Tarasque
Originating from French folklore, the Tarasque is a dragon-like creature, subdued by Saint Martha, depicted as fearsome yet tamed. It symbolizes the savage and the subdued, showcasing a fierce nature and a pacified presence, embodying the ferocious and the gentle in mythical dragons.
At a glance
- Tradition
- French folklore
- Region
- Nerluc, Provence (place of origin)
- Trait family
- The Hero-Slain
- Kin
- Leviathan (derived from)
Kinship
Lines of descent added by hand and approved one at a time.
- Leviathan derived from
why
The creature's origins are shrouded in mystery, with some legends claiming it to be the offspring of the biblical Leviathan and a terrestrial beast called Onachus.
Near this figure
Symbols
Judged against the description by a model. Meanings are our own paraphrase.
- Dragon is image-domain The dragon denotes chaotic instinctual power, guardian of hoarded treasure and fertility, destructive in the West and, in China, the beneficent waterlike way of things.
why
Originating from French folklore, the Tarasque is a dragon-like creature, subdued by Saint Martha, depicted as fearsome yet tamed.
- Scorpion bears Scorpion signifies death, torment, darkness, and treachery, yet Egyptian and Mesopotamian traditions also make it a guardian of the dead and solar gateways.
why
The Tarasque is said to have six bear-like legs, ending in powerful claws, and a long, serpentine tail tipped with a scorpion's stinger.
- Turtle bears The turtle denotes world-support, heaven-earth union, longevity, and harvest success, but also slowness, sensuality, cowardice, drought, and hostility to the sun.
why
Some accounts even describe it as having a turtle-like shell on its back, adding to its formidable defenses.
Traits
Read from the figure's description, which a model wrote. Open "why" for the sentence a trait came from.
Form
- Hybrid of multiple animals
why
This beast is often described as a terrifying hybrid, combining features of various animals.
- Iron hard armored scales
why
covered in impenetrable scales
- Armor-like hide
why
covered in impenetrable scales
- Six-legged body
why
The Tarasque is said to have six bear-like legs, ending in powerful claws, and a long, serpentine tail tipped with a scorpion's stinger.
- Scorpion tail on mammalian body
why
The Tarasque is said to have six bear-like legs, ending in powerful claws, and a long, serpentine tail tipped with a scorpion's stinger.
- Bovine features on monstrous body
why
Its body resembles that of an ox or bear
Behaviour
- Swallows boats whole
why
Its breath was believed to be so toxic that it could wither crops and poison the air, while its immense strength allowed it to overturn ships and devour their crews.
- Defeated by a god or hero restoring order
why
Through her kindness and prayers, she was able to tame the Tarasque, leading it docilely back to the town with her girdle.
Sight and sound
- Venomous breath or bite poisons pastures
why
Its breath was believed to be so toxic that it could wither crops and poison the air
Curses
- Blighting venom
why
Its breath was believed to be so toxic that it could wither crops and poison the air, while its immense strength allowed it to overturn ships and devour their crews.
Roles
Judged from the works' own entries, not from the description. Carries: the figure holds the role. Meets: the role is in its stories, held by something it meets.
- Hero meets
3 citations
- Carol Rose, Giants, Monsters, and Dragons, s.v. "Tarasque."
- George M. Eberhart, Mysterious Creatures: A Guide to Cryptozoology, s.v. "Tarasque."
- Theresa Bane, Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore, s.v. "Tarasque."