There is an ancient legend that tells how, in the high Middle Ages, there lived in a lake in the south of France a huge blue water dragon covered in steely scales, known as the Tarasque. The local population was terrorized by the presence of the monster, who would emerge from the lake from time to time to devour a virgin, as is customary among water dragons. The villagers did not know what to do to free themselves of the Tarasque. Nobody was brave enough to fight against the beast, nor was there anyone who would dare even speak with him to negotiate a truce. In the end, the people decided to send emissaries to the court of the King of France, but the King had other more serious problems to deal with and was not interested in the troubles of a village so far from the capital. Nor were the knights of the court interested in the problem. The dragon did not guard any treasure that would make the challenge worth their while, nor was he holding a princess prisoner whom they could free to gain honor and glory. 'The dragon only devours humble ignorant and filthy peasants. The tournaments and jousts are much more profitable', thought the 'valiant' knights. In desperation, the local people gathered to discuss the
possibility of abandoning the village, given that they were unable to rid themselves of the monster. The discussion
were becoming heated when St. Martha, a beautiful young waman who was known and worshipped in the region for
her goodness and bounty, happened to be passing that way.  The village elders interpreted her appearance as a sign from the heavens and went to meet her to ask for her help, desperately beseeching her. In response to the villagers' urgent entreaties, the young woman offered to capture the Tarasque, but on one condition. 'Tell us what you require, good Saint', agreed the local people. 'I just want you to pray to God for three days, asking Him to help me overcome the Tarasque', replied Martha. The elders accepted her condition, and waited full of faith that a miracle would happen which would save them forever from the curse. So, one morning, the Saint made her way to the lake where the Tarasque lived. The dragon was a great music lover despite his ferocity. The beautiful young woman stood on the shore and began singing praises to God and to the Virgin Mary in a beautiful passionate voice. Enchanted by the sweetness of the song, the Tarasque came out of the water and lay down at Martha's feet. The Saint guickly tied a belt around his neck without the monster offering the slightest resistance. The dragon was completely subdued, and Martha was able to lead him easily to the village, where he was killed by the peasant. In memory of this feat, the region where the Tarasque lived was known after that as Tarascon. |