Dingpot is a character in Banjo-Kazooie that plays a pivotal role in the storyline. He is a cauldron that has a distinct appearance, with a permanent frown adorned with a single gold tooth. This is in strong contrast to the other Magic Cauldrons within Gruntilda’s Lair, which are known for their cheerful grins. Dingpot is owned by the franchise’s antagonist Gruntilda Winkybunion, who often abuses him for various purposes. Early on in the game Banjo-Kazooie, Dingpot reveals to Grunty that Tooty, Banjo’s sister, is much more beautiful than her. This leads the wicked witch to kidnap Tooty and start Banjo and Kazooie on their first adventure. Although Dingpot isn’t seen again for most of the game, he plays a significant role in the last room before the final battle against the evil witch. As soon as Banjo and Kazooie reach the top of Gruntilda’s Lair, Dingpot has a change of heart and decides to help them out. He allows them to jump inside him, and transport them to the roof of Gruntilda’s Lair, where they can face Gruntilda Winkybunion. This act of kindness is a result of Gruntilda’s cruel treatment of him. She uses Dingpot for various things, such as vomiting in him, getting dandruff in him when she leans on him, using him as a toilet, a makeshift garbage can, an incinerator for various waste, a stove, and even to wash her clothes. She even murdered Dingpot’s saucepan girlfriend by breaking her handle. It is clear that Dingpot has had enough of her mistreatment and decides to help Banjo and Kazooie take her down once and for all.
» Dingpot's Reappearance
In Banjo-Tooie, Dingpot is found residing in the game’s final world Cauldron Keep, where he’s no longer under Gruntilda Winkybunion’s possession. Instead of transporting Banjo and Kazooie to the final battle, as he used in the previous game, he grants them a “Dingy” bonus that refills their Egg and Feather supplies to its maximum. Kazooie, having had an unpleasant experience with Dingpot in the previous game, is not keen on using Dingpot again, claiming that she just finished cleaning her wings. It remains a mystery how Dingpot ended up in Cauldron Keep, given that he was last seen in Grunty’s possession. Furthermore, Dingpot was spared Gruntilda Winkybunion’s wrath, unlike Cheato, whose pages were ripped out as retribution for helping Banjo and Kazooie in their quest in Banjo-Kazooie. In Banjo-Kazooie Nuts and Bolts, Dingpot reappears as a vehicle part and is used as Gruntilda’s seat in her various vehicles. Although he remains silent, his facial expressions indicate that he feels uncomfortable with the entire situation. Despite his role in the game, Dingpot is not a vehicle part that players can obtain in the game, for instance, by opening Mumbo Crates, buying in Humba’s Shop or collecting enough Jiggies. Also, Dingpot’s character is significant in the Banjo-Kazooie series as he provides a foil to Gruntilda Winkybunion’s cruelty and represents the idea that even the most downtrodden can have a change of heart.
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QUOTES
✤ Unfortunately, I think, you’ll find,… ugh! It’s Tooty. She’s cute and kind!
✤ Oooh! Visitors for Dingpot… I like visitors!
✤ No problem, just splosh on in and I’ll fire you up to the top!
✤ I helped you at the end of Banjo-Kazooie.
✤ Sniff, you’re so cruel. But hey, why not jump inside for a nice Dingy bonus!
