A speed reducer includes a reduction mechanism, which includes an internal gear and an external gear meshing with the internal gear, and a first member, and transmits rotating motion decelerated by the reduction mechanism to a driven member. The speed reducer includes a protection member disposed between the first member and the driven member. The first member is formed of a material having specific gravity lower than at least one of the internal gear and the external gear and hardness lower than the driven member. The protection member is formed of a material having hardness higher than the first member.