Tradition: Catalan Mythology, Spanish Mythology
Alternative Names: Banyoles Monster, Banyoles Lake Monster
Category: Dragon
The Myth
The Banyoles Monster is a legendary creature said to live in the depths of Lake Banyoles in Girona, in northeastern Spain. It is possibly described as a dragon.
According to the legend, the monster has lived in the lake for hundreds of years. In the eighth century, a French monk named St. Emeterio approached the creature and used prayers to coax it out of the lake. Through his prayers, he transformed the beast into a peaceful herbivore.
Despite this transformation, the Banyoles Monster is said to still live deep beneath the waters of the lake.
Sources
“Banyoles monster.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed September 20, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banyoles_monster