Dragon Spotlight 4: Isa Bere

From the Futa Jallon mountains, Isa Bere was responsible for drinking the entire Niger River, causing massive drought and suffering.  He was defeated in battle by King Samba and his bard Tarafe, though the battle raged for 8 years before his defeat.  One version of the story tells us that 80 swords broke against the scales of the dragon, until finally the youngest son of one of the country's smiths made a sword that was, at last, successful in helping King Samba kill the best.

Rachel's drawing of Isa Bere is inspired by the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus), which she used not only because it lives in the area of Futa Jallon, but also because the myth heavily featured water and the crocodile is an aquatic animal.

The Nile crocodile is the second largest reptile in the world, after the saltwater crocodile.  While it is rarely found in saltwater, it can survive saline environments.  We felt that it was the perfect inspiration for Isa Bere!

Join us next week when we take a look at the mythical Grootslang!