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.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Welcome to Bite SizedFolklore, the podcast that brings
ancient tales and locallegends to life, one story at a time.
I'm your host, Jodie, andtoday we're chasing dragons. Now,

(00:38):
what exactly is a dragon? Infolklore, dragons are legendary creatures.
They're vast, scaly, serpentlike beasts with wings, claws and
the terrifying ability tobreathe fire. They appear in cultures
around the world, from thenoble cloud swirling dragons of the
east to the fire breathing,treasure hoarding monsters of the

(01:02):
West. In stories, they oftenrepresent power. And slaying a dragon,
that's not just heroism, it'smyth making. Which brings us to a
place where dragons don't justlive in stories, they linger in stone
and skyline. That place isprobably quite unexpectedly, Dundee
in Scotland. In the MurrayGate, a green dragon statue prowls

(01:26):
among shoppers. Children climbits folded wings as if it were just
another jungle gym. Near theWellgate, another dragon rests atop
St. Andrew's Church, watchingthe city from its spire. And on Dundee's
coat of arms, two dragons,tales lovingly entwined. But why
so many dragons? And inDundee? To find the answer, we have

(01:49):
to leave the city and head toa quiet field near Craiglehill, just
outside the village ofBridgefoot in Angus. There, surrounded
by a simple fence, stands anancient weathered stone Martin's
Stane. It tells the tale ofthe Dundee dragon. Long ago, in the

(02:10):
village of Petempton, a farmerlived with his nine daughters. One
morning, he sent his eldest tofetch water from the well. She never
came back. So he sent thesecond eldest and then the third
eldest. By nightfall, none ofthem had returned. The next day,

(02:31):
he sent the rest of hisdaughters. One by one, they all vanished,
leaving only the farmerbehind. That evening, a young man
named Martin arrived at thefarm. He was in love with the eldest
daughter of the farmer. Whenhe heard what had happened, he promised
the farmer he would find them.Martin searched and searched and

(02:52):
searched until he reached thewell, or rather, where the well had
been. In its place, asmouldering nest of coal and bone.
And within it curled like aserpent, a dragon. The bodies of
the nine daughters lay strewnaround the nest. Grief turned to

(03:13):
fury. Marten returned home atonce, saddled his horse and armed
himself with a spear. By thetime he reached the nest again, the
sun was rising and the dragonwas now awake. It lunged at him.
Martin rode hard, dodging allof the strikes. He circled it, trying
to find a moment to strike.But the beast was relentless. I bowled,

(03:36):
dragon. The villagers joinedhim. They'd heard the farmer's cries
and come to help. Together,they lured the dragon into a nearby
bottle of water. The dragonflailed and thrashed, soaked and
slowed. With a roar it fled.Its final stand came at Strathmartin.
There Martin approached theexhausted beast. He raised his spear

(04:00):
but paused. One wrong throwcould doom them all. The villagers
cried out, strike Martin. Andhe did. The dragon shrieked and collapsed.
The people cheered. Toremember his daughter's and Martin's
courage, the farmer had astone raised on the very field where

(04:21):
the dragon fell. Martin'sstain. Its ancient surface still
bears the figure of a horsemanfacing a great beast and a verse
passed down through time,tempted at Pitempton, draigled at
Baldragon, stricken atStrathmartin, and killed at Martin
Stain. So next time you're inDundee and spot a dragon, whether

(04:44):
it be on a spire, in a statue,or curling around a city crest, remember,
it's not just art, it'slegend, a story of love, courage,
and the people who stoodtogether against a monster. Thank
you so much for listening tothis episode of Bitesized Folklore.
If you enjoyed today's tale,please leave us a review, subscribe

(05:06):
or share it with somebody wholoves a good story. Until next time,
keep your eyes on the hillsand your heart in the tale.