Catoblepas is a legendary creature from Ethiopia, described first by Pliny the Elder and later by Claudius Aelianus. It is said to have the body of a buffalo and the head of a hog. Its back has scales that protect the beast, and its head is always pointing downwards. Its stare or breath could either turn people into stone, or kill them. The catoblepas is often thought to be based on real-life encounters with wildebeast, such that some dictionaries say that the word is synonymous with "gnu."
"A sluggish creature that lives by the river. It is said to have the body of an ox and the head of a pig. They are believed to live by the Nile and have heavy heads which keep their faces pointing downward. Contrary to their sluggishness, one look from its eyes could kill a person."
—Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey compendium
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked
"A sluggish creature that lives by the river. They are believed to live by the Nile and have heavy heads, which keep their faces pointing downwards. To compensate for their sluggishness, one look from their eyes can kill a person"
