Edit: so far Shuma Gorath (from Marvel’s Dr Strange in 1973) is the only example. Know another? Please let us know

According to Wikipedia, the Beholder is a Dungeons and Dragons original creation and it is copyrighted. Its first appearance was in 1975.

In case you are not familiar with these, a beholder is basically a floating eye with tentacles that also have eyes, often able to shoot rays off the eyes. You have probably seen some similar creature type in a myriad other media such as videogames, tv shows and whatnot.

Now I’m really surprised something like this only surfaced in the 70s. Is there anything similar in any type of media or culture prior to the 70’s? The only thing that pops to mind is the ancient biblical angels with abstract forms and many eyes, but I’m hoping someone here can show me more and better examples.

Or not. I don’t know.

  • TheReturnOfPEB@reddthat.comEnglish
    9·
    3 days ago

    The beholder (eye tyrant, sphere of many eyes) is most frequently found underground, although it infrequently will lair in desolate wildernesses. The globular body of this monster is supported by levitation, and it floats slowly about as it wills. Atop the sphere are 10 eyestalks, while in its central area are a great eleventh eye and a large mouth filled with pointed teeth. The body is protected by a hard chitinous covering. The creature’s eyestalks and eyes are also protected, although less well. […] Because of its particular nature the beholder is able to withstand the loss of its eyestalks, these members are not computed as part of its hit point damage potential, and lost eyestalkswill eventually grow back (1 week per lost member). The body of the monster can withstand two-thirds of its total damage potential, while the great central eye can withstand one-third this total …

    Advanced D&D Monster Manual 1977

    added for context not to be argumentative … it came out in '75 … my copy of the MM is from 1977

    • Mothra@mander.xyzOP
      4·
      3 days ago

      Advanced D&D Monster Manual 1977

      added for context not to be argumentative … it came out in '75 … my copy of the MM is from 1977>

      Yes, I think I mentioned it came out in the '75? According to Wikipedia at least, although it is unclear whether it was publicly released that year. The material there cited is also from the '77.