Azhdaya : The 3 Headed Dragon

Introduction
Azhdaya is the demonic version of Zmaj, a dragon that is popular in other European mythologies, which lived for more than 100 years. It has an odd number of heads and is characterised by a terrible growl. This creature is known to eat humans and animals. In Serbia, it is believed that St. George killed an Azhdaya and not a regular dragon.

In some regions, the Azhdaya is also considered to be a snake who has lived a long time or even a snake/dragon who has eaten another of its kind after defeating them in battle.

Physical Traits
The Azhdaya is usually depicted as having either 3, 5 or 7 heads depending on the region that the mythology is from. It had a constant angry demeanour and was malevolent in nature. It’s physicality was so evil that Christianity adopted the likeness for its representation of evil – the devil.

Other Names
The Azhdaya is often confused with the Zmaj and are referred to by these names across the Baltic region. They are popularly known as azdaha, ala or hala and is distinct from other dragons of the time and within the mythology of the region.

Powers And Abilities
The Azhdaya is known to be able to fly and breathe fire through its multiple heads. They are in constant conflict with humans and other animals. They are known to live underground in dark caves and also were attributed to volcanic eruptions.

Modern Day Influence
Modern depictions of evil dragons and multi headed flying monsters stem from the characterization of the evil Azhdaya. In most mythologies of the time, dragons were not considered to be harmful to humans apart from the Azhdaya which periodically attacked and ate humans for food or out of spite.