Dragons of Fame

Aido Hwedo / Dan Ayido Hwedo

History: This creature helped to create the universe by transporting Mawu, a god, through the cosmos. Aido Hwedo also created the mountains of the earth as well, which were said to be its excrement. However, the Earth became far too heavy, so the god Mawu ordered the Rainbow Serpent to coil underneath the world to hold it up. In order to help Aido Hwedo, the oceans were created to comfort the dragon while it held up the world. However, the oceans would sometimes not help, and therefore this dragon would tremble and thus make the Earth quake.²

In order to remain strong, it is said that Aido Hwedo needed a great amount of iron, and there would sometimes not be enough. When this happens, it is said that Aido Hwedo would eat its own tail. Thus the problem comes: the iron, supplied by the ocean for Aido Hwedo, would someday give out. When it does, this mighty dragon would eat its own tail, and the world, unable to support itself, would slip into the oceans.³

Symbolism: In a sense, Aido Hwedo is seen as both a creator and a supporter of the world. The end of the world, as predicted in this folkore, is said also to be the weakness of this giant serpent - the shear mass of Aido Hwedo can not be maintained. Therefore, Aido Hwedo can be seen as a symbol of eternity and rebirth, much as any Ouroboros.

Physical Description: Aido Hwedo was said to be a vast rainbow serpent, so vast that it could hold up the entire world.

1. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose
2. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose
3. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose

For more information about footnotes and references, please see the bibliography.