The Dragon Stone

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Location:
Africa, Exact location unknown

Description:
An African Hydra is a water-monster with seven heads. Some people bring offerings to them so that they won't stop the river flowing. The story of one Hydra is as follows:

This is the story of Jinde Sirinde. When Jinde's mother was pregnant with her, she asked for the hydra's help, in return for her child. Her water jar had been filled with mud. The hydra agreed to the deal, cleaning out her jar, and filling it with water for her. Soon after this, Jinde was born. When she was old enough, she was sent to the river to collect water. One day the hydra came to the shore and took her away to be his wife. Jinde pleaded with him to be allowed to go back to see her parents one last time. The hydra agreed to let her go for one day, but that he would come after her if she did not return. Jinde went to her parent's house, but they wouldn't help her for fear of the hydra. In the end she went to the house of her lover, who took his sword and killed the Hydra as it came for Jinde, by cutting off all seven heads.

Also known as the Waterlord.

Selected References: Knappert, Jan (1991)

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