Majestic Creatures Profile
Bugbear
Bugbear
Statistics
Habitat: Eldathren marshes
Diet: Carnivorous
Rated Danger Level: 5
Appearance: goblin-like
Beast Tamer:
Diet: Carnivorous
Rated Danger Level: 5
Appearance: goblin-like
Beast Tamer:
Bugbear
s cannot be tamed due to their severe dietary requirements.Bugbear
Old English Folklore
The
Bugbears appear in different varieties. Most often they have been described as humanoid creatures, usually hideous with sharp teeth and claws. Some descriptions feature horns or a tail. Medieval English had it described as a hideous, evil bear creature.
A common thread between the mythology of the Bugbear is that they always lurk through forests or caves, and usually hunt children. The story of the bugbear is likely fictitious in order to scare children into obeying their parents. It also helped to avoid children from wandering into dangerous areas.
The term
Bugbear
is thought to be a relative of the bogeyman, a nightmarish creature that would terrify children so that they would behave. The source of the name is debated. It either comes from "bogil", Old Scots word for goblin, or "bugge," Middle English word meaning 'something frightening'. It's very possible that this is also the origin of boggart or bugaboo.Bugbears appear in different varieties. Most often they have been described as humanoid creatures, usually hideous with sharp teeth and claws. Some descriptions feature horns or a tail. Medieval English had it described as a hideous, evil bear creature.
A common thread between the mythology of the Bugbear is that they always lurk through forests or caves, and usually hunt children. The story of the bugbear is likely fictitious in order to scare children into obeying their parents. It also helped to avoid children from wandering into dangerous areas.
The term
Bugbear
faded over the years but the Bogeyman became an all encompassing word for the traits depicted in similar beasts.Bugbear
In Other Media
Dungeons and Dragons
Bugbear
s are one of the original creatures to appear in Dungeons and Dragons. They feature in the first edition of the tabletop game, Forgotten Realms. Versions of the Bugbear often appear in campaigns and were even included in the video game adaptations "Baldur's Gate", "Baldur's Gate 3", "Neverwinter Nights" and more.They are a relative of the goblins and hobgoblins, though they stand much taller (2.1 metres / 7 feet) and are far stronger. Bugbears are hairy and feral and are often armed with weapons and armour when set upon by adventurers. Their name comes from their claws and nose which looked similar to bears.
Bugbears can often be found among goblins and other goblinoids, usually operating more organised for the sake of survival. Some can be seen alone in the wilds and prove a serious risk to most travellers.
Before the Spellplague,
Bugbear
s worshipped their own pantheon of gods. This pantheon was lead by Hruggek, the god of ambush, combat and violence. When Hruggek's power dwindled and later became a servant to Bane, the god of tyranny.Bugbear
Existence in World of Legends
The following is an extract from The Book of Beasts by Jesper Myran:
"A bugbear is also known as a Bugaboo, and a böggel-mann. It is a goblin-like beast that lives in marshy areas. It is a carnivore and is known for eating children. It will eat the young of just about any species. A bugbear can be found in the marshy areas of Eldathren."
"A bugbear is also known as a Bugaboo, and a böggel-mann. It is a goblin-like beast that lives in marshy areas. It is a carnivore and is known for eating children. It will eat the young of just about any species. A bugbear can be found in the marshy areas of Eldathren."
Encounter with a Bugbear
The sun had begun its descent behind the canopy of the Eldathren forest marshes, casting long, ominous shadows over the murky waters. I, Aranel, had ventured deep into this forsaken part of the forest, following whispers of missing children. My heart pounded as I navigated the twisted roots and treacherous ground, each step echoing the dread I felt.
It was then I heard it—a low, guttural growl, reverberating through the thick, humid air. I froze, every sense heightened. Emerging from the shadows was a towering figure, its matted fur and grotesque, goblin-like features unmistakable. A bugbear.
Its eyes, gleaming with a sinister intelligence, locked onto me. For a heartbeat, we stared at each other, the forest holding its breath. Then it lunged.
I barely had time to draw my blade. The bugbear moved with a terrifying swiftness, its clawed hands swiping through the air where my head had been moments before. I ducked and rolled, feeling the rush of displaced air above me. Rising swiftly, I slashed at its side, my sword biting into flesh. The creature roared in pain and fury, a sound that sent shivers down my spine.
We circled each other, my mind racing. This wasn't just a random encounter. The bugbear's presence here, in the heart of the marshes, suggested something darker at play. Its ferocity was matched only by a cunning glint in its eye. It feinted left, then struck from the right, its claws grazing my arm. Pain flared, but I held my ground, countering with a thrust that caught it off guard.
It stumbled back, wounded but not defeated. In that brief moment of respite, I knew I had to end this quickly. Gathering my strength, I surged forward, driving my blade deep into its heart. The bugbear let out a final, guttural cry before collapsing at my feet.
Breathing heavily, I glanced around the now-silent marsh. This victory was but a small step. The true battle—uncovering the fate of the missing children—had just begun.
It was then I heard it—a low, guttural growl, reverberating through the thick, humid air. I froze, every sense heightened. Emerging from the shadows was a towering figure, its matted fur and grotesque, goblin-like features unmistakable. A bugbear.
Its eyes, gleaming with a sinister intelligence, locked onto me. For a heartbeat, we stared at each other, the forest holding its breath. Then it lunged.
I barely had time to draw my blade. The bugbear moved with a terrifying swiftness, its clawed hands swiping through the air where my head had been moments before. I ducked and rolled, feeling the rush of displaced air above me. Rising swiftly, I slashed at its side, my sword biting into flesh. The creature roared in pain and fury, a sound that sent shivers down my spine.
We circled each other, my mind racing. This wasn't just a random encounter. The bugbear's presence here, in the heart of the marshes, suggested something darker at play. Its ferocity was matched only by a cunning glint in its eye. It feinted left, then struck from the right, its claws grazing my arm. Pain flared, but I held my ground, countering with a thrust that caught it off guard.
It stumbled back, wounded but not defeated. In that brief moment of respite, I knew I had to end this quickly. Gathering my strength, I surged forward, driving my blade deep into its heart. The bugbear let out a final, guttural cry before collapsing at my feet.
Breathing heavily, I glanced around the now-silent marsh. This victory was but a small step. The true battle—uncovering the fate of the missing children—had just begun.
How would you react if you crossed a Bugbear?
For more detailed sources of information, see the following links:
https://worldoflegend.eu/library/08e7e20f-07ab-4358-9716-8f848c5f6b57
https://villains.fandom.com/wiki/Bugbears_(folklore)
https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Bugbear
https://worldoflegend.eu/library/08e7e20f-07ab-4358-9716-8f848c5f6b57
https://villains.fandom.com/wiki/Bugbears_(folklore)
https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Bugbear
