Story Summary
Discover the satirical legend of The Dragon of Wantley, where the brave More of More Hall uses spiked armor and wit to defeat a beast terrorizing Yorkshire.
In the hills of Yorkshire, a terrifying dragon plagued the people of Wantley, devouring everything from cattle to children with its iron teeth. Desperate, the villagers turned to the local hero, More of More Hall. More agreed to face the beast but demanded a peculiar preparation: a suit of armor studded with sharp spikes and a massive quantity of potent ale. After a night of drinking, More hid in a well near the dragon's lair. When the beast arrived to drink, More leaped out. A fierce battle ensued until More delivered a mighty kick to the dragon’s only vulnerable spot—its backside. With a roar of agony, the dragon expired, and the people of Wantley were finally free from their scaly tormentor.
The Moral
Even the most fearsome foe has a weakness, and unconventional methods often succeed where traditional bravery fails.
“To any man he would not yield, but More of More Hall, with a kick, won the field.”
Fun Fact
The legend is widely considered a parody of traditional knightly romances and was even turned into a highly popular burlesque opera in 1737.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Dragon of Wantley?
The moral is that every problem, no matter how intimidating, has a specific vulnerability. Success often requires ingenuity and a unique approach rather than brute force alone.
Who was More of More Hall?
More of More Hall was a legendary hero from South Yorkshire who allegedly defeated the dragon. In historical interpretations, he is often seen as a symbolic figure representing a legal victory.
How did More defeat the dragon?
He wore a custom-made suit of armor covered in sharp spikes and hid in a well to ambush the beast. He won by kicking the dragon in its one vulnerable spot on its rear.
Is the story based on a real event?
Many historians believe the story is a satirical allegory for a 17th-century legal battle over land rights and tithes. The dragon likely represented a greedy lawyer or landowner.
What kind of armor did More wear?
More ordered a special suit of plate armor that was completely covered in long, sharp iron spikes. This prevented the dragon from being able to bite or crush him without hurting itself.
Where does the story take place?
The legend is set in Wantley, near Wharncliffe Side in South Yorkshire, England. You can still visit the rock formation known as the Dragon's Den in the area today.
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