East Slavic
In Russia and Ukraine, a particular dragon-like creature, Zmey Gorynych (Russian: “змей Горыныч” or Ukrainian: “змій Горинич” ), has three heads, is green, walks on two back paws, has small front paws, and spits fire. According to one bylina, Zmey Gorynych was killed by Dobrynya Nikitich.
Other Russian dragons (such as Tugarin Zmeyevich) have Turkic names, probably symbolizing the Mongols and other steppe peoples. Accordingly, St George (symbolizing Christianity) killing the Dragon (symbolizing Satan) is represented on the coat of arms of Moscow. Some prehistoric structures, notably the Serpent's Wall near Kiev, have been associated with dragons as symbols of foreign peoples.
Russian dragons usually have heads in multiples of three. Some have heads that grow back if every single head isn't cut off.
Read more about this topic: Slavic Dragon
Famous quotes containing the word east:
“Sublime tobacco! which from east to west
Cheers the tar’s labour or the Turkman’s rest.”
—George Gordon Noel Byron (1788–1824)