Bulette - Need I say more?
The Bulette, also known as the Landshark, is one of the most iconic monsters in the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) tabletop role-playing game.
The origin of the bulette, one of Dungeons & Dragons' most iconic monsters, is a fascinating story. It was first introduced in the original edition of D&D, back in 1975, and unlike many of the game's creatures, the bulette is not owned by Wizards of the Coast, but rather by Tim Kask, an early employee of TSR for whom the Sword of Kas is named.
The “Toy Bag” that contained a Rust Monster, Bulette and Owlbear
According to Kask, the bulette was inspired by a cheap plastic toy that Gary Gygax acquired in a bag of toy creatures. Other early D&D monsters, such as the rust monster and owlbear, also had their origins in these toys. These toys were believed to be based on kaiju from Japanese television, with the bulette's inspiration coming from the monster Gabora from Ultraman episode 9.
Gabora from Ultraman
Gary had nicknamed the creature "bullet", which Kask playfully pronounced in a French accent as "boo-lay". Kask later joked that the pronunciation "boo-lay", which is not accurate French, is actually from Makandarin, the language of his own homebrew campaign setting.
The bulette's nickname, "land shark", and its ability to tunnel underground were inspired by a 1975 Saturday Night Live skit that parodied the movie Jaws. The bulette's love of horse meat was a deliberate counter to the overuse of dwarven pack horses, which were often used to carry equipment and treasure. Similarly, the monster's preference for chasing hobbits was a reaction to the popularity of that race among players.
Despite its quirky origins, the bulette has remained a beloved monster in the D&D community for decades. It has appeared in every edition of the game and has inspired numerous homebrew versions created by players and dungeon masters alike. Its iconic design and fearsome abilities make it a memorable and exciting opponent for players to face, and its unique history only adds to its charm.
In addition to its appearances in D&D, the Bulette has also appeared in other media. It was featured in the first issue of Dragon Magazine, as well as several other publications. It has also been included in various D&D-related products, such as miniatures and video games.
The Bulette from Dragon #1 Reused artwork for the Monster Manual
The Bulette is a classic example of a D&D monster. It is an iconic and memorable creature that has stood the test of time and remains a favorite of many players and DMs. Whether you love it or find it ridiculous, there's no denying the impact that the Bulette has had on the game and its community.
