Chimera
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The Chimera is a hybrid monster from Greek mythology which is composed of the parts of multiple animals. Typically, it is depicted as a lion with a goat's head and a snake for a tail. Beyond its role in myth, the Chimera has often appeared or been referenced in works of popular culture, including within the Godzilla franchise. The Chimera appears in the 1978 Godzilla episode "Island of Lost Ships," and is referenced in dialogue in the 1989 film Godzilla vs. Biollante.
Name
In Ancient Greek, the Chimera's name is spelled Χίμαιρα (Chímaira), literally meaning "she-goat." Its name is rendered in Japanese katakana characters as キメラ (Kimera).
Design
In Greek mythology, the Chimera is typically depicted as a lion, with a goat's head on its back and a serpentine tail that ends with a snake's head. Sometimes, it is also depicted with a dragon's wings.
In the Godzilla episode "Island of Lost Ships," the Chimera resembles its mythological namesake, bearing a lion's head and body and a serpentine tail. However, it lacks the mythical creature's goat head on its back and the snake head on its tail, as well as the draconic wings present in some depictions. It has dark gray skin and two ram horns on its head, as well as a an armored countershaded stomach. The Chimera also has a forked tongue, large fangs, and ram horns.
History
- Godzilla (TV 1978) [episode 9]
- Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989) [mentioned]
Godzilla
"Island of Lost Ships"
The Calico discovered an island on the one night it became visible again after thousands of years of invisibility. The Siren Sisters who inhabited the island wanted to keep the crew prisoner for all eternity, but the crew sumoned Godzilla to save them. Chimera was accidentally released and engaged Godzilla, but it was no match for Godzilla and was pushed back into its prison. Later, after capturing most of the crew, the Siren Sisters all combined into one to awaken and control Chimera. When Chimera gripped Godzooky, Pete managed to awaken Godzilla, who fought Chimera again. Knowing Chimera couldn't beat Godzilla alone, the sirens joined with Chimera to increase its power. This strength made no difference to Godzilla, who tricked it into falling off the cliff and diving into the sea, awakening the Calico crew.
Heisei era
Godzilla vs. Biollante
Dr. Kazuto Kirishima referenced the mythical Chimera when expressing his concerns with genetic engineering to Asuka Okouchi, fearing that scientists may create something dreadful from it. His fears proved prescient, as genetic tampering using Godzilla's cells would soon give rise to the monstrous hybrid Biollante.
Abilities
Fire breath
The Chimera can release a deadly stream of fire from its maw.
Growth
The Chimera can grow from human-sized to Godzilla-sized.
Weaknesses
In their first fight, the Chimera was easily overpowered by Godzilla, so in their second fight, it needed assistance from the Siren Sisters to increase its size and power. It was destroyed when it entered water, transforming into smoke.
Trivia
- The Chimera's ram horns in "Island of Lost Ships" may be a reference to its mythological counterpart's goat head.
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