The Dundee Dragon

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You can find this iconic statue in the heart of Dundee, Scotland, standing watch over the east end of high street. Crafted by Alistair Smart and Tony Morror, it was unveiled in the 1990s, bringing to life an ancient legend that has captivated the city for centuries. The statue is rooted in the timeless tale of the Nine Maidens or The Strathmartine Dragon, a Dundee legend that continues to inspire awe. Dragons also feature prominently on Dundee's coat of arms, serving as a symbol of the city's rich history and heritage. According to local lore, an elderly farmer sent one of his nine daughters to fetch water from the well, but she failed to return, sparking a desperate search by her father. One by one, he dispatched his remaining daughters, only to have them meet their untimely demise at the feet of a fearsome dragon. With no way to vanquish the beast, the farmer appealed to the townspeople for help. Martin, the devoted lover of one of the maidens, stepped forward to confront the monster, with the crowd rallying behind him, urging him on with cries of "Strike, Martin!" This legendary battle is said to have given rise to the name Strathmartine, a village nestled near Dundee. This captivating legend is also tied to the Balluderon stone, a Pictish symbol stone that depicts a dragon-like creature, further solidifying the connection between this ancient tale and the city's storied past.