TERRIFYING serpents, dragons and gods will be brought to life in an exhibition on the part played by rivers in folklore.

Rivers, Myths and Monsters opens today at the Old Fulling Mill Museum of Archaeology, in Durham City, with art inspired by chilling and exciting tales set in the world’s waterways.

Rivers have inspired myths around the world, from the local legend of the Lambton Worm, with a model of the monstrous serpent decorated by members of the 10th Durham Brownies (St Margaret’s), to pendants and plaques from China which tell the story of river carp that magically transform into dragons.

There are also tales from India, where Krishna battled the many-headed serpent, Kaliya, and Egypt, where figurines and amulets illustrate the story of the search by the goddess Isis for the body of her husband, Osiris, which had been hidden in the Nile by the evil Seth.

Madeline Betts, of Durham University, said: “Down the ages, rivers have inspired myths and monster tales around the globe. This exhibition tells their stories.

“There are games and many ways to interact with the objects on show, most of which have never been on display and are kept in the Oriental Museum’s Store, so this is a fun and engaging place to visit for all the family!”

The exhibition runs until September 5.

The Old Fulling Mill is open from 11am to 4pm daily and admission is £1 for adults, 50p for children and over-60s, or free to students and the underfives.

For more details, visit durham.ac.uk/fullingmill or call 0191-334-1823.