Lore To Sleep To ▶ D&D: The Tarrasque

Explore the legendary origins and terrifying evolution of Dungeons & Dragons' ultimate monster: the unstoppable Tarrasque. From its mythical roots in French folklore to its role as a world-ending titan across every D&D edition, this video reveals why the Tarrasque continues to captivate and terrify players. Prepare to meet the creature whose awakening spells doom and defines epic adventures.

Sources Used:
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1st Edition - Monster Manual II (TSR, 1983). Introduction of the Tarrasque, original description and mechanics.
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition - Monstrous Compendium & Monstrous Manual (TSR, 1989-1993). Lore expansions on the Tarrasque, including origin theories (elemental princes, punisher of the gods) and updated abilities.
Netheril: Empire of Magic boxed set and adventure “How the Mighty Are Fallen” (TSR, 1996). Details the Karsus encounter with the Tarrasque’s pituitary gland.
H2 The Mines of Bloodstone (TSR, 1986). High-level AD&D adventure featuring a battle with the Tarrasque in the Test of Might.
Dragon Magazine #359 - “Ecology of the Tarrasque” by Ed Greenwood (Paizo Publishing, 2007). In-depth article on Tarrasque biology and behavior (three stomachs, carapace, hibernation).
Dragon Magazine #418 - “History Check: The Tarrasque” by Jeff LaSala (Wizards of the Coast, 2012). Provides 4th Edition-era perspective on the Tarrasque’s origins (Dawn War primordial weapon) and cults (the Reckoners), along with updated 4e mechanics.
Dungeons & Dragons 3rd Edition - Monster Manual (Wizards of the Coast, 2000) and D&D v3.5 Monster Manual (Wizards, 2003). Tarrasque stats and description in the d20 system, maintaining its classic traits.
Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition - Monster Manual (Wizards, 2008) and updates in Dungeon/Dragon Magazine (Wizards, 2008-2012). Revised Tarrasque lore (primordial creation) and mechanics (solo monster design, aura effects, etc.).
Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition - Monster Manual (Wizards, 2014). Modern description and stats of the Tarrasque as a CR 30 legendary creature.
Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden (Wizards, 2020). Adventure book referencing the Tarrasque in lore.
Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting (Wizards, 2001) and Grand History of the Realms (Wizards, 2007). Includes historical accounts involving the Tarrasque (Katashaka’s Sleeper, summoning in 1357 DR, etc.).
Forgotten Realms DC Comics (Issues #7-8) “Dragonsmoker” and “Dragons and Other Beasts” (DC/TSR, 1990). Depicts a summoned Tarrasque and its defeat by the Heroes of the Realms Master.
Ed Greenwood, “Only a Woman Can Take This Sort of Abuse” (Wizards.com, 2003). Spin a Yarn short story featuring a reference to the Tarrasque.
Magic: The Gathering - Adventures in the Forgotten Realms set (Wizards, 2021). Tarrasque card and flavor, bridging D&D and MTG.
Spellfire CCG - Cards featuring the Tarrasque (TSR, 1994). Early depiction in a card game format.
Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms (Codename Entertainment, ongoing). Video game events including the Tarrasque as a boss encounter.
Neverwinter Nights: Darkness over Daggerford (Ossian Studios, 2006) and Neverwinter MMORPG (Cryptic Studios, 2013). References to the Tarrasque in video game content.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves - The Road to Neverwinter (Del Rey, 2023). Novel tie-in which alludes to famous D&D monsters, including the Tarrasque.
Public statements and previews by D&D designers (Jeremy Crawford, Wes Schneider) - regarding the 2024 Monster Manual updates to the Tarrasque (e.g., Wizards Presents announcements, Gizmodo preview article, 2025 Monster Manual press info).
“The Grand History of the Realms” by Brian R. James and Ed Greenwood (Wizards, 2007). Source of historical timeline including Tarrasque events in the Forgotten Realms.
Various D&D community sources and discussions - including fan blogs like Power Score’s “Everything You Need to Know About the Tarrasque” (2014) and forum lore analyses that compile edition changes and usage of the Tarrasque in play.