA | OoS | OoA | FS | TMC)
- ↑ "Good defense is the best offense against spikes." — Owl Stone (Oracle of Seasons)
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