Long-necked lake dragon attacking the Gryphon nest, anonymous Tibetan illustration published 1906
The dragon stretches its long neck from the water toward the nest on the cliff at right, while the traveler raises his sword. Its patterned serpent-like form belongs to this illustration; the tale does not specify wings or fire-breathing.
Overview
An immense dragon crosses a lake toward three young Gryphons in a cliff nest. Its head rises high above the water at the end of a long neck. A young man waits until it reaches land and fights it with his sword, eventually severing the head. Saving the nestlings earns him the parents’ hospitality and later flight to the gods’ country. No wings, fire-breathing or personal name is specified; this is the antagonist in O’Connor’s particular telling.
Origins & earliest records
Tibet; collected historical narrative
Records & interpretation
Full relevant tale and collection preface directly read.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
- 01
Folk Tales from Tibet
XV, The Story of the Boy with the Deformed Head, pp. 92–102
Family & connections
A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.
Primary records and illustrations
W. F. O’Connor, Folk Tales from Tibet (1906)
XV, The Story of the Boy with the Deformed Head. pp. 92–102
Complete tale and preface read. English fairy/Gryphon labels not given invented Tibetan equivalents. No lion-bodied anatomy inferred. Daughter’s initially coerced and later voluntary choices distinguished.
References
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Historical tale collectionO’Connor, Folk Tales from Tibet, XV, The Story of the Boy with the Deformed Head, pp. 92–102Research access: 2026-10-05
Image credits
Historical illustrationLong-necked lake dragon attacking the Gryphon nest, anonymous Tibetan illustration published 1906
The dragon stretches its long neck from the water toward the nest on the cliff at right, while the traveler raises his sword. Its patterned serpent-like form belongs to this illustration; the tale does not specify wings or fire-breathing.
