The Many Eyes of the Beholder: A D&D Monster Comparison

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Beauty Is in the Eyes of the Beholder

Pick an edition, any edition—we’ve got you covered! Welcome to our first monster comparison episode. Tori dives deep into one of her favorite classic D&D monsters: the Beholder. From the original 1st Edition to the most recent rulesets, we explore how this iconic floating horror has evolved over the decades.

We break down its abilities, lair actions, eye rays, and even how different editions have adjusted its challenge level. How does a 1st Edition Beholder differ from a 5th Edition one? What makes each version uniquely terrifying, and which edition captures the “true essence” of the Beholder?

Along the way, we discuss the impact of the Beholder on D&D lore, its role in campaigns, and why this creature remains a fan favorite. Don’t worry—this is just the start! More monster comparisons are coming, so get ready to dive into the best, weirdest, and most iconic beasts of the D&D multiverse.

Our Sources:

• Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual, 1st Edition
• Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual, 2nd Edition
• Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual, 3rd Edition
• Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual, 3.5 Edition
• Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual, 4th Edition
• Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual, 5th Edition

Note: Some older editions included the Beholder in supplemental modules or campaign books, which were referenced to provide additional context on its abilities and lore.

Music Credit:
Rise (Epic, Inspirational, Cinematic) by Artur Aravidi — licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0

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