The Dragon Stone

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Location:
The Alps (Mountains), Europe

Description:
Tatzelwurm is the name given to a type of dragon sighted in the Alps. Sightings come from various countries where the Alps are found, but Switzerland has the most well-known sightings. The usual appearance is an animal covered in scales, with two front legs and a cat-like head. Back legs are either not there, or not notable (they may be vestigial). Like most sightings of this type, not all sources agree. Some describe back legs and having deadly breath.

In general, sightings of tatzelwurms are not that supernatural. Many involve the tatzelwurms simply being seen or attacking farm animals. It has been suggested that the sightings may have been a real creature. The reduction in sightings is explained by a decline, or extinction, of the animal. No verifable evidence has been found to support this theory.

Tatzelwurm seems to be the most common spelling, but it can also be found listed as tazelwurm, tatzlwurm and tatzelworm. Regional names (not all from Switzerland) include arassas, stollenwurm, springwurm, daazelwurm, praatzelwurmor and berstutzen.

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