In Bulgarian, Russian, Belarusian, Ukrainian, Bosnian, Serbian, and Macedonian lore, the dragon-like creature, or "змей" (), zmey (), smok (), zmiy (), (Bosnian zmaj), (), zmej (), is generally an evil, four-legged beast with few, if any, redeeming qualities. Zmeys are intelligent, but not greatly so, often demanding tribute from villages or small towns in the form of maidens (for food), or gold. Their number of heads ranges from one to seven or sometimes even more, with three- and seven-headed Zmeys being most commonly cited. The heads also regrow if cut off, unless the neck is "treated" with fire (similar to the hydra in Greek mythology). Zmey blood is so poisonous that Earth itself will refuse to absorb it. In Bulgarian mythology these "dragons" are sometimes good, opposing the evil Lamya /ламя/, a beast similar to the zmey.
In Bulgarian Russian Belarusian Ukrainian Bosnian Serbian and Macedonian lore the dragon-like creature or "змей" () zmey () smok () zmiy () (Bosnian zmaj) () zmej () is generally an evil four-legged beast with few if any redeeming qualities Zmeys are intelligent but not greatly so often demanding tribute from villages or small towns in the form of maidens (for food) or gold Their number of heads ranges from one to seven or sometimes even more with three- and seven-headed Zmeys being most commonly cited The heads also regrow if cut off unless the neck is "treated" with fire (similar to the hydra in Greek mythology) Zmey blood is so poisonous that Earth itself will refuse to absorb it In Bulgarian mythology these "dragons" are sometimes good opposing the evil Lamya /ламя/ a beast similar to the zmey