A common formula for the dragon-slaying myth is present among the descendants of the Proto-Indo-European language. This formula consists first of all in a single male protagonist, typically of higher social status, who is almost always described as a "dragon slayer", with a special weapon and a companion (Watkins 302, How to Kill a Dragon), and it is specific in formulation, as it is spread through oral tradition (303). Second, in myth, the dragon, usually with many heads, is described as causing great conflict or as treasurer of something of great value, in many cases both. Next, the protagonist is sent on a mission, by command or personal choice, to fight against the dragon. Finally, the protagonist defeats the dragon and recovers the previously accumulated objects. This Proto-Indo-European formula can be illustrated through the Russian myth of Dobrynya Nikitich and his encounter with a dragon. In the story, Dobrynya, a Bogatyr (knight of Holy Russia), finds himself involved in a conflict with a dragon (Kennedy 170, European Myth & Legend). From this description it is already evident that Dobrynya fits the PIE mold of a male protagonist of above-average social status. The author also notes that Dobrynya is "better known as the dragon slayer" (170). This highlights the common PIE description of the protagonist as a "hunter" in contrast to other linguistic options. Next, the dragoness is described as wreaking havoc in the Russian capital of Kiev and capturing the Russian prince's favorite granddaughter, Vladimir Bright Sun (170). Here the conflict caused by the dragon is described and the granddaughter of the Russian prince is mentioned as a valuable object, guarded by the dragon. After a three-day battle, Dobrynya eme...... middle of paper ......er as well as bringing mead or soma to help the hero defeat the dragon. Indra's companion Trita ends the direct chain of custody from the Avesta to the Rigveda. In one of the early Vedas, Trita is not the companion but the hero, fighting a dragon simply called "serpent", which has a direct connection with the Zend word for serpent: "Azhi" (Westengaard 83, The Journal of the Bombay Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society). The dissemination of the dragon slaying myth through oral poetic tradition allows for a clear chain of custody to all cultural descendants of the PIE. While small changes alter the myths slightly as they are passed down, the formula remains intact. Even in modern American culture to slay a dragon is to “kill it,” and popular films depict individual heroes facing overwhelming forces of evil. After thousands of years the dragon slaying myth is alive and well.