Livyjira [1][2][3] is a prehistoric species of whale-like Kaiju who first appeared in the fifth episode of Ultraman Arc.
Subtitle: Giant Cetacean Beast [1][2][3]
Conception
Etymology
Livyjira's name is a combination of the binomial name of Livyatan melvillei[3], a prehistoric species of sperm whale (whose genus name was inspired by the biblical sea monster Leviathan, and species name from Moby-Dick author Herman Melville) and the Japanese word Kujira .
Design
Livyjira was designed by Kemon Kawamoto, who was also in charge of the storyboarding for its debut episode. Notably, director Masayoshi Takesue requested that the Kaiju's mouth be designed as large as possible to swallow Ultraman Arc.[4]
History
Ultraman Arc
Once a prehistoric species of gigantic deep sea creatures, the fossil of a Livyjira was discovered by the archaeologist Professor Makino, the Dinosaur Professor, at the entrance of Daiko Mountain Ridge. However, unbeknownst to all, a second Livyjira, which was well alive, awoke from its deep slumber due to the excavation process, and, using its abilities, flooded the entire mountain ridge overnight, turning it into a saltwater lake.
The SKIP were sent in to conduct an investigation, but could not uncover anything of substance even as the day for the evacuation order to be lifted drew closer. Nevertheless, they refused to give up and worked together with the professor, with a fossilized piece of Livyjira, which Hiroshi Ban had found during his university days, being the key item to uncovering the true reason behind the ocean's resurgence: the Kaiju itself had been producing the saltwater! Certain that the source laid where the salt concentration was highest, the SKIP had YouPi descend into the depths of the Daiko Mountain Ridge, where it and the giant cetacean beast locked eyes.
Emerging from the lake, Livyjira almost got to Hiroshi and Professor Makino if not for the timely intervention of Ultraman Arc, who it dragged down to the bottom of the lake. In its natural habitat, Livyjira produced a salt mist that made it difficult for the Ultra to see where it was coming from as it maneuvered the murky waters. Fortunately, with a bit of quick thinking, Arc dispelled the mist with a makeshift energy rotor and plugged Livyjira's blowhole shut with a tree. As a last resort, Livyjira charged Arc head-on, but it was eventually defeated by the Arc Finalize. Ocean on the Mountain Ridge
Trivia
- Suit actor: Shun Takahashi
- Some of Livyjira's roars have a slowed down and reversed Showa Godzilla's roars mixed in.
Data
- Stats
- Powers and Weapons
- Giant Mouth: Livyjira's main weapon is its massive jaws, which it can use to bite opponents or even attempt to swallow them whole.
- Burrowing: Livyjira can use its mouth to burrow through the earth, primarily for digging through underground water veins and constructing its nest.
- Salt Generation: Livyjira can produce great quantities of salt within its body, which is primarily used to turn water bodies into highly-concentrated saltwater and create a suitable habitat for itself. It also uses this defensively against foes by firing salt from its blowhole directly into their line of sight.
- Saltwater Mist: When produced in greater quantities, the salt Livyjira generates creates an underwater mist that confuses and deter foes.
- Biosonar: As a species of whale, Livyjira's voice features ultrasonic frequencies, and he can use these frequencies to locate objects in his environment through echolocation, effectively making it a biological form of sonar.
Merchandise
Ultra Monster Series
- Livyjira (2024)
- Release Date: August 3, 2024
- Price: 700 yen
- JAN/ISBN: 4570118204295
- Materials: PVC
- Ultra Monster Series (2016) Livyjira is a small soft vinyl figure that has 2 points of articulation at its arms.
Gallery
Ultraman Arc
Miscellaneous
References
Ultraman Arc Kaiju | |
---|---|
Ultraman Arc | Digelos | Gomora | Red King II | Oo-ze | Shagong | Leodo | Monogelos | Nezutron | Livyjira | Alien Croco | Homger | Internet Kanegon | Neronga | Pagos | Noiseler |
Pre-series | Chandlar | Eleking | Bemstar | Antlar | Houlinga | Guebasser | Raibasser | Demaaga | Gudon | Oka-Gubila | Barebadon | Peter | Gabora | Magular |