In French folklore, the Tarasque was the dragon-like beast defeated by Saint Martha near Tarascon.
The Tarasque was said to live along the Rhône River and terrorize the surrounding region. Medieval legend describes it as a hybrid creature with features including a lion-like head, a turtle-like shell, six legs, and a scorpion-like tail, although artistic versions vary.
Saint Martha encountered the beast while traveling in Provence. Rather than defeating it through combat, she tamed it with prayer and brought it under control. Local people then killed the subdued creature, according to the legend. Tarascon takes its name from the story and preserves the tradition through festivals and imagery.
The Tarasque is sometimes grouped with dragons, but its unusual composite body makes it a distinct French legendary monster. Its name also appears in the modern word “tarasque,” used for festival figures and parade creatures.