Episode 11
The Legend of Martin and the Dundee Dragon
We’re diving headfirst into the mythical world of dragons today, folks! So buckle up, because we’re unpacking some fresh folklore from Dundee, Scotland, where these legendary beasts aren't just fairy tale fluff but actually etched into the city’s vibe. Picture this: a green dragon statue chilling in the Murray Gate while kids happily climb on its wings like it’s the coolest playground ever. But wait, there's a twist—this episode isn’t just about the statues; it’s about a gripping tale of a farmer, nine missing daughters, and a young hero named Martin who takes on a fire-breathing dragon. Trust me, this story packs a punch with all the feels—love, courage, and a fierce battle against a monstrous foe. So, grab your imaginary swords and let’s get into it!
Takeaways:
- Dragons have been a part of folklore across the globe, symbolizing power and heroism.
- The tale of Dundee's dragon showcases love, courage, and community standing against evil.
- In Dundee, dragon statues and symbols remind us of the legends that shaped the city.
- The story of Martin and the dragon teaches us about bravery and the importance of family.
- Folklore is not just old tales; it's a way to connect with our history and culture.
- Next time you see a dragon, remember it's more than just a statue—it's a piece of a story.
Transcript
Welcome to Bite Sized Folklore, the podcast that brings ancient tales and local legends to life, one story at a time. I'm your host, Jodie, and today we're chasing dragons. Now, what exactly is a dragon? In folklore, dragons are legendary creatures.
They're vast, scaly, serpent like beasts with wings, claws and the terrifying ability to breathe fire.
They appear in cultures around the world, from the noble cloud swirling dragons of the east to the fire breathing, treasure hoarding monsters of the West. In stories, they often represent power. And slaying a dragon, that's not just heroism, it's myth making.
Which brings us to a place where dragons don't just live in stories, they linger in stone and skyline. That place is probably quite unexpectedly, Dundee in Scotland. In the Murray Gate, a green dragon statue prowls among shoppers.
Children climb its folded wings as if it were just another jungle gym. Near the Wellgate, another dragon rests atop St. Andrew's Church, watching the city from its spire.
And on Dundee's coat of arms, two dragons, tales lovingly entwined. But why so many dragons? And in Dundee?
To find the answer, we have to leave the city and head to a quiet field near Craiglehill, just outside the village of Bridgefoot in Angus. There, surrounded by a simple fence, stands an ancient weathered stone Martin's Stane. It tells the tale of the Dundee dragon.
Long ago, in the village of Petempton, a farmer lived with his nine daughters. One morning, he sent his eldest to fetch water from the well. She never came back. So he sent the second eldest and then the third eldest.
By nightfall, none of them had returned. The next day, he sent the rest of his daughters. One by one, they all vanished, leaving only the farmer behind.
That evening, a young man named Martin arrived at the farm. He was in love with the eldest daughter of the farmer. When he heard what had happened, he promised the farmer he would find them.
Martin searched and searched and searched until he reached the well, or rather, where the well had been. In its place, a smouldering nest of coal and bone. And within it curled like a serpent, a dragon.
The bodies of the nine daughters lay strewn around the nest. Grief turned to fury. Marten returned home at once, saddled his horse and armed himself with a spear.
By the time he reached the nest again, the sun was rising and the dragon was now awake. It lunged at him. Martin rode hard, dodging all of the strikes. He circled it, trying to find a moment to strike. But the beast was relentless.
I bowled, dragon. The villagers joined him. They'd heard the farmer's cries and come to help. Together, they lured the dragon into a nearby bottle of water.
The dragon flailed and thrashed, soaked and slowed. With a roar it fled. Its final stand came at Strathmartin. There Martin approached the exhausted beast. He raised his spear but paused.
One wrong throw could doom them all. The villagers cried out, strike Martin. And he did. The dragon shrieked and collapsed. The people cheered.
To remember his daughter's and Martin's courage, the farmer had a stone raised on the very field where the dragon fell. Martin's stain.
Its ancient surface still bears the figure of a horseman facing a great beast and a verse passed down through time, tempted at Pitempton, draigled at Baldragon, stricken at Strathmartin, and killed at Martin Stain.
So next time you're in Dundee and spot a dragon, whether it be on a spire, in a statue, or curling around a city crest, remember, it's not just art, it's legend, a story of love, courage, and the people who stood together against a monster. Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Bitesized Folklore.
If you enjoyed today's tale, please leave us a review, subscribe or share it with somebody who loves a good story. Until next time, keep your eyes on the hills and your heart in the tale.
