The Demogorgon's Origins: An Analysis of Dungeons Dragons Influence

Many fans of the hit television series Stranger Things have wondered about the origins and inspirations behind the monstrous entity known as the Demogorgon. While there have been speculations and theories connecting it to various creatures from folklore, one of the most prominent theories has been the link to the Native American wendigo. However, the creators of Stranger Things have not explicitly stated such an inspiration. Instead, the Demogorgon's story is deeply rooted in the world of Dungeons Dragons.

Was the Demogorgon Inspired by the Wendigo?

Upon closer examination, the similarities between the Demogorgon and the wendigo are primarily thematic rather than direct. Both creatures share the attribute of being monstrous and representing fear, but their characteristics diverge in significant ways. The wendigo, a being from Algonquian folklore, symbolizes themes of greed, cannibalism, and the harshness of winter. These traits are notably different from those of the Demogorgon, which is depicted more as a powerful demon from the Dungeons Dragons (DD) lore.

Demogorgon in Dungeons Dragons

The Duffer Brothers, who created Stranger Things, are well-known for their appreciation of Dungeons Dragons. The Demogorgon in the show is a perfect example of this influence. In the world of Dungeons Dragons, the Demogorgon is described as a powerful demonic lord, not a human-daemon hybrid as seen in the video game Warhammer. This influence is evident in the character's portrayal in Stranger Things, where the Demogorgon is depicted as an all-powerful, seemingly untouchable entity.

During the first season of Stranger Things, the Demogorgon is portrayed as an alpha figure in the Upside-Down dimension, the most dangerous and physically powerful creature the characters have encountered. This portrayal aligns with the Dungeons Dragons lore, where Demogorgon is described as a demon prince capable of commanding great power within the Abyss. The Demogorgon in the show is characterized as having the ability to claim dominance through sheer power, emphasizing the chaotic and unruly nature of demons.

The Legend of Demogorgon in Literary Contexts

The Demogorgon’s origins can also be traced back to classical literature. In Paradise Lost by John Milton, Demogorgon is mentioned alongside Orcus and Hades as "the dreaded name." Similarly, in Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus, the character mentions the name Demogorgon when summoning forth Mephistopheles. These literary references add depth to the character's mythos and demonstrate the lasting impact of the name in supernatural lore.

Conclusion

While the wendigo may initially seem like a plausible inspiration for a monster in Stranger Things, the Demogorgon’s story is more closely tied to the Dungeons Dragons universe. The creators of the show leveraged their extensive knowledge of DD to create a complex and terrifying monster that resonates with fans of both the show and the game. The Demogorgon, as an entity of pure power and chaos, serves as a perfect antagonist to the heroes of Stranger Things, embodying the pinnacle of their monstrous fears.