Rendered Speechless—Tongues Cut Out
Books where someone has their whole entire tongue completely cut out 😣
Yes I know “whole entire … completely” is redundant but like,,, THEIR WHOLE ENTIRE TONGUE WAS COMPLETELY CUT OUT—
For the majority of these books, it’s not actually a significant plot point to the main character(s), but in general, the tongue removal symbolizes something important about the story or setting.
created by tulin
last updated October, 2026
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These are books where a character gets their tongue cut out. For the majority of them, it’s not actually a significant plot point to the main character(s), but in general, the tongue removal symbolizes something important about the story or setting.
I would love any addition suggestions you might have! The tongue removal doesn’t have to be central to the plot, but I would prefer it to have some significance that isn’t just body horror/torture/shock value.
Backstory to the list that no one asked for: I came up with this list idea after I read three books in one month (The Salt Grows Heavy, The Starless Sea, and The Unworthy) where someone’s tongue getting cut out was mentioned. Such an action has always stood out to me, after I watched a live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid as a kid where it actually showed the mermaid’s tongue being cut out with a knife. I have no idea what adaptation that was and have never seen it since, but it’s been stuck in my brain all these years 😰 Anyway, I had to make a list about it haha!
The two others on the list I have personally read are The Hunger Games and The Little Mermaid.
What a niche idea 🫣 Swordheart by T. Kingfisher also features a tongue being cut out, but rather off screen / in a flashback - so not 100% sure if that's what you're looking for, but it's definitely mentioned several times!
tulinOP
Omg I was planning on getting Swordheart from the library soon, so I’ll definitely have to check it out now! In most of the books I’ve added, it’s off screen too, so that’s fine. Thanks!!
If a Colombian Necktie counts under this, then House of Bone and Rain by Gabino Iglesias would fit right in!
tulinOP
Tbh I have not heard of Colombian Neckties before (to anyone else reading this, caution if you look it up, it’s very gruesome) (although tbh this list concept is pretty gruesome so if you’re here you’re probably already prepared for that lol) 😅 I was picturing the whole tongue thing happening to alive characters but that book does sound interesting so I’ll have to check it out!! Thanks!!
I read The World According to Garp as a teen and it definitely contains this particular element!
tulinOP
Wow that one sounds pretty dark 😭 Thank you, I will add it!
Oh I had forgotten about that! Yep!
Oh man, this going to send me down a rabbit hole! 😅 I love this concept though!!!!
tulinOP
Truly it’s so fascinating to me but also so horrifying 😭 Yesterday I was reading a couple pages online about what happens when someone loses their tongue and it definitely sounds extremely difficult and awful 😣
It’s definitely one of those terrible things that give me the creepy crawlies when I read about it! But it is fascinating to try and understand the physiology of it, I agree!
Oh! And The Starving Saints by Caitlin Starling features tongue removal! I totally forgot that’s why I was commenting in the first place 😵💫
tulinOP
Omg I’ve been wanting to read that one!! I’ll add it, thank you!
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