Isidore of Seville (560-636) is one of the most influential western theologians of the late patristic period. One of his major scholarly focuses was the meaning of Latin words. So, I was fascinated by his discussion of the Latin word for Dragon, Draco. What I find particularly interesting is that none (or at least very few) of the late medieval characteristics of dragons are reflected in Isidore's description. Instead, his description just seems to be of a gigantic snake, like an anaconda, particularly one that is religiously venerated.
Book of Differences, I, 48 (p. 97)
The difference between words for snake (anguis, serpens, and draco) is that angues are in the sea, serpentes are on land, and dracones are in a shrine. As Virgil says (Aeneid 2.203-204) "Angues through the peaceful depths"; and a little further on (2.214) "Each serpens embraced"; and (2.225) "Dracones to the lofty shrines".
Etymologies, VIII, Topic 11, 55
The say Apollo is also called Pythius, from Python, the serpent of immense size, whose poison was as terrifying as his size. Piercing him with arrows, Apollo felled him, and carried back the spoils, including the use of his name, so he is called Pythius. He also instituted the celebration of the Pythian rites, to honor the victory.
Etymologies, XII, Topic 4, 4
The dragon or python, draco, is larger than all serpents, as well as all animals on earth. The Greeks call it δράκων, whence it becomes draco in Latin. It is said to be often drawn from its den into the air, which is stirred up because of him. He is crested, with a small face, and narrow tubes through which he draws his breath and moves his tongue. His power is not in his teeth, but in his tail, and he kills with a lash, rather than with his gaping jaws.
Etymologies, XII, Topic 6, 42
The sea dragon, draco marinus, has stingers on its arms, facing its tail. When they strike, poison pours into whatever is hit.
Etymologies, XVIII, Topic 3, section 3
Standards of snakes, dracones, were started by Apollo, with the death of the serpent Python. From that time, they began to be carried in war by Greeks and Romans.
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