Tuesday 25 April 2017

B is for... Bok


A statue of a demon or imp, that was to be found in the cavern beneath the church in the English village of Devil's End. The diminutive figure had stubby wings, horns and was carved seated and cross-legged. The Master infiltrated the village in the guise of its new vicar, Mr Magister. He took over the local black magic coven which met in the cavern. He was planning to resurrect the dormant alien Daemon Azal, and began tapping his psionic powers. With these he brought Bok to life, employing it to destroy anyone who stood in his way. Bok was able to shoot powerful energy bolts from its claws.
When the Doctor and Jo went to investigate the recently opened barrow in which Azal had slept, the Master sent Bok to kill them. The Doctor confused the creature when he held up an iron trowel, and began quoting what appeared to be an incantation. This was really a Venusian lullaby, but Bok's simple mind overpowered the Master's control and it withdrew. Later, the Master used Bok to destroy the village squire when it appeared that the villagers were turning against him.


Bok was then employed to guard the church against UNIT when the Master summoned Azal for the final time. It would kill anyone who approached - even an ally such as Bert, the pub landlord. When blown up by a bazooka, Bok instantly reassembled, and five rounds rapid were merely shrugged off.
Bok was weakened when Azal came under attack, and reverted to stone once the Daemon had destroyed itself.

Played by: Stanley Mason. Appearances: The Daemons (1972).

  • Please note the distinct lack of the word "gargoyle" in the description above. Bok is not a gargoyle. These are architectural features, originating in medieval times. Usually, they are ornamental water spouts designed to drain away rain. Bok's features were based on a famous gargoyle, to be found on the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. This isn't a genuine medieval feature of the edifice, however, but an addition created centuries later.
  • Bok in Dutch / Afrikaans means "goat" or to be "goat-like" in temperament. In Croatia you can use it like we would "Cheers", as in an informal greeting or farewell. I'll spare you what it means in Turkish...
  • Jon Pertwee kept the Bok prop as a garden feature at his home in Barnes.

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