Tarasque

DragonFrance · Western EuropeLegendFear 8/10

Description

Fearsome six-legged dragon of Provence with turtle shell and scorpion tail.

Origin & Background

The legend of Tarasque seems to have originated in the Provence region of France from the early to late 12th century. This legend is recorded in various sources, but it is particularly famous in the 'Golden Legend' (Legenda aurea) for the story of Saint Martha.

The Legend

Tarasque is a creature from French mythology, said to have a lion-like head, a body protected by a turtle shell, six legs with claws like a bear, a snake's tail, and the ability to exhale toxic breath. According to the legend, Tarasque lived in the forest along the Rhône River between Arles and Avignon, attacking men who tried to cross the river and sinking their boats. Saint Martha discovered Tarasque swallowing a person, and she appeared with holy water and a cross, making Tarasque submit. Afterwards, Martha tied a belt around Tarasque's neck and led it to the villagers, who killed Tarasque with stones and spears.

In Popular Culture

The Tarasque Festival was initiated by René d'Anjou on April 14, 1474, to reenact the miracle of Saint Martha. In modern times, it is held annually on the last Sunday of June and has evolved into an event that conveys the story of Tarasque and introduces Tartarin, the protagonist of Alphonse Daudet's novel 'Tartarin of Tarascon.'

This article is based on the Wikipedia article "Tarasque" (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikipedia