Thousands of people pass the statue of a dragon in the centre of Dundee every week, but few pause to think about why it is there.
According to legend, the dragon struck terror in the local community centuries ago. It is said that a farmer discovered the beast under tragic circumstances.
He had nine daughters, and one day, as was usual, he sent the eldest to a well to collect water. Concerned by her prolonged absence, he sent another daughter to find out what was delaying her. When neither returned, he sent another daughter, and this process was repeated until all nine daughters had been dispatched. Having finished his work for the day, with daylight fading and all of his children still missing, he went to the well himself to find out what was happening.
When he reached the well, he was met with a horrific sight: a dragon sleeping beside it, surrounded by the bodies of his daughters. Devastated and furious in equal measure, he rushed back to the town and gathered a group of men to slay the sleeping dragon.
They returned, led by the farmer and one of his daughters' lovers, a man named Martin. The dragon awoke at their approach and fled. Upon laying eyes on his dead love, Martin was fuelled with anger and pursued the monster. The chase was long, but he eventually caught up with it, and, spurred on by the others who were shouting ‘Strike Martin’, he swung his sword and delivered a massive injury to the dragon, which fell in a field where it was finally slain.
While the tale can only be put down to legend, it has had a lasting effect on the city. The well at which the incident is said to have happened is known as the Nine Maidens' Well, and an ancient stone known as Martin's Stone marks the spot where the dragon is said to have perished. Although heavily worn, the stone appears to depict a man on horseback and a serpent-like beast.
The area of Dundee known as Strathmartine is said to derive from the phrase ‘strike Martin’, and the nearby church was dedicated to St Martin. In addition, the Dundee coat of arms includes dragons, and dragons are depicted in several areas across the city, with the best-known being the huge city centre sculpture.
Perhaps there is more to this legend than it seems.
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