Mongolian Death Worm
Nomads describe a blood-red worm that kills at a distance—spitting acid, emitting electric shocks, and bringing instant death. Scientists have searched. The Allghoi Khorkhoi remains elusive.
The Mongolian Death Worm (Allghoi Khorkhoi, meaning “intestine worm”) is a legendary creature said to inhabit the Gobi Desert. Nomads describe a deadly worm that can kill from a distance.
The Legend
According to documented accounts:
Mongolian nomads describe the creature as:
- 2-5 feet long
- Dark red (like blood or internal organs)
- No visible head or legs
- Thick-bodied like a sausage
- Living underground
- Emerging after rain
Lethal Abilities
The worm is said to kill through:
- Spitting corrosive yellow venom
- Emitting an electric shock at a distance
- Instant death upon contact
- Killing livestock and humans
- Possibly projecting poison onto anything it touches
Sightings
Reports come from:
- Mongolian nomads who take the creature seriously
- The worm is said to emerge in June and July
- It comes to the surface after rain
- It lives in the southern Gobi Desert
- Most locals have heard stories but few claim direct encounters
Western Awareness
The creature became known to the West through:
- Paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews (1926): He heard about it but was skeptical
- Czech cryptozoologist Ivan Mackerle: Led multiple expeditions (1990s-2000s)
- Various Western expeditions since
Expeditions
Multiple searches have been conducted:
Ivan Mackerle (1990, 1992, 2004): Collected testimonies but found no worm.
Richard Freeman (2005): Centre for Fortean Zoology expedition. No evidence found.
Destination Truth (2006-2007): TV show searched. Nothing conclusive.
Adam Davies (2009): Found no evidence.
Theories
Tartar Sand Boa: A snake native to the region that could be misidentified.
Worm Lizard: Amphisbaenians resemble worms and live underground.
Exaggerated Snake: Normal snakes enhanced by storytelling.
Mythical Creature: No real creature exists.
Scientific Skepticism
Scientists note:
- No physical specimens exist
- Electric and acid-spitting abilities are implausible
- The Gobi has been extensively surveyed
- No tracks, remains, or burrows have been found
- The creature matches no known biology
Cultural Significance
For Mongolians:
- The worm represents danger in the desert
- It’s taken seriously by nomads
- It serves as a warning about desert hazards
- Western interest is sometimes seen as disrespectful