EUROPEAN ADDER (NORTHERN VIPER): Warriorship

The shy European Adder is the only venomous Snake who lives in cold climates.  Living around the Arctic Circle, He shares his winter den (hibernaculum) with thirty or more Snakes.  Sometimes other Reptiles will join Them.  (His den is usually a burrow of another animal.)

            Known for his “mating dance”, European Adder does ritual combat with other Males.  Facing his rival, He will lift the front of his body off the ground.  Swaying from side to side, the two Adders wrap Themselves around the other.  In a snake version of arm wrestling, each Snake tries to force the other to the ground.  Finally, the exhausted Male lands on the ground and slinks off.  Afterwards, the victorious Male will mate with Female European Adder.

            This ritualized combat became known as “Adder Dancing”.  According to British folklore, on May’s eve, European Adders met for a battle royal.  Writhing and hissing, the multitude of fighting Snakes covered the battleground with the froth from their battle.

            Lying in the midst of the battlefield is the “Adder Stone.  The name of this round pale green stone is the “Glain Neidr” (the Glass of the Serpents).  Since this stone contains great power, the possessor of it will be victorious over their enemies.

            European Adder is a warrior.  He fights with other Males, but no one dies needlessly.  During his battle royal, a precious gem is formed.  When spying a human, European Adder will flee instead of forcing a confrontation.  Learn the positive aspects of being a warrior from European Adder.  Fight only when you need to.

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