Rodan | Monster Profile

Name: Rodan

Movie Appearances: Rodan, Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster, Invasion of The Astro-Monster, Destroy All Monsters, Godzilla vs. Gigan, Godzilla vs. Megalon, Terror of Mechagodzilla, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II, Godzilla: Final Wars, Godzilla: King of The Monsters (2019)

Rodan is a giant red pterodactyl-like kaiju. Rodan has two curved horns towards the back of its head and a body covered in sharp, armor-like scales. Rodan is one of the many kaiju that have retired to Monster Island and tries to live peacefully. Rodan can fly at extremely high speeds, leaving a path of mass destruction from the sonic booms and high winds it creates. Rodan can also use its spiky armor to cut enemies and create massive gusts like a hurricane. In later years, a young Rodan hatchling even learned to fire heat beams from its beak.

Rodan first appeared in its own movie Rodan, where two Rodans terrorized Japan. They were defeated when a controlled volcanic eruption caused them to fall into molten lava. It was believed both were killed, but at least one survived and appeared in Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster, fighting Godzilla before teaming up with Mothra to stop Ghidorah. Rodan also appeared in Invasion of The Astro-Monster and Destroy All Monsters, often teaming with Godzilla to fight alien-controlled kaiju and Ghidorah.

Years later in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II, a new Rodan hatched. This young Rodan fought Godzilla and nearly died but eventually discovered its heat beam ability. During the battle, Rodan sacrificed itself to save Godzilla, giving Godzilla the energy to defeat Mechagodzilla. Rodan made a brief appearance in Godzilla: Final Wars, under Xilien control, but was no match for Godzilla.

In 2019, Rodan reappeared in Godzilla: King of the Monsters. This Rodan was born in the El Nido del Demonio volcano on Isla De Mara, Mexico. Rodan caused devastation across Mexico before challenging King Ghidorah. Rodan was quickly defeated and became Ghidorah’s servant after it was established that King Ghidorah was the alpha. Later, Rodan battled Mothra and was wounded by her stinger. Once the final battle ended with Godzilla victorious over King Ghidorah, Rodan bowed to Godzilla as the supreme alpha.

Rodan is one of Godzilla’s greatest allies, repeatedly helping him defeat Ghidorah and other threats. Rodan’s combination of speed, power, and loyalty make it one of the most memorable kaiju of all time.