bartworm

Bartworm is a fictional creature that appears in the animated television series South Park. It is introduced in the episode "Scott Tenorman Must Die" as a significant plot device. The bartworm is depicted as a parasitic organism that infects its host and causes them to experience intense pain and distress. Its presence is often associated with humiliation and vengeance, as it is used by the character Eric Cartman to torment his rival, Scott Tenorman.

The appearance of the bartworm is not explicitly detailed, but it is implied to be a small, worm-like entity that burrows into its victim. The primary effect of the bartworm is the severe discomfort it inflicts, making the host's life miserable. In the context of the episode, Cartman deliberately infects Scott Tenorman with a bartworm as part of an elaborate revenge scheme. This act highlights Cartman's extreme cruelty and willingness to go to great lengths to achieve his goals.

The bartworm serves as a catalyst for the episode's climax, where Scott Tenorman's emotional breakdown is amplified by the physical pain caused by the parasite. The creature's existence within the South Park universe is treated with a degree of dark humor, characteristic of the show's satirical approach to sensitive topics. While not a recurring character, the bartworm's impact on the narrative of "Scott Tenorman Must Die" makes it a memorable element of the series. Its function is primarily narrative, serving to escalate the conflict and underscore the extreme nature of the characters' actions.