In French folklore, the Tarasque was a dragon-like monster associated with the Rhône and tamed by Saint Martha.
The Tarasque was said to live near Nerluc, traditionally identified with the area around modern Tarascon in Provence. Medieval accounts describe a hybrid creature with features of a lion, bear, turtle, and serpent. Its terrifying appearance and destructive behavior made it a local monster rather than a figure from classical Greek or Norse mythology.
According to the legend, Saint Martha encountered the Tarasque while preaching in Provence. Instead of killing it, she subdued the creature through prayer and gentleness. Local people then attacked it after seeing it apparently harmless, a detail that varies in retellings.
The town of Tarascon preserves the story through festivals and a large effigy. The Tarasque is sometimes loosely called a dragon, but its composite body distinguishes it from a conventional winged European dragon.