The Dungeons and Dragons universe is home to many horrific monsters, but none are quite as iconic or as terrifying as the demogorgon. In fact, when it comes to demogorgons, the first question that pops into most people’s minds isn’t how do I defeat it? or where do I encounter one? Instead, it’s usually something along the lines of why does DnD insist on using all lowercase letters for this creature’s name?

The Monster


The demogorgon is a dreaded monster that dwells in the Underdark, one of many dark places existing on earth. Its physical appearance resembles a huge scorpion, with a long tail ending with a stinger. It also has four human-like arms, four eyes on long eyestalks, and what appears to be serrated teeth below its four thin lips.

The Lore


Since its introduction to D&D in 1977, the demogorgon has become one of the most well-known monsters from the role-playing game. Although they originally appeared as a mean green, bipedal lizard with great claws and venomous breath, the creatures have been repeatedly revised over time and now come in a wide variety of shapes: sometimes with red wings, or even tentacles. Despite all these variations, there’s no question that no other monster in D&D quite elicits such terror as this one. There are many reasons for this; let’s examine them one by one.

How to Use it


I’m going to start with a disclaimer: I don’t know too much about D&D so please let me know if I am missing some vital information. With that said, I want to give my thoughts on why D&D’s version of the demon Demogorgon is so scary.

First: A Unique Threat

Most monsters in this game are humanoid creatures that you can dispatch with an arsenal of swords, axes, bows, etc. One of your party members even casts fireballs at an opponent before stabbing it to death! The DEMOGORGON however, is an ancient entity from before time (no surprise) who has never been seen by humans. It has tentacles for arms and vast array of abilities.