splithoof

Splithoof is a fictional ungulate that appears in fantasy literature, role-playing games, and folklore. The defining feature is a split or bifurcated hoof, often described as the hoof subdividing into two lobes that can give the animal unusual stability on rocky or uneven terrain.

Etymology and depiction vary by source, but the name consistently references the split hoof as its most distinctive trait. In many depictions, splithoofs resemble mid-sized deer or antelope, though some illustrations show horse- or goat-like proportions. Coat colors range from browns and grays to more striking patterns, and some versions include modest antlers or horns.

Habitat and behavior are described flexibly across settings. Splithoofs are typically linked with temperate woodlands, grasslands near water, or sheltered uplands, where their split hooves are said to aid traction on soft or broken ground. They are usually portrayed as shy, fast, and elusive herbivores that travel in small groups. Diet centers on grasses, twigs, and foliage, with seasonal migrations in some stories.

In fantasy lore and games, splithoofs may serve as symbols of agility and endurance, and they are sometimes encountered as elusive targets for hunting or as mounts and pack animals in adventurous campaigns. Their unique hoof structure is often used to explain exceptional climbing or silent movement in narrative or mechanics.

See also: ungulate, hoof, split-off or bifid hoof motifs in myth and fiction.