Tsuchinoko

Tsuchinoko is an enemy in Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow. It is a mythical snake-like cryptid that can spit poison and escape by quickly burrowing underground.
==Origins==
In Japanese folklore, the tsuchinoko (literally translating to "child of hammer" or "child of dirt") is a legendary creature that appears to be a snake with an arrow-shaped head, tapered tail and wide body. They are described as being between 30 and 80 centimeters (12 and 31 inches) in length, similar in appearance to a snake, but with a central girth that is much wider than its head or tail, and as having fangs and venom similar to that of a viper. Some accounts also describe the tsuchinoko as being able to jump up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) in distance, followed immediately by a second jump while still in the air.
According to legend, some tsuchinoko have the ability to speak and a propensity for lying, and they are also said to have a taste for alcohol. Legend records that it will sometimes swallow its own tail so that it can roll like a wheel.
==Location==
Found in the Dance Hall, in the room after the Big Golem boss. The Tsuchinoko will not appear most of the times, so the player may have to keep reentering the room until it finally spawns.
==Strategy==
Most of the times, the Tsuchinoko will not even show up, although occasionally it may be found burrowing underground. If the player can catch it while it still is above ground, they will have a short amount of time to kill it before it escapes. Its only attack is a poisonous spit.
Of all the non-boss monsters in the game, it has the fifth highest chance of giving over its soul (after Sky Fish, Kicker Skeleton, Flame Demon and Succubus), although this is still a low drop rate and can take several attempts before it finally yields it. Its soul grants the V.I.P. ability, which allows Soma to get discounts at Hammer's shop.
==Enemy Data==
==Item Data==
==Gallery==
AoS 036.png|Tsuchinoko's enemy list entry from Aria of Sorrow.
==Trivia==
*The legendary tsuchinoko also appears in two of Konami's Metal Gear Solid games: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.
==See also==
*Cryptids
*Snake
cryptid
Category:Japanese Monsters
Category:Poison Enemies
Category:Aria of Sorrow Enemies