So let’s talk Dragons
Dragons have a long history in every part of the world. They appear in cultures from earliest Asia and Mesopotamia, to the Western World. One theory about what makes up these fearsome creatures states that they are a conglomeration of species that threaten mankind. The attributes of snake is a common characteristic that almost all dragons share. The next common characteristic comes from lizards and crocodiles. Dangerous insects and birds can also be glimpsed in the bodies of different dragons.
Many dragons are winged. Sharp talons likely come from raptors. Most have scales, although some have feathers. Wyverns usually have a stinger on the tail that comes from scorpions (yes, not an insect.)
There are many different dragon types. They include:
- Standard Western Dragon
- Oriental Dragon
- Dragonet
- Wyvern
- Wyrm
- Drake
The Western Dragon can break down into sub-categories based on color. These range from White to Gold and Rainbow. Some dragon universes also include Crystal and Metallic along with the basic Chromatic dragons. Each dragon has it’s own strength parameters, with the Gold being the strongest in most universes.
Differences Between the Western (Standard) and Oriental:
The Western (Standard) Dragons
The Standard Western Dragon, the Wyvern, the Hydra, the Wyrm, and the Drake are generally selfish and destructive or even outright evil. They hoard treasure, terrorize livestock and people, and generally cause havoc wherever they go. In the Middle Ages, they symbolized negative emotions, and the Church used them to represent evil and heresy.
Standard dragons usually live in caverns filled with all sorts of treasure. They come by the treasure in several ways. They can seize chests, or receive gold and gems as tribute. This tribute can be anything from not eating the maids in the town to not destroying the town altogether. And these treasures are the components of a bed that is roughly formfitting. These beds have jewels that are incorporated into their skin and scales.
The Eastern (Oriental) Dragons
The Oriental (Eastern) Dragon on the other hand is (generally) beneficial and helpful. They symbolize the passing of seasons, and have supernatural attributes. These entities are mostly wingless, but most of them can fly. These creatures are often beneficial to humans, and are associated with water, rain, or thunder.
The Eastern Dragon often lives in water of some sort, whether a lake, river, or stream. They are seen as the rulers of water and weather. They also represent spirituality.
The number nine has great importance to the Chinese, and they have nine Major Dragons:
- Tianlong – The Celestial Dragon
- Shenlong – The Spiritual Dragon
- Fucanglong – The Dragon of Hidden Treasures
- Dilong – The Underground Dragon
- Yinglong _ The Winged Dragon
- Jiaolong _ The Horned Dragon
- Panlong – The Coiled Dragon
- Huanglong – The River Dragon
- The Dragon King
Each of these entities has a purpose, such as guarding the god’s palaces. These are the Celestial Dragons. The Spiritual Dragons are in command of wind and rain. And the Underground Dragons protect one’s wealth, as well as any major geological events.
There are many more dragons in Eastern Mythology. They are in the lore of the Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Each culture’s dragons were similar. Many resided in water and controlled it. They were protectors and they were seen as sacred.
I hope you enjoyed this short thesis, and take away something you can share. Please come back, as this page will be updated and added to. Cheers!
Response Magic