Template:Enemy Spiked Beetles are recurring enemies in The Legend of Zelda series.[1] They 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.
Under normal conditions a Spiked Beetle will crawl around a room at a leisurely pace, but when it spots an intruder it will charge toward the adversaries in hope of crashing into them with its spiked shell. Their shells provide them with ample defense, blocking most attacks. However, if a Spiked Beetle is flipped over, its vulnerable underbelly is exposed. The most simplest and common method to attack them is to defend against their charges with the Shield, which will also flip them over.[2] However, a number of other items can also be used to flip them over as well, such as the Shovel in Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages.
Characteristics
Link's Awakening
In Link's Awakening, Spiked Beetles appear as enemies inhabiting dungeons. They slowly crawl about the room, but when they spot Link, they immediately dash towards him in a straight line to attack. 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. They appear in Tail Cave, Bottle Grotto, and Angler's Tunnel.
Oracle of Seasons
In Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages, Spiked Beetles appear the same as those 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 as well. Link can also rid the monsters from his path by using or shooting Gale Seeds at them, which will warp them out of the room. In Oracle of Ages, they appear in the Wing Dungeon. In Oracle of Seasons, they are found in Poison Moth's Lair, Dancing Dragon Dungeon, Ancient Ruins, and Sword & Shield Maze. In both games they can also be found in the Hero's Cave.
Four Swords
In Four Swords, Spiked Beetles behave mostly the same as in previous incarnations, but now withdraw into their shells and spin at the Links while homing in on them rather than charge in straight lines. The Shield remains as the only item that can flip them over, and is typically provided near areas where the enemies inhabit. Their appearance is slightly more reminicent of Spinies in the Mario series as shelled, reptilian-like creatures. They appear in the Chambers of Insight, Sea of Trees, Death Mountain, Vaati's Palace, as well as the Realm of Memories and Hero's Trial.
The Minish Cap
In The Minish Cap, Spiked Beetles appear the same as those 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 over. The explosions of well-placed Bombs can also be used to flip them over as well. They appear in the Cave of Flames and Palace of Winds.
| 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. |
Trivia
- In terms of appearance and weakness, Spiked Beetles are very similar to Terrorpins, another shelled enemy that only becomes vulnerable when flipped onto their backside.
- Snappers in Majora's Mask also shares similarities with Spiked Beetles, particularly their spinning method of attack and their underbellies as their weakness.
- 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
Spiked Beetle in Link's Awakening
A flipped Spiked Beetle in Link's Awakening
Spiked Beetle in the Oracle games
References
- ↑ Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 205 (LA)
- ↑ "Good defense is the best offense against spikes." — Owl Stone (Oracle of Seasons)
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