The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

SNAKE LEGEND

IN THE MOUNTAINS OF ITALY, THERE WERE MANY MAGICAL GOLDEN SNAKES.
THESE SNAKES WOULD HIDE THEMSELVES FROM THE OTHER ANIMALS. AS WELL A
FROM PEOPLE. ONLY A VERY LUCKY PERSON WILL EVER SEE ONE. HOWEVER, IF
A PERSON IS LUCKY ENOUGH TO SEE ONE OF THESE SNAKES, THEN HE SHOULD
TALK TO IT AND NOT BE AFRAID. THE SNAKE WILL THEN DISAPPEAR. BUT
LEAVE BEHIND HIS GOLDEN SKIN. THIS SKIN IS WORTH MILLIONS OF DOLLARS
NOWADAYS, YOU WON'T FIND BUT A FEW OF THESE SNAKES LIVING BECAUSE
MANY STRANGERS WHO HAVE COME TO THE MOUNTAINS HAVE FRIGHTENED THEM
AWAY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): ANIMALS ; HISTORICAL

Date learned: 09-20-1969