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.

  • 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.