Linton Worm



The Linton Worm, sometimes called the Worm of Linton, is a mythical dragon referred to in Scottish folklore. It is believed to have been "In length three Scots yards and bigger than an ordinary man’s leg – in form and callour to our common muir edders.".

Biography
The Linton Worm lived in a hollow on Linton Hill, in Linton near the Scottish border. It would emerge from its lair at dawn and ravage the countryside, leaving the surrounding area devastated as it ate people, animals and crops. It was invulnerable to weapons, but a man named Lord de Somerville had an idea to kill it after watching it open its mouth to eat. He went to a local blacksmith and had him forge an iron covered spear with wheel at its tip which could impale a hunk of peat tipped in tar and brimstone. At dawn he went to the worm's hideout and rode towards it on his horse, with his spear pointed towards it. When it opened its mouth he plunged the burning peat down the beast's throat and burned it from the inside. It retreated into its cave, bringing down the mountain on top of its lair with its thrashing tail, which formed the strange topography of the area.