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Locksnake

A Locksnake guarding skekTek's cabinet

Locksnakes were reptiles found in the mountains of Grot and the cliffs of the Sifan Coast. They were reputed to be among Thra's toughest creatures due to their nearly impenetrable hides. Born pink and soft, young Locksnakes would ingest pebbles and rocks, which their digestive systems would break down and use the nutrients to reinforce the animals' scales. These scales varied in color, depending on the mineral composition of the rocks they consumed. Adult Locksnakes would continue to ingest minerals throughout their lives, though with the addition of animal prey.[1]

Their heads and tails worked together as a locking mechanism, with a unique skull structure that allowed them to insert their tails into their mouths and out the back of their heads like a buckle, locking their jaws closed and keeping the tail ends secured. In nature, this ability was used for constricting prey. In captivity, this trait prompted the Skeksis to use Locksnakes as living locks, wrapping their bodies around specially designed knobs on cabinet doors, vigilantly guarding the contents inside.[1]

One specimen was used by skekTek to guard a cabinet containing Mira's essence, but was eaten by skekSil.[2]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Cesare, A. & Compiet, I. (2020), The Dark Crystal Bestiary: The Definitive Guide to the Creatures of Thra, Insight Editions, p. 96, ISBN 1683838211
  2. "Nothing Is Simple Anymore" The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. Netflix. August 30, 2019
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