Story Summary
Discover the legend of The Wyvern of Mordiford, where a young girl's pet grows into a village-terrorizing beast and a brave hero makes the ultimate sacrifice.
In the village of Mordiford, a young girl named Maud discovered a tiny, bright-green wyvern in the forest. She carried it home in her apron and fed it bowls of milk, treating it like a pet. But the wyvern grew at an unnatural speed, its appetite shifting from milk to the village's sheep, then its cattle, and finally to the people themselves. It spared only Maud, remaining gentle in her presence while terrorizing the rest of the countryside. Desperate to end the slaughter, the villagers offered a full pardon to a condemned man named Garston if he could kill the beast. Garston devised a cunning plan: he hid inside a large cider barrel lined with sharp iron spikes and positioned himself by the River Lugg where the wyvern came to drink. When the creature lowered its neck, Garston lunged from his hiding place and delivered a fatal blow. The wyvern was defeated, but as it let out its final breath, its venomous fumes overcame Garston, and he fell dead beside his prize. Maud was left to weep for her lost friend, the only creature that had loved her unconditionally, despite its monstrous nature.
The Moral
Even the purest intentions cannot change the inherent nature of a dangerous creature, and some bonds come at too high a price.
“It grew on milk and misplaced love until its shadow covered the sun.”
Fun Fact
The legend was so central to local identity that the Mordiford church displayed a large mural of the wyvern for over 500 years until a vicar had it removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Wyvern of Mordiford?
The story suggests that one cannot tame something that is inherently wild and dangerous, even with love. It also explores the theme of self-sacrifice for the protection of a community.
How did Garston defeat the wyvern?
Garston hid inside a spiked cider barrel near the River Lugg. He waited for the wyvern to drink and then attacked it from the safety of his armored container, though he was ultimately killed by the beast's venom.
What is a wyvern compared to a dragon?
In traditional folklore and heraldry, a wyvern is a type of dragon that possesses only two legs and two wings. This distinguishes it from the four-legged Western dragon.
Is the Wyvern of Mordiford based on a true story?
While it is a legend, it is deeply rooted in the history of Mordiford in Herefordshire. For centuries, a large painting of the dragon existed on the local church wall, fueling the legend's popularity.
Why did the wyvern spare the girl Maud?
The wyvern spared Maud because she was the one who found it and nurtured it with milk when it was a hatchling. It maintained a bond of loyalty to her even as it became a predator to others.
What happened to the original dragon painting in Mordiford?
The famous painting of the wyvern on the church of Holy Rood was updated and repainted several times before being removed entirely during a church restoration in 1811.