Dragon Spotlight 7: Apalala

     This week we move into Middle Eastern and Indian dragons.  Our first dragon, Apalala, lived in modern-day Pakistan high in the mountains.  For many years, he protected the local people from destructive dragons, and in their gratitude, they gave him tribute.  However, the people began to take Apalala's protection for granted, and eventually forgot both him and the tribute they used to give him.

     Denied this sign of respect, Apalala grew angry and laid waste to the surrounding villages.  Transformed by his anger, he had the face of a man, the body of a serpent, and two clawed arms, terrifying those who saw him.  He only stopped his reign of terror when approached by the Buddha, who converted him and showed him the error of his ways.  The Buddha also helped Apalala seek a resolution with the humans around him.

     Rachel's drawing of Apalala mixes the upper body of a modern monitor lizard with the lower portion of a serpent.
   

     Apalala's human face is represented by the mask attached to his head.

     Join us again next week for more dragons from the Middle East, India, and surrounding areas, as well as more previews of the original drawings to be featured in the book Discourse on Dragons!