The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds
Episode 669: American Dragons
Release Date: February 4, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 669 of The Dollop, titled "American Dragons," comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds delve into the rich tapestry of American folklore, exploring legendary creatures that roamed the vast landscapes of the American West. The episode uncovers a fascinating blend of Native American myths, Spanish missionary tales, and sensational newspaper reports from the 18th to the early 20th centuries, all contributing to the enigmatic legends of American dragons.

Historical Context and Unipero Serra's Expedition

The episode begins by tracing the origins of one of the earliest American dragon legends to October 1780, with the story of Junípero Serra, a Spanish Catholic priest and missionary in California.

• Dave Anthony [04:00]: "October 1780, year of our Lord J Town, who at this point was one of the badder boys in all of the area, the Americas."

Serra embarks on an expedition from the San Gabriel Mission to explore northern valleys, only to encounter hostile Native American tribes. Surrounded and besieged near what would later be known as La Laguna del Diablo (Lake of the Devil), Serra's group faces relentless attacks. In desperation, a Native American convert relays their plight back to the mission, prompting the dispatch of Lieutenant Pico and Sergeant De Gallo with a considerable military force to rescue Serra and his companions.

The Legend of Elizabeth Lake

As the narrative unfolds, Dave narrates the harrowing legend of Elizabeth Lake, originally named La Laguna del Diablo, where Serra's group was saved through a dramatic confrontation involving demonic forces.

• Dave Anthony [08:47]: "Pico knew demons could be vanquished for many years with the use of a cross. And he pulled out a silver cross. And yelled, 'Behold the cross of Christ.' And the demon trembled and the army of demons fled."

Following this divine intervention, the lake transformed from a place of horror to one of serene beauty. However, the legend persisted as local folklore, with residents reporting eerie sounds and unexplained phenomena emanating from the lake.

Folklore and Reports of Lake Monsters

Gareth and Dave delve into various sensational reports and newspaper articles that fueled the mythos of American dragons. These stories often featured gigantic, winged serpents and other monstrous creatures terrorizing settlers and livestock around Elizabeth Lake and beyond.

• Gareth Reynolds [31:29]: "It moves without effort. It would coil up and then turn over and thrust its head forward to strike, basically like a snake."

One notable account from 1871 describes the discovery of a "petrosaur" by Yale paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh, which captured the public's imagination and further cemented the existence of these mythical beasts in American consciousness.

The Rise and Decline of Dragon Legends

As the American frontier expanded and modern journalism matured, the fantastical tales of dragons and other mythical creatures began to wane. However, reports continued sporadically into the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often sensationalized by newspapers eager to captivate readers with tales of the unexplained.

• Dave Anthony [50:28]: "So that's the story of American dragons in the American West."

By mid-20th century, the prevalence of dragon legends declined, overshadowed by advancements in science and skepticism. Nevertheless, remnants of these stories persisted, occasionally resurfacing in popular culture and anecdotal accounts.

The Fabrication and Legacy of the Tombstone Thunderbird

A pivotal moment discussed in the episode is the alleged photograph of the Tombstone Thunderbird, a creature believed to be a giant bat-like dinosaur. In 1963, Saga Magazine claimed the existence of such a photo, which was purportedly seen by numerous individuals but never officially published or verified. In 2010, an English enthusiast fabricated the image, perpetuating the myth without any factual basis.

• Dave Anthony [86:28]: "He just created a bunch of guys sitting in front of an old building, holding up a massive bat-like dinosaur creature. And people, those people also think that's real."

This incident highlights the interplay between folklore, media sensationalism, and the human penchant for mythical storytelling.

Conclusion

"American Dragons" offers a captivating exploration of how myths and legends shape and are shaped by the cultural and historical landscapes they inhabit. Through their engaging storytelling, Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds illuminate the enduring allure of mythical creatures in American history, demonstrating how these tales reflect the fears, hopes, and imaginations of the people who told them.

Notable Quotes

• Dave Anthony [08:47]: "Pico knew demons could be vanquished for many years with the use of a cross. And he pulled out a silver cross... 'Behold the cross of Christ.'"

• Gareth Reynolds [31:29]: "It moves without effort. It would coil up and then turn over and thrust its head forward to strike, basically like a snake."

• Gareth Reynolds [50:28]: "So that's the story of American dragons in the American West."

• Dave Anthony [86:28]: "He just created a bunch of guys sitting in front of an old building, holding up a massive bat-like dinosaur creature. And people, those people also think that's real."

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