Rodan

Giant Monster of the Sky

A giant flying kaiju appearing in the Godzilla series. Modeled on a mutated Pteranodon. Destroys urban areas with shockwaves from supersonic flight. One of Toho's three great kaiju.

Quotes

  • Rodan is the king of the sky, like the phoenix.
  • Spread your wings and unleash a supersonic storm.
  • To protect his siblings, he confronts any enemy.
  • The blazing crimson wings announce despair.
  • The shockwave that tears the sky is proof of Rodan's rage.

Trivia

  • The roar effect uses a processed sound mixing contrabass and human voice.
  • The original Rodan suit was made with bamboo frame and latex coating.
  • Fire Rodan newly appears in 'Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla', spewing Uranium Heat Ray from its mouth.
  • Also appears in 'All Monsters Attack', but with few scenes.
  • Rodan's roar was also used for Heisei VS series King Ghidorah, Gigan, and Ultraman's monster Antlar.
  • The original Rodan is officially set as a mated pair (husband and wife).

Alternate names

Rodan Winged Dragon Kaiju Giant Monster of the Sky Fire Rodan

Tags

Kaiju Toho Godzilla Flying Kaiju Pteranodon Showa Kaiju Heisei Kaiju Millennium Kaiju Giant Monster of the Sky Supersonic

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Profile

Species
Giant Kaiju (Pterosaur type)

Appearance

Overall appearance
Giant pterosaur-type kaiju with wingspan of about 120m and height of about 50m. Body color and wing shape vary slightly by era or work. The original has a somewhat bird-like appearance, with horns and back spines added in later works. Fire Rodan form has a red, blazing visual.
Height
About 50m
Weight
About 15,000 tons
Eye color
Brown
Distinguishing features
  • 1-3 horn-like protrusions on the head
  • Tail is oval or near-trapezoid shape
  • Thick wing membrane and sturdy wing bones
  • Sword mountain-like spines on the back (depending on the work)
Iconic items
  • Huge wings
  • Sharp beak
  • Heat ray emitted from the mouth (Fire Rodan)
  • Shockwave (Sonic Boom)

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Fierce
Detailed personality
Ferocious and aggressive, but shows understanding and cooperation in some works, teaming up with Godzilla or Mothra. Basically depicted as a threat of nature.
Keywords
  • Fierce
  • Survival Instinct
  • High Mobility
  • Fighting Spirit
  • Sense of Comradeship
Talents
  • Supersonic Flight
  • Powerful Beak Attack
  • Aerial Shockwave (Sonic Boom)
  • High Durability
  • Uranium Heat Ray Projection (Fire Rodan)
Skills
  • Aerial Combat
  • High-Speed Turns and Sudden Climbs
  • Terrestrial Bipedal Walking
  • Enemy Protection/Escort
Motivation
Protecting itself and its sibling Baby Godzilla. Survival as a species.
Habits
Generates gusts by flapping wings during flight. Roar is a unique low contrabass sound mixed with human voice.
Favorite places
Mount Aso, Adona Island, Monsterland, Isla de Mara Volcano
Favorite foods
Ancient Dragonfly Larvae (Meganulon), Dolphins (Destroy All Monsters version), Biological Prey
Disliked situations
Nuclear Attacks, JSDF/Military Attacks, Interference with Psychic Power Development

History

Backstory
Pteranodon that existed over 200 million years ago mutated due to the influence of nuclear tests. Multiple individuals exist, sometimes depicted as a pair or siblings. Mutates under the influence of radiation or psychic powers, taking various forms. Mainly inhabits volcanoes or islands such as Mount Aso, Monsterland, Adona Island, etc.
Debut date
July 22, 1956
Work title
Rodan
Media type
Movie

Showa Series Debut

Significant event
Showa Series Debut
Description
Appears in 'Rodan' as two abnormal beings inhabiting a volcanic cave nest near Mount Aso.

Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster

Significant event
Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster
Description
Appears alongside Godzilla and Mothra to battle King Ghidorah. Creates highlight scenes with supersonic flight and beak attacks.

Transformation into Fire Rodan in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla

Significant event
Transformation into Fire Rodan in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla
Description
Under the influence of Godzilla's radioactive heat ray, transforms into red blazing Fire Rodan and becomes able to use Uranium Heat Ray.

Appearance in Godzilla: Final Wars

Significant event
Appearance in Godzilla: Final Wars
Description
Appears as an agent of the Xiliens, battles Godzilla using supersonic shock pulverization wave but is shot down.

Appearance in Godzilla: King of the Monsters

Significant event
Appearance in Godzilla: King of the Monsters
Description
Rendered in CG, appears in a form enveloped in volcano-like flames. Engages in fierce battle with Mothra as Ghidorah's subordinate.

Appearance in Godzilla Singular Point

Significant event
Appearance in Godzilla Singular Point
Description
Appears as small aberrant kaiju. Reacts to radio waves and appears in large numbers. Growth process is also depicted.

Relationships

Fire Rodan (Mutated Form)

Same individual or enhanced form due to mutation. Sometimes a brother-like relationship.

Baby Godzilla

Sibling

In 'Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla', mistakes it for a sibling and takes protective action.

Godzilla

Teammate

Teamed up to battle King Ghidorah in 'Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster', forming cooperative relationships several times thereafter.

Mothra

Ally

Responded to Mothra's call and joined the battle in 'Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster'.

King Ghidorah

Rival

Primary antagonistic kaiju, repeatedly engages in battles.

Toho's Three Great Kaiju

Toho's Three Great Kaiju: member

Media appearances

Rodan

Movie / Protagonist

1956

Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster

Movie / Protagonist

1964

Invasion of Astro-Monster

Movie / Supporting

1965

Destroy All Monsters

Movie / Supporting

1968

Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla

Movie / Supporting

1993

Godzilla: Final Wars

Movie / Supporting

2004

Godzilla: King of the Monsters

Movie / Supporting

2019

Kaiju Planet Godzilla

Movie / Supporting

1994

Godzilla Singular Point

Anime / Supporting

2021

Godzilla Island

TV series / Supporting

1997

CR Godzilla 3

Game / Cameo

2006

P Godzilla vs. Evangelion Second Impact G

Game / Cameo

2024

Voice cast and creators

Haruo Nakajima

Voice actor
Haruo Nakajima
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Rodan
Notes
Original suit actor

Koji Uruiki

Voice actor
Koji Uruiki
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster

Masanori Shinohara

Voice actor
Masanori Shinohara
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Invasion of Astro-Monster

Teruo Aragaki

Voice actor
Teruo Aragaki
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Destroy All Monsters

Naoko Kamio

Voice actor
Naoko Kamio
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Godzilla: Final Wars

Tomoyuki Tanaka

Creator name
Tomoyuki Tanaka
Role
Original author

Jo Yoshida

Creator name
Jo Yoshida
Role
Character designer

Shinji Nishikawa

Creator name
Shinji Nishikawa
Role
Character designer

Haruo Nakajima

Creator name
Haruo Nakajima
Role
suitActor

Koji Uruiki

Creator name
Koji Uruiki
Role
suitActor

Masanori Shinohara

Creator name
Masanori Shinohara
Role
suitActor

Teruo Aragaki

Creator name
Teruo Aragaki
Role
suitActor

Naoko Kamio

Creator name
Naoko Kamio
Role
suitActor

MONSTERS

Creator name
MONSTERS
Role
Animation studio

Toho

Creator name
Toho
Role
Licensee

Related goods

Rodan Sofubi Figure

Item name
Rodan Sofubi Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Fire Rodan Sofubi Model

Item name
Fire Rodan Sofubi Model
Category
Figure
Availability
Limited

Rodan Theme Song CD

Item name
Rodan Theme Song CD
Category
Digital
Availability
Regular

Rodan Figure (Godzilla Series DCM Product)

Item name
Rodan Figure (Godzilla Series DCM Product)
Category
Figure
Availability
Limited

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