In Greek mythology, the Spartoi were fully-armed warriors that sprung up from the ground when dragon's teeth were sown into the ground. The warriors that appeared were considered extremely vicious and fought each other to the death. They are most well known from the stories of Cadmus and Jason and the Argonauts. Their name means "sown men". The expression "sowing dragon's teeth" has originated from this story, referring to doing something that causes disputes or strife.