The African Continent, especially in the northern areas, has long been considered the home of prehistoric man and where it all began (although they're fighting with China for that honor). It's here that we find the most ancient of tales - the oldest from around 300 BC.
See Below for More.
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- Bushman's Horned Serpent
- African Hydra
- Olitau
- Virgin Devouring Dragon
- Dragon of the Lake
- Isa Bere
Dragons Unlimited has a tale titled Dragon Scale (index-26.html).
"Professor Elliot Smith says that 'in some parts of Africa, especially in the west, the antelope plays the part of the dragon in Asiatic stories.'" (Source: The Enchanted World, Dragons, pg 53)
Pliny, the Roman writer, adds that African dragons were crested and would join with other dragons to go flying. They created a sort of sail to ride the air. Konrad Gesner in Historie of Serepents (1608) disagrees - saying that the dragons were giant pythons.
There are more tales from the ancient peoples in the Ancient's Section.
"Within the Dragon's head is a shining gem that cures all diseases. Also, anyone wearing the jewel on the left arm becomes invisible. But the stone retains its power only if it is removed while the serpent is still alive." (Source: Book of Dragons and Other Mythical Beasts pg 22.)
It should also be noted that most African dragons left the human neighbors alone - with the exception of munching on their livestock on occasion.
According to the Dictionary of Literary Themes and Motifs, "Lucan in his Pharsalia (epic poem, c AD 62) describes flying golden dragons in Libya.". It also tells us that Isidore of Seville wrote during the 7th century and describes dragons "as the large flying creature of Ethiopia and India who lives near rocks and kills even elephants."
Ethiopian arwe = serpent (although the actual expression should be arwe medr or 'animal of the ground', not just arwe)