Dragons of Fame

Tarasca

Type/Species: Sea Serpent
Origin: Spanish Legend

History: Leviatano and Onagro were said to be Tarasac's parents. The former was a creature of the water, and the latter was a creature who burnt all it could.¹

There have been many connections between this dragon and the Tarasque, from which the legend of the Tarasca is said to be derrived.² Much like the Tarasque, this creature ate people, especially children, near Rodano.³

The people asked Saint Marta to overcome the dragon, for she was from the sea. With the help of three Marys, she went off to defeat the beast. With the help of some holy water, Marta conquered the creature by holding up the cross. Then she tied her belt around its tail.⁴

The creature was stoned at a local village.⁵

Since 1474, parades have been held in order to remind the people of the town to vanquish their inner dragons. This normally is a massive event taking place in the last week of June.⁶

Symbolism: Like many dragons in areas that were heavily Christian, the Tarasca served to be a symbol of the power of the Christian Saints and Christian God.

Physical Description: Tarasca is said to be larger than an ox and longer than a horse.⁷

1. Big Areas: Provenza
2. Giants, Monsters, & Dragons by Carol Rose
3. Giants, Monsters, & Dragons by Carol Rose
4. Big Areas: Provenza
5. Big Areas: Provenza
6. Big Areas: Provenza
7. Big Areas: Provenza

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