Uluu Thalongh

The Uluu Thalongh was a terrifying monster of Chultan jungle legend.

Summary

The Uluu Thalongh was an ancient, massive, intelligent, and baleful monster. Its actual appearance was not known—if it had a normal "form" at all. Instead, the Uluu manifested itself from "within" the trees and plants of the jungle, appearing as bulges and ripples as it moved along. The Uluu's approach usually came with a strange sound like that of atonal pipes. The Uluu's other manner of sound-making was far more terrifying. It had the ability to sting sentient prey with a sharp root and suck the hapless victim's innards out. With the empty husk that remained, the Uluu was able to control the body and speak through its lips. Using this method, the Uluu would often lure further victims into its clutches by imitating friends or pretending to be a traveler in need.

Historical Basis

The name Uluu Thalongh was granted by a Chultan tribe long since gone extinct. The meaning of the term is equally forgotten.

In Literature

The Legend of the Uluu Thalongh by Rhue del'Asandro
Of all the legends whispered about the monster-infested swampriddled jungles of Chult, the most eerie is that of the Uluu Thalongh, a name whose meaning has been lost along with the tribe that bestowed it. The Uluu Thalongh is a huge, ancient, and malevolent flesh-eating beast. A wierd, tuneless piping always marks its approach.
When it closes on its intended prey, the Uluu 'goes within' jungle plants and trees, causing them to ripple and bulge. These swellings move swiftly to branches, from which they burst forth as huge jaws at the end of tentacles - eyeless jaws that see prey perfectly, snapping and tearing until all creatures nearby have died or fled.
Even cabals of wizards casting fiery and explosive spells that obliterate miles upon miles of jungle have failed to destroy the Uluu Thalongh. More frightening is the tendency of this mysterious predator to lure prey to itself by causing beings to speak for it.
The Uluu can then convey its own thoughts and mental control through the speaker. Even creatures that don't normally speak can hoarsely whisper words in an attempt to lure humans to its jaws.
Sometimes speakers plead for help or shout mock cries for aid from afar - but more often they pose as aides or companions whom the Uluu has already slain. Who or what the Uluu Thalongh truly is remains a deadly mystery

Related Locations

• Chult
• The Great Jungle