Sweden

• King of the Snakes
• Storsjooduret
• Footnotes

History: Should a person see a snake and then kill it, and other snakes appear, and the same person see and kill that snake as well, it is said that the King of the Snakes will appear. The person could run, thereby saving his or her life, or they will be killed by the King.

Symbolism: Perhaps the King of Snakes was seen as a protective symbol; it shows an appriciation for life.

Physical Description: The King of Snakes is a huge dragon, shaped like a wurm, with a crest upon his head.

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History: This creature inhabits Lake Storsjon in the region of Jamtland. This sea serpent had been told about in the folklore of the area, which also had an island. A runestone was found there, which was believed to check the power of the Storsjooduret and balance it.

These things lead a team of people to attempt to fish the dragon out in 1894. They created a large, metal cage and put some pig carcasses inside. Even today, this cage is still on display in the Ostersund museum. However, the attempt did not work; the creature did not appear.

Symbolism: Unknown

Physical Description: It was a long, serpentine creature with either very large, visible ears or horns.

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

For more information, see the Bibliography