Gaasyendietha
Mythical serpent
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gaasyendietha (Seneca: Gá:šöje:ta’)[1], also known as the meteor dragon according to Seneca mythology, is a giant serpent that dwells in the deep areas of rivers and lakes of Canada, especially Lake Ontario. This serpent could fly on a trail of fire, and it could also spew fire, which has led to it being viewed as analogous to European dragons.[2][3][4]
It is also known as the "meteor dragon", in reference to its supposed origin from a meteoroid that had impacted the Earth. It is also capable of crossing the heavens on a trail of fire.[5] Another reference to it is as the "fire lion", which is the Iroquioan version of the underwater panther.[6]
In the tale "Ganyadjigowa", the hero Ganyadjigowa (The Mudhen) was killed by Gaasyendietha, in the form of an old man.[7]
