Lamia

Lore

Some legends categorize this creature as a dragon. According to tales, the mouth of this monster can open so wide that it can swallow a person or animal in a single gulp. Its body is covered with yellow snake scales that can stretch to significant sizes when swallowing.

As it ages, a Lamia can grow additional heads; with each new head, its strength and wisdom increase. Typically, a Lamia can grow up to nine heads and acquire new magical abilities. In some stories, it's mentioned that the Lamia has wings that allow it to fly and attack its prey from the air—usually membranous wings like those of a bat.

Lamia is generally associated with the element of water—the creature can fly through the sky and, upon landing, transform into mist. It can also halt water with its wings, demanding a human sacrifice. At the same time, it's said that wherever a Lamia settles, there's definitely a hidden treasure of gold coins and precious gems.

The Lamia lives in caves near water sources or in forests. It typically prefers to settle near rivers but can also make its home near wells located near villages. Inhabitants do not frighten it, and it can calmly attack them, livestock, animals, or a traveler who decides to rest and drink water from the well. There are also cases when it settles near lakes and often doesn't allow anyone, including animals, to approach them. The Lamia is a very greedy creature—bloodthirsty and aggressive.

In some legends, the Lamia takes on a female appearance or combines feminine and animal traits, making her similar to mythological sirens or harpies.