Battra is a fictional giant black moth appearing in Godzilla vs. Mothra. Like Mothra, Battra has both larva and [[imago (adult) forms. Battra's name most likely comes from the common Japanese practice of shortening two words to make one; in this case the combination of the Japanese spelling of Battle Mothra (Batoru Mosura), as described in the Super Godzilla video game manual. It was also said to be "Black Mothra" (as described in Godzilla vs. Mothra).
Origin
Battra was created by Earth's life force millions of years ago to destroy the human race, but Mothra, defender of humankind, fought a fierce battle with Battra and emerged victorious.
Millions of years later, Battra was awoken by a meteorite. Upon metamorphosing from his larval form, he flew to Tokyo to exact his revenge on Mothra. In the heat of the battle, Godzilla appeared. Mothra and Battra temporarily teamed up to combat Godzilla together in defense of both Earth and humankind. Once Godzilla was defeated, Battra and Mothra carried him out to sea. However, Godzilla, still conscious, killed Battra while he was being transported.
Battra was originally meant to be an "evil" twin of Mothra named "Gigamoth" (whose abilities resemble Hedorah) in an unmade film[1], but this project was scrapped and replaced with Godzilla vs. Mothra. Conceptual art for Gigamoth would eventually find its way into the designs for Battra.
Battle statistics
In its larval form, Battra was a horribly brutal opponent who was relentless and remorseless in its attack. In this form, he wielded a massive yellow horn which could be put to use as a battering ram or bludgeoning weapon. From the horn, he was also capable of firing off furious electrical blasts of an orange-yellow color. He could fire similar electrical blasts of a purple color from his crimson eyes. However, these beams would often fly wildly about, Battra not having precise control over them yet.
In its imago form, Battra had lost the ability to burrow or swim, but attained flight with its new wings, allowing for easier and more efficient travel for further destruction. The once prominent horn had disappeared and had been replaced with three smaller horns. These horns were incapable of releasing energy anymore, but Battra had developed more powerful optic beams, known as "Prism" beams. Unlike the beams used in his larval form, adult Battra had complete control over the Prism Beams. He also had developed three pairs of legs and would utilize them for grasping objects.
Video game appearances
Battra has appeared in Super Godzilla for the SNES. In Godzilla: Save the Earth, Battra could be summon via a particular powerup, similar to what Mothra did in the Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee.
Trivia
- Battra is also the name of a bird like charabom in Bomberman Jetters.