The Dobhar-Chú - Monstrous Otter of Irish Folklore - Extra Mythology

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The Dobhar-Chú, Father of Otters, King of Lakes, and the Master Otter of Northwestern Ireland. A Monsterous and Mythological beast that roams Lough Glenade with a white pelt and murderous rage!
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♪ Outro Music: "Extra Mythology Theme" by Big Giant Circles
#ExtraMythology #ireland #Mythology

[@extrahistory]

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[@aizawlddma1737]

Wait..... How is this 22 hours ago

[@shrawloveshistory2277]

Patreons or subscribed through money ,makes this for the buyers!

[@Archgeek0]

Okay, please do explain... why under the stars is there an innocent NES cartridge (duck hunt, I think?) in the deadly maw of that googley-eyed toaster next to the fridge?

[@camperblue1]

Please make a story about mat kilau.

[@pngawainc457]

do one on boobginville

[@michaelbarnes5223]

In spite of everything that happened, I believe Ter was justified in killing the two beasts. His wife had been killed, his very life upended, his honor and very existence were on the line. Even though the taking of a life is a tragedy, sometimes it is necessary. In the end, there was no otter way.

[@zarinloosli5338]

Ohhh... Oh no...

[@stopofinterests6159]

Yeah, he could have been otterly destroyed.

[@r3dp9]

I don't usually swear, but in this case I think the appropriate response is "dam".

[@stopofinterests6159]

@@r3dp9 I think it would be inappropriate to otter such words on social media.

[@IffyJottere]

@@r3dp9 I think you've mistaken me for someone who builds a dam.

[@thetruerift]

Doom Otter! Otter of Doom!

[@extrahistory]

Doom never looked so dang cute!

[@LordGrantius]

I'm going to sing the Doom song now!

[@ericstelzman5190]

DOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!

[@MarkAnderson-iv1zt]

Great name for a band..

[@ajithsidhu7183]

​@@extrahistory you forgot the killer rabbit from monthy python

[@MCKevin289]

Fun fact Cuchulainn also died because of an otter. He took a geasa or an oath against cannibalism. His name was the hound of Ulster and he ate an otter. Which violated it because they were considered “sea dogs”. Because of this he is fated to die in the final battle against queen medb.

[@pablodonner5213]

Who was in turn killed by a hard cheese thrown with a sling

[@MCKevin289]

@@pablodonner5213 I love Irish mythology and folklore lol

[@gslidevideotester8592]

if the otter doesn't eat enough lemons does it become a scurvy sea dog?

[@thechin2875]

Another fun fact he didn't die because of an otter how wrong you are lmao

[@MCKevin289]

@@thechin2875 He ate an otter which cursed him because he broke an oath, but it being a myth there are many tellings of it some have him eating a dog.

[@dionadair8195]

This... had a much happier ending for Ter than I expected.

[@mightyone3737]

It's incredibly hard to justify killing an otter, but protecting your family seems like it'd be on the list.

[@kilerog]

Given how master otters are apparently murder beasts that go around attacking people, I'd say it's pretty easy to justify killing one.

[@mr.netflix9149]

Well, he didn't protect his family, he avenged it.

[@philtkaswahl2124]

Master Otter sounds like someone who should be the protagonist's sensei in an action anime.

[@extrahistory]

Like the chicken in the "Chicken Attack" song!

[@this_is_patrick]

Finally, a contender to the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog.

[@IffyJottere]

Ahh, finally! A worthy opponent! Our battle will be legendary!!!

[@barbatosmcmurderton4209]

​@@IffyJottereAnd adorable!

[@jaymartin8273]

"Look at the bones!" :=)

[@comediccomrade5716]

this is otterly unbelievable, I can’t believe an otter would do such a thing.

[@wood0465]

You otter take it easy with the puns.

[@giliansterckx]

Well, it is a wild animal after all. Nature is brutal like that. Otters are actually good hunters and, while usually not dangerous to humans, this one was evidently a special case. But you know what they say; a rose by any otter name...

[@cube8282]

A giant river otter could. They aren't cute like sea otters And they're 2 times bigger and more aggressive

[@madworldfan123]

Shhh! Do not otter about it! It'll hear you!

[@IffyJottere]

@@madworldfan123 *lurks and listens...*

[@eror5341]

So happy to see another extra mythology episode I hope you guys keep making more

[@roflcopterIII]

Just an fyi, in your description you've got the lake spelled as Lough Lake. Lough is lake in Irish, so that's Lake Lake. You want to either write it as Lough Glenade or Glenade Lake

[@roflcopterIII]

It's also not too far from the sea, as the crow flies!

[@germanomagnone]

This story of Dobhar-Chú makes me remember a lot of 2 other lake monsters: the Kelpie of Celtic folklore, and the lakes and rivers of Scotland and Ireland is believed. Then there is the ahuitzotl (or ahuitzotl) of the Aztec Mythology a sort of "aipom prototype", is described more or less a sort of otter with a caudal "hand". It would be interesting that you speak about Ahuizotl (both the monster and the Aztec ruler).

[@Ursy]

YOOOOOO! I live like 10 min from Glenade and work even closer to it! BTW its pronounced like glen-aid. If I had know y'all were working on an episode about it i would have contacted the local lore experts and historians to send some reading material and info/pamphlets your way! Crazy seeing a place i drive by every couple of days represented on this channel considering its such a niche little folk tale.

[@AkshanshJha]

Extra Mythology is back with a bang and a Death Otter. Epic!!!

[@ajuuran2890]

Fun fact: There once existed lion sized otters

[@Packless1]

...the gigant-otter - a.k.a. 'River-Wolf' from the amazon-river can grow up to 2 meters...!

[@michaelbarnes5223]

Otters of unusual size? I don't think they exist.

[@ecurewitz]

There are still giant otters in South America

[@andrewwhite6373]

@@michaelbarnes5223 OOUS's, if you will

[@DavidChipman]

@@michaelbarnes5223 A man of culture, I like it! ;) Love "The Princess Bride".

[@resinks2269]

The moral of the story: Fear the Otter

[@chheinrich8486]

If your in the amazon you should fear them, they kill crocs

[@Darkgun231]

Reminds me of the Beast of Gevaudan. Something rooted in the 'modern' world that is a fantastical explanation for a potentially mundane event.

[@David-dz1cb]

As a lifelong lover of otters(Thanks Redwall!) I choose to believe this is otterly true. And amazing.

[@rayyankhan343]

Maybe the redwall otters talk like that due to this myths

[@Jilliangamez03]

Oooh another Redwall fan

[@rayyankhan343]

@@Jilliangamez03 there are dozens of us! DOZENS!

[@Hana1LuLu]

I like to read to books according to in-universe chronology, what do you fellow fans think?

[@userthomash]

The first one in so long please do one on the Nuckelavee

[@EchoTravelsUSA]

I would have never guessed this story was a thing. Only from extra history of course 😅

[@krankarvolund7771]

Honestly, for the whole second half of the tale I was "Why are you running? You killed the first otter in one shote with your gun. Reload your gun and kill the second one". If the master otter had rised from the dead or there were dozens of them, I could understand, but it's just the same one as before. Who was no threat for him the first time. Because it's just a dog-sized otter, people have killed far more dangerous things with rifles XD

[@b1laxson]

He wasn't American.

[@IanGarris]

And thus was born the double-barreled shotgun!

[@krankarvolund7771]

@@b1laxson I'm not even american, I'm french XD

[@krankarvolund7771]

@@IanGarris I always thought that gun was shooting two bullets at the same time ^^'

[@stevenn1940]

​@@krankarvolund7771 in fairness, iirc, it has two triggers, so you could fire both barrels at once if you really wanted too... for reasons?

[@santiagoramirez6178]

OMG!! Is extra mythology back??!! I love these videos!!

[@krankarvolund7771]

Pretty sure it was back last week with the revenant ^^ Or maybe two weeks ago XD

[@Darkgun231]

I half expected this to be about Ottar, the legendary figure of Norse myth.

[@MiseFreisin]

0:02 Ah c'mon lads, can't believe I have to say this Leitrim isn't a real place

[@hyugalubbok7770]

"When he run at top speed, his nose could tear through rocks" - Is this where the inspiration for the pokemon Linoone's speed?

[@Merennulli]

"It was then he realized he really shouldn't otter have done that."

[@jasonbrennan9918]

I had to fight one of these when I was playtesting for Ars Magica, but it was a bit different... - Size was +1 so equivalent to a *very* large dog at around 300 lbs. - Was invulnerable to weapons not made of silver. - Anyone who slays one is affected by its Death Curse and will be the victim of some terrible misfortune within 24 hours.... Not a huge threat to a magus, but quite dangerous if they can establish a grapple in the water to drown you....

[@schizoidboy]

In his book "In the Wake of Sea Serpents" cryptozoologist Bernard Heuvelmans had several categories of sea monster sightings. One classification was the "super otter" which might give some credence to this story. I think he considered the creature extinct or possibly extinct, but I could be wrong.

[@hemberger91]

I’m in otter disbelief

[@NicoBabyman1]

NO.

[@brockmckelvey7327]

Okay, but the message I got was "Do what you please, so long as you can take down a Dobhar-Chú" For reference, I'm a Texan

[@DracoMagnius]

Yeah to me it seems the morals of the story are: 1. Don't go out to a lake without an escourt/lifeguard 2. You can't run away from your problems. You need to confront them head on.

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Your Mythology videos are so cool!

[@rambelinglynx3293]

0:52 "It was sadly both" got me messed upp

[@samrevlej9331]

I KNEW IT! Otters are monsters. (Specifically river otters. Sea otters are cool though.) Like dolphins, cute water animals are horrible murderous psychopaths. Plus I'm pretty sure I remember a documentary about beavers where an otter was trying to kill beaver babies.

[@MuriKakari]

I'm glad Sea Otters are cool. Sea otter pups are the cutest.

[@samrevlej9331]

@@MuriKakari I agree.

[@Giulionegri01]

nice touch, not to repeat the opening theme and printing it on the background. i love you

[@joarlarsson6132]

Can you do an episode on finnish mythology? Great video by the way.

[@Jubel06]

Is this story basically Beowulf with otters?

[@ecurewitz]

Except there were no thanes partying next to the otters house

[@poppy63765]

Been waiting for some extra mythology

[@Daspip8]

I utilize a portion of this tale in my book series.

[@vicorp]

No "Blue Monday" (the comic) mention? They have a giant Irish otter named Seamus that's an important secondary character.

[@slasher1563]

This channel spoils tf outta me, bringing back extra mythology is amazing

[@Ryu_D]

Thank you for the video.

[@jaxjaxattaxx]

I don’t know why, but the animation for Ter’s horse’s “Wtf” eyes animation before bolting made me let out the ugliest laugh 😂

[@bsb8905]

Yes extra mythology is back

[@bethanypuleo]

Oh! Thank goodness! I thought the myths were gone for good.

[@Dennisentrekin8022]

Please do more extra mythology!

[@lowenergyvideos4658]

I am watching this in Leitrim Village, about half a hour drive from me is this lake. Been here nearly 10 years. Never once heard this story! I need to get out and talk to the locals more XD

[@Ursy]

Manorhamilton here!

[@lowenergyvideos4658]

@@Ursy Enjoying the snow?

[@Ursy]

@Low Energy Videos ah it's nearly all gone now:(

[@Shamanscircle1]

Ter the entire time: top tier Irish decision making is super effective

[@TroubleReading]

Yay! Extra Mythology! Oh how I’ve missed thee!

[@stevenuniverse1422]

So good to see this back.

[@alaskanspartan89]

Alaska has similar monster but name is otterman (I can't remember actual name but it sounds like superhero/supervillain name) it's shape shifting killer

[@falconJB]

Alaska also just has otters the size of dogs.

[@Ontario_Watson]

I’m sure I’ll get the spelling wrong here, but they are called Kushdahkah; kind of like a siren (leads kayakers to their death with song), kind of like a werewolf (shapeshifter who can turn you into one).

[@wood0465]

Is anyone else sure Ter killed his wife? Think about it. There is archeological evidence that this is a real story (the headstones), but no evidence it's a true one. I like the idea that this was Ter's explanation for his wife's corpse. "You guys, there was an otter. Wait, I know, but it was like, super big and, you know, like, magic. Seriously, I killed it. I'll prove it. I'll kill another otter." Classic Ter

[@b1laxson]

Its possible that she drowned and that an otter was near her corpse when Ter arrived. They whole chased thing might also have been him fleeing accusations of killing her too.

[@stanamilanovich3956]

I was thinking he murdered her as well. Because where are the mythical and legendary skins which nobody of that time period would leave behind.

[@greensteve9307]

Yeah, that's what I'm hearing too. Kinda like the story where the 'virgin' woman gets pregnant and blames a god.

[@Animefreakess]

Or that it could have been a sea creature, that had become trapped. For example, a Leopard Seal. It has a fairly similar face to an otter though larger. And it would look close to a half dog and half fish, which is how many legends describe the Dobhar Chu. They are rare enough to encounter to get mythologies spun around them. Ireland isn't that far from Antarctica and they are known for being spotted on various shores. Also, there are known human fatalities as they are quite aggressive. Finally to get an epitaph like that, you would need proof, not just a story. So obviously they had the bodies in their possession...

[@Secret-jg1bk]

I wouldn't be surprised if Ter was the one who actually killed her and made up a magical giant otter to cover it and his guilty conscience. It sounded more like the whole otter story was used as a way to cover up his guilty conscience for what he did as well. I think the story went out of hand the more he went on with the story over time which made it sound even more unbelievable to hear. The otter's wife killed his wife, then felt like it was trying to attack him then he killed it? Then he tried to kill the male otter who was going on the same rampage to kill him like he tried to do to the otter and felt a rush of fear and guilt? The whole story was made up to cover himself up and to make himself feel less guilty for what he had done to his wife.

[@samiraperi467]

Gotta catch 'em all!

[@I-eat-chiIdren]

I haven't seen extra mythology in so long

[@TheCreepypro]

what a tale

[@Narutonarutonaruto85]

"Cute little teddy bear nose." Lol.

[@haven_lady675]

March is Irish American Heritage month Good timing 🇮🇪☘️

[@AndrewGeierMelons]

Nothing Irish-American about this story. Stop injecting yourself into Irish culture so.

[@inqy8339]

Nice. See also the afanc, the demon-beaver of Welsh folklore.

[@alfrancisbuada2591]

So cool!

[@dreammov2999]

YES YES YES YESSSD EXTRA MTHOLOGLY MY DAY IS MADE

[@Ennahdee]

What about the Trout of No Craic next?

[@thefrogbert6295]

0:14 Florida Beaches be like

[@postapocalypticnewsradio]

PANR's Seamus has tuned in.

[@22espec]

Finally I found an otter... with a dark side.

[@ethannakdimon8068]

One of the cutest mythic beasts!

[@deadlydingus1138]

Plot twist: he died because he didn’t expect the third, even larger otter.

[@shrawloveshistory2277]

Can you do a vedio on history of Nepal??

[@Albert_1_of_Belgium]

*Perry* the Man-Eating Irish Otter?

[@deadlydingus1138]

He’s a semiaquatic legendary creature of action He’s a mythical mustelid who will never flinch from a fray

[@Albert_1_of_Belgium]

@@deadlydingus1138 He's got more than just pure rage He's got webbed feet and a taste for human flesh

[@Gojiragon]

Now that would be a cool Kaiju.

[@bobsmith7066]

Dobhar-Chu, Dobhar-Chu, naal ok zin los vahriin! Just saying, imagine Skyrim with giant otters instead of dragons.

[@ernestlam5632]

The fur sounds like a fox. I can see somebody having one of those silver Cross fox fur pelts and saying that it's from a master otter.

[@masteryeet3600]

I think I’ve been to Lough Glenade: can’t remember though.

[@Some_Average_Joe]

It's so weird how much overlap there is in Irish and Northwest Native American folklore

[@Rexy_THE_T-REX]

Hmmmm cowincendce, I THINK NOT

[@scrollcaps]

I don't remember Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas having so much murder in it, but then again it is 70's Jim Henson.

[@thatguye2829]

We also have a headless horseman who hates gold, uses a human spine as a whip and if he calls your name and you don't have gold nearby. You drop dead, instantly.

[@somefrenchguy4011]

My favorite otter

[@mrmoo8900]

The eyes in the background to the right of the campfire scene is the otter…

[@juanignaciolopeztellechea9401]

"And before you cold say glue factory"

[@catherineblack2438]

I want the otter on a T-shirt.

[@taimunozhan]

An otter like no otter

[@TopsideCrisis346]

Yeah, IRL Pokemon just got that much scarier... 😅

[@Toneill029]

I think this story was meant to say, revenge is messy, and usually a cycle, you either need to break that cycle or let it continue.

[@_EVANERV_]

The story sounds more like: if you killed your spouse, invent an elaborate story. Not only won't you be blamed, people may even immortalize your tall tale.

[@yonokhanman654]

9:01 Yay, Pizza Tower!

[@dragon091327]

This animal is what got me into cryptozoology when I was younger

[@JohnNotAMurderer]

Otterly great video

[@extrahistory]

Why thank you!

[@jdrobertson42]

This feels like Beowulf but with otters.

[@abcdef27669]

And people wonder why fishing with dynamite was a thing...

[@SilverFang2789]

Oh it's just a harmless little otter isn't it?

[@andrewklang809]

That otter's dynamite!

[@markusowens-ld9wt]

This was funny

[@NoName-hg6cc]

The King Otter asked for it. If those thing existed humans would have fun finding out if there are more otters than bullets

[@noahthesheepking7663]

This whole time I knew it wasn’t his real name but I kept on imagining his name is turd

[@paulb8118]

Well that's just otterly ridiculous

[@NicoBabyman1]

Cease.

[@Speedbread]

Can you do Napoleon history please

[@austinreed7343]

Dobhar-Chu, I do NOT choose you.

[@SodaQuasar]

Dobar! dobar! Dobar chuuuuuuuu!!! Dobar Chu used Hyper Fang! It was very effective...

[@kendrickoyola4290]

Megalenhydris, maybe?

[@telotawa]

i love otters

[@KhaozVoid]

Dobhar-chú, I choose you!

[@laytonrobinson-gr5qp]

Im doing a school writing thing about like descriptions of mythical creatures (can be made up) and i picked this one… HOW STUPID CAN I BE THERE IS BARLEY ANY INFO ON IT

[@michelleanderson245]

At some point someone should have said "this is way too many otters"