La Tarasque, 1874 by Charles Lepec

As you may have guessed, this is piece of French folklore. The tarrasque was a six foot long serpentine beast with a lion-like head, a body with a protective shell, bear-like claws, and a serpent’s tail. If that wasn’t bad enough it could expel a poisonous breath.beast with a person part way down its throat and their legs still dangling from the creature’s mouth.

Legend has it that Saint Martha was petitioned by local villagers to protect them from the Tarasque. When she found the creature it was in the process of devouring a man. By sprinkling holy water and holding up the cross, she caused the creature to become submissive and obedient. She placed leash around its neck and lead the beast to the villagers who cast rocks and spears at it until it died. The legend makes no mention of the poor half devoured gentleman.

Saint Martha of Bethany is a Christian saint who was born in the Roman Empire and died in either Tarascon or Cyprus. She and her sister Mary were visited by Jesus according to the gospels of Luke and John. Her feast day is July 29.

Charles Lepec (1830-90) was trained as a painter but is best-known today for his work in enamel.