Shemum

Shemum

シーマム

Shiimamu

First Appearance: Section1 Latest Appearance: Section2 Affiliation(s): Section3 Enemy Type: Section4

Shemums (シーマム Shiimamu) are ubiquitous winged serpents found in nearly every corner of Angel Land and are usually the very first enemies Pit will encounter. They just love attacking their foes in groups, despite them being rather weak in comparison to other Underworld baddies. Despite this, Shemums have appeared in practically every adventure Pit has taken part in, making them some of the most recognizable monsters in the series.

Characteristics

Shemums are some of the most abundant creatures in Angel Land, and can be found everywhere from the deepest caverns to the highest points in the sky. They are small, fanged serpents that are blue in coloration and quite poisonous, although they utilize this weapon very rarely. These creatures also prefer to hide and sleep in tight, enclosed spaces, such as within pottery. Shemums are well-known for their vestigial wings that are too small for them to fly with. By the time of the events in Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters, a portion of their species evolved without wings altogether, in addition to gaining a darker coloration. Many years later in Kid Icarus: Uprising, Shemums evolved again with new feathered wings, although they are still too small to fly with.

Appearances

Kid Icarus

"Lives in the snake pit. An evolved snake monster with wings. Watch out! It's extremely dangerous. In spite of looking small, its fangs are filled with a powerful, nasty poison. It often roams around in groups."

Shemums are among the weakest monsters Pit will fight. They spawn from jars whenever Pit passes by them (though sometimes appear at the top of vertical areas, such as the Underworld). When a Shemum lands on a surface, it'll automatically orient itself to Pit's current direction and snake it's way to him; however, their vestigial wings are incapable of flight. No more than four appear from a single source at any given time, though multiple jars in a Fortress each provide their quota of four, quickly flooding a floor with snakes if activated and given the chance. Though Pit can sometimes stand on a Shemum jar, spawning Shemums may damage him as they appear. In addition, these jars can often be found attached to the ceiling. Jars also have an endless supply of Shemums and cannot be destroyed. Despite the manual's dire description, there's actually no poison to worry about.

Hit Points	Damage	Hearts	Score (Experience)
1	1	1	100

---

Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters

"The Snake appears from a Snake Pot in any stage, usually in groups of 4."

They are simply referred to "Snakes" here. Unlike actual Shemums, they also lack wings and are darker in color. They also spawn from jars like before, although they are now referred to as Snake Pots despite them looking identical in appearance.

Hit Points	Damage	Hearts	Score (Experience)
1	1	1

---

Kid Icarus: Uprising

Shemums return as common enemies, and will be the very first Underworld creatures encountered during land combat. These serpentine monsters are now capable of poisoning Pit by biting him with their fangs. The Shemums act almost exactly the same as in the original games, with the only real difference being that the jars from which they spawn can now be destroyed. The jars are also no longer limited to sitting on the ground, as they can now be found attached to walls as well. In addition, there are also larger variations of Shemums that appear to be slightly stronger.

---

Captain N: The Game Master

A Shemum appeared in the episode "Videolympic" where King Hippo opens a bag and a Shemum pops out and laughs, which made King Hippo drop the bag.

Gallery

• 

  Official artwork from Kid Icarus.

• 

  Official artwork from Of Myths and Monsters.

Trivia

• Shemums were inspired by the various winged serpents of mythology. Although the series draws most of its influences from Greek myths, it is quite possible that Shemums are based on Quetzalcoatl, a feathered serpent deity of Aztec mythology.