Several mythologies have linked the salamander to the element of fire--a somewhat ironic perception, considering that over half of the known species are fully aquatic, lungless, and breathe oxygen through the skin membranes in their mouth. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed the salamander was born from, lived in, and consumed flame. According to Bulfinch’s Mythology, both Aristotle and Pliny wrote testimonial accounts of witnessing the creature’s birth from fire. Historical sources argue that these testimonies are most likely derived from observations around campfires. The tinder used for these fires may have had some unfortunate amphibian occupants who would come bursting out of the logs when the fire was lit, making it appear as though the creature was materializing from the fire itself. The Romans also believed that the salamander could be seen hibernating in flame, that it held the ability to suppress fire, and that it secreted poison, which could contaminate entire fruit-bearing trees.

The animal’s association with fire is also reflected in Egyptian hieroglyphics and Middle Eastern tales. It is interesting to note, in fact, that the word "salamander" has Arabic origins, and translates literally as “lives in fire.”

In several stories from Great Britain the salamander takes on characteristics more suited to dragons. “St. Abhan and the Waterhound,” by Greg O’Brien, for example, a variant of a traditional Irish tale, gives the following description of the “Waterhound” in the words of a Celtic chief: “I have a terrible monster / it lives in our rivers lochs and seas / from head to tail it is on fire with long sharp nails and immense teeth. . . / This huge fiery salamander the “Waterhound” is its name, / sends my soldiers home bloodied and their hounds lame.” After St. Abhan imprisons the salamander, the Celts in the story devote themselves to the way of Christianity.

“The Lambton Worm” tells the tale of John Lambton, who while fishing in the river Wear catches a “black worm like creature, which was only small, but twisted and coiled with great power. . .with the head of a salamander and needle sharp teeth.” He gets rid of the creature by tossing it down a well, which quickly becomes poisoned. While Lambton is off fighting in the Crusades, the creature grows, leaves the well, and becomes a terror to the surrounding village. All who try to slay the beast perish, and it is vanquished only upon Lambton’s return--but not before cursing his families’ bloodline forever.

A third such story, “The Linton Worm,” involves Sommerville of Lariston, a character who journeys to an abandoned village that has been ravaged by a dragon to resolve conflicting reports regarding such creatures. He makes his way to the cave of this beast, but rather than slay it, he only observes its behavior.

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