“And what lesson can we draw from Volantene history? If you want to conquer the world, you best have dragons.” ― George R.R. Martin, A Dance With Dragons
Whether they are viewed as reptilian or serpentine in nature, there is no argument that dragons are perhaps the most popular of mythical creatures. The most common dragon types are the European dragons which are based in Greek and Roman mythologies and the Chinese dragons. Almost every culture has a myth that incorporates these magical creatures. Below are four types of dragons, although there are more, these are the basic dragons written about in mythology.
Dragon is a term associated with the real tree dwelling lizards of Asia and the Philippines, the most common being the Komodo Dragon. Some believers feel that some legends of dragons originate from these large lizards. In the Far East it is said that an earthquake is caused by an ancient dragon demanding
sacrifice. In Roman mythology the Goddess Ceres moves through the heavens on a chariot pulled by dragons. In the Far East dragons represent wisdom and legend says they took part in creation. Dragons appear in works of literature such as Beowulf, Epic of Gilgamesh, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Through the Looking-Glass, The Dragonriders of Pern, the Harry Potter Series, the Game of Thrones series, and they even appear in the bible under the name "leviathan." Leviathan has come to mean any mythical large sea creature, including the cryptid, Loch Ness Monster.
Native American cultures have legends of dragons as well, the most famous of which is the Quetzalcoatl of Latin America. The Quetzalcoatl was said to have created the first humans. Palulukon is a water-serpent (water dragon) of the Hopi legends, believed to be carrying the world on his back (other tribes believe it is a turtle that carries the world on his/her back). Illini Indians believed in a dragon called Piasa or the Piasa Bird, a dragon-like creature that hid in caves and ate human flesh.
A common belief about dragons: if you carry an amulet or display an image of a dragon in your home you will be granted protection, wisdom, and inspiration. This belief is a reoccurring thread throughout most cultures of the world. KingMelissa from Deviant Art sculpts and paints miniature dragons the perfect size for wearing as a pendant or to display on a shelf or desk. The following images are just a few of her wonderful creations. (Photo Credit also belongs to her.)
sacrifice. In Roman mythology the Goddess Ceres moves through the heavens on a chariot pulled by dragons. In the Far East dragons represent wisdom and legend says they took part in creation. Dragons appear in works of literature such as Beowulf, Epic of Gilgamesh, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Through the Looking-Glass, The Dragonriders of Pern, the Harry Potter Series, the Game of Thrones series, and they even appear in the bible under the name "leviathan." Leviathan has come to mean any mythical large sea creature, including the cryptid, Loch Ness Monster.
Native American cultures have legends of dragons as well, the most famous of which is the Quetzalcoatl of Latin America. The Quetzalcoatl was said to have created the first humans. Palulukon is a water-serpent (water dragon) of the Hopi legends, believed to be carrying the world on his back (other tribes believe it is a turtle that carries the world on his/her back). Illini Indians believed in a dragon called Piasa or the Piasa Bird, a dragon-like creature that hid in caves and ate human flesh.
A common belief about dragons: if you carry an amulet or display an image of a dragon in your home you will be granted protection, wisdom, and inspiration. This belief is a reoccurring thread throughout most cultures of the world. KingMelissa from Deviant Art sculpts and paints miniature dragons the perfect size for wearing as a pendant or to display on a shelf or desk. The following images are just a few of her wonderful creations. (Photo Credit also belongs to her.)