The Tarasque: Dragon of the Rhône

No creature better embodies Provençal mythology's layered nature than the Tarasque. This dragon terrorized Tarascon, dwelling in the Rhône, overturning boats, devouring livestock and travelers. Descriptions vary but typically include: - Body of an ox (or larger) - Six legs like a bear's - Turtle's shell with spikes - Serpent's tail ending in a scorpion's sting - Lion's head with ears like a horse - Human face capable of expression

The monster resisted all attempts at slaying until Saint Martha arrived. Christ's friend, who had hosted him in Bethany, came to Provence in the great exile of Christ's followers. She found the beast by the river, sprinkled it with holy water, and showed it a cross. The Tarasque became docile as a lamb, allowing Martha to lead it into town with her belt as a leash.

Here, versions diverge. The Christian telling says the townsfolk, overcome by fear despite the monster's transformation, killed it with spears and stones. Martha scolded them for their faithlessness, and in penance, they renamed their town Tarascon and hold festivals honoring both saint and beast.

But older versions whisper different truths. Some say the Tarasque wasn't killed but retreated underground, where it sleeps beneath Tarascon, its breathing causing the Rhône's occasional strange currents. Others claim it was no monster but the last of the dragon-priests of a pre-Roman cult, transformed by legend into an actual beast.

The Tarasque festivals, held since at least the 15th century (but claiming far older roots), feature a full-sized dragon puppet requiring sixteen men to operate. During the festival, the Tarasque "attacks" young men who must prove their courage by approaching close enough to touch it. Anthropologists note the similarity to ancient initiation rites.