Germanic and Scandinavian Dragons (Lindworm)

The lindworm is a type of dragon found in both Germanic and Scandinavian mythology. Due to Nordic and Viking expansion, tales of the lindworm also spread to the British Isles, particularly areas such as Mercia. The lindworm was first found in northern Germany, Denmark, and southern Norway, but soon spread across all of Scandinavia and the Germanic lands. In Old Norse it was known as the linnormr, which translates roughly as "constrictor snake". In Norwegian it is known as the linnorm dragon, in Danish it is the lindorm serpent, in German it is Lindwurm, and in Swedish it is known as the lindorm.
It is said to have either two or no legs. When it is depicted with legs, they are always fore-legs, rather than hind-legs. The lindworm also has two large wings on its back, ejecting from its shoulder blades. It is otherwise very similar in appearance to that of a large serpent. It supposedly has a venomous bite, that kills instantaneously. Their mouths are also considerably large, being able to swallow a man whole. Its feet were similar to that of hawks or lions, and again of considerable size. There varying tales of the nature and character of the lindworm. Some legends claim it is filled with evil and malice, whereas others state it is gentle and kind. In many Germanic and Scandinavian tales the lindworm was seen as an omen of doom and death, despite others claiming it was the exact opposite. These tales claimed the creature was a symbol of luck and good fortune, and should be treated with due respect, as well as kindness. Despite these two conflicting arguments, there were no particular areas in the region which thought of the lindworm as either good or bad. In Britain it was seen as a completely evil creature, mainly due to the Norse invasions with their dragon long-ships, but everywhere on the continent was mixed in views. One village may say they are terrible beasts, but another just a few miles away may claim they are great creatures, worthy of reverence.
There are several tales of the origins of the lindworm. One Germanic legend states that a man became so filled with evil he turned into a malevolent beast. Other tales hold that they are descended from Slavic and other European dragons. There are some who believe that it is its own species, and not a descendent from some other dragon. The explanation offered by the scientific community is that the local tribes saw some dinosaur bones, and as they did not know what they were, made up fantastic tales of great beasts that roamed the sky. Make up your own mind!
For more information visit:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindworm
• http://www.draconika.com/cultures/german-dragons.php
• http://pictures.linkmesh.com/dragons/scandinavian_and_germanic_dragons.php