Cuélebre (Asturian) or Culebre (Cantabrian), is a giant winged serpent-dragon of the Asturian and Cantabrian mythology.
Myths & Legends[]
This monster lives in a cave, guards treasures and keeps Anjanas (female Spanish fairies) as prisoners. They don't usually move, and when they do, it is in order to eat cattle and people.
Its spit it is said to turn into a magic stone which heals many diseases.
In Midsummer, which is a magical night in Asturian and Cantabrian folklore, it is possible for brave men to defeat the cuélebre, and get away with its treasure and Anjana, which they can then marry. The serpent's magic doesn't take effect that night, and one can kill the cuélebre giving him as meal a red-hot stone or a bread full of pins.
But should the serpent survive, on the night of Saint Bartholomew the creature's power increases and it will unleashes all its fury against people in revenge.
Appearance[]
Although they are generally considered immortal, they grow old as the time goes by and their scales become thick and impenetrable, and bat wings grow in their bodies. Upon maturity, once their scales have fully hardened, they must flee fly to the Mar Cuajada, a paradise located beyond the sea.
Gallery[]
