Chain Chomps (occasionally called simply
Chomps, alternatively formatted as
Chain-Chomps, and alternatively called
Chain Chompers early on) are common enemies in the
Super Mario franchise. Chain Chomps were initially conceived for
The Legend of Zelda series, but a developer came across old concept art and decided to implement them in
Super Mario Bros. 3. Chain Chomps bear a resemblance to a ball and chain and are typified by their large, tooth-filled maws and incessant biting.
Shigeru Miyamoto's inspiration for the Chain Chomps was from a childhood experience: a dog once ran up to him and tried to bite him, but the dog's chain held it back. Chain Chomps have canine qualities as a result, such as their recurring role of being like guard dogs as well as their barking sound. Chain Chomps are often part of
Bowser's Minions, but there are some exceptions to this. Despite their English name, not all Chain Chomps have chains, or even chomp, and several later depictions of chainless Chain Chomps roll in the manner of
boulders.
