Dragons, Dogs & Amadillos?

[Koen G]

I am proposing a new inspiration for this beast: the You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view., a type of dragon featured in the Golden Legend. 

A further legend relates that Martha then went to Tarascon, France, where a monster, the Tarasque, was a constant threat to the population. The Golden Legend describes it as a beast from Galicia; a great dragon, half beast and half fish, greater than an ox, longer than a horse, having teeth sharp as a sword, and horned on either side, head like a lion, tail like a serpent, that dwelt in a certain wood between Arles and Avignon. Holding a cross in her hand, Martha sprinkled the beast with holy water. Placing her sash around its neck, she led the tamed dragon through the village.

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It's possible that a Golden Legend illustration may have influenced the appearance of our beast. This one is from: « La Legende dorée » [de JACQUES DE VORAGINE], traduction [de JEAN DE VIGNAY] Date d'édition : 1404 Français 414 Folio 221r.

   

Note the contorted form, explicit scales, split fish tail, confusing head, short legs with paws...