The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

POLISH VERSION OF THE MEDUSA MYTH

LONG AGO THERE WAS A HUGE DRAGON WHICH WAS KILLING THOUSANDS OF
PEOPLE. EVERYONE TRIED TO BATTLE AGAINST IT, BUT WHENEVER THE
DRAGON LOOKED AT ANYONE, THEY WERE INSTANTLY KILLED. BUT ONE DAY
A BRIGHT YOUNG PEASANT TOOK HIS SHIELD AND SHINED IT, SO THAT SOON
IT SHONE LIKE A MIRROR. WHEN HE CONFRONTED THE DRAGON WITH THIS
SHIELD, THE DRAGON SAW HIS OWN LIKENESS IN THE SHIELD AND FELL
DEAD. THE PEASANT BOY WAS TREATED LIKE A HERO FROM THAT DAY ON.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Date learned: 10-15-1971