The Cryptid Zoo: Lindorm

"Lindorm" is a European term that is generally used for dragons that have legs but lack wings. Thus, lindorms are landbound by definition, though this certainly did not keep them away from that favorite haunt of dragons, the water. Thus, some lindorms could be classified as water monsters too, if you want to get picky.

Sweden is the place with the largest numbers of modern sightings of lindorms. These beasts were usually long and serpentine, about a foot in diameter, with huge eyes. The usual color scheme was black with a yellowish underside. Highly aggressive, Swedish lindorms terrified witnesses with their hissing, spring attacks and blood that exuded poisonous, smelly fumes. According to some theories, lindorms were actually sea serpents who were traveling overland, possibly to spawn in secluded lakes. This idea resembles characteristics found in some Loch Ness monster sightings, in which the monster could clamber ashore just like a seal can.

You can find out more about Lindorms from the following sources:

Clark, Jerome and Coleman, Loren. Cryptozoology A-Z. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1999. Pages 136-137

Clark, Jerome. Unexplained!. Detroit: Visible Ink Press, 1999. Pages 440-442

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Newton, Michael. Encyclopedia of Cryptozoology: A Global Guide to Hidden Animals and Their Pursuers. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company, 2005. Pages 250, 259

Shuker, Karl. The Beasts That Hide From Man: Seeking the World's Last Undiscovered Animals. New York: Paraview Press, 2003. Pages 204-207

Wikipedia, The. Lindworm