Amphisbaena

In Greek mythology, the Amphisbaena was a dangerous dragon-like beast that lived in the Libyan desert. The first of its kind sprung from Medusa's blood as her head was carried over the area by Perseus. The creature resembled a two-headed serpent with a pair of legs. In some descriptions, the Amphisbaena also had a pair of wings. It fed off ants, human corpses and other prey of opportunity. The Amphisbaena chased down prey by putting one head in the mouth of the desert and rolling after them. It was very swift, but did not always need to hunt for its food. It could also set up ambushed by lurking under the desert sands or in an oasis-- the creature could swim and burrow. Like many other mythological serpents, the Amphisbaena also had toxic fangs and hypnotic eyes. The stare of this monster was even more dangerous under the full moon. Anyone who made eye contact with an Amphisbaena while the moon was full would die instantly. The creature's body also had many uses in folk medicine. For example, the wearer of its skin would be cured of a common cold or of arthritis. The Amphisbaena is similar in description to the Lindorm/Lindworm of Arabia.