European dragon
The European dragon is a legendary creature in folklore and mythology among the overlapping
cultures of Europe. The Roman poet Virgil in his poem Culex lines 163–201, describing a shepherd battling a big constricting snake, calls it "serpens" and also "draco", showing that in his time the two words probably could mean the same thing. In and after the early Middle Ages, the European dragon is typically depicted as a large, fire-breathing, scaly, horned, lizard-like creature; the creature also has leathery, bat-like wings, four legs, and a long, muscular prehensile tail. Some depictions show dragons with one or more of: feathered wings, crests, ear frills, fiery manes, ivory spikes running down its spine, and various exotic decorations. In folktales, dragon's blood often contains unique powers, keeping them alive for longer or giving them poisonous or acidic properties. The typical dragon in Christian culture protects a cavern or castle filled with gold and treasure. An evil dragon is often associated with a great hero who tries to slay it, and a good one is said to give support or wise advice. Though a winged creature, the dragon is generally to be found in its underground lair, a cave that identifies it as an ancient creature of earth.
Dragons have been mentioned in European literature since antiquity. The dragon was also mentioned explicitly in Viking mythology, such as with the dragon Fafnir. Sigurd can defeat this dragon by digging a pit and then lying in wait. When the dragon creeps over the pit, Sigurd pierces its heart with the sword, slaying it. This concept is also seen in various other dragon stories. In many portrayals of the European dragon, it is shown as a greedy beast who wanted wealth and other valuables. In Viking mythology, Fafnir began as a dwarf but got so greedy that he transformed into a dragon to protect his hoard. In the story of Beowulf, the ultimate quest of the Geatish hero begins when a dragon awakes after a thief steals a cup of gold from it.
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