Dragon Overview
By Colin Chapman (col.chapman@virgin.net)
Introduction
If belief and subconscious desire are the 'creators' of dragons, most would hail from earlier periods of history. There are basically 2 broad general types of dragon in myth: Occidental and Oriental.
Occidental (Western) Dragons
Dragons of western myth invariably had 4 legs and a pair of wings, and ranged from the size of a horse (the one St. George slew) up to truly gargantuan proportions. They were nearly always malevolent.Traits of Note:
- Their speed and agility were amazing considering their bulk.
- Many had a taste for the flesh of young maidens, especially virgins.
- Few were actively 'intelligent' but most possessed a very high animal cunning.
- They hoarded treasure, especially gold, to nest/sleep on.
- They were extremely territorial and aggressive.
- They often raided and devoured livestock.
- The majority could breathe fire.
- Dragonscales could trun all but the sharpest blade.
- Those few that were intelligent were extremely so, and usually possessed sorcerous powers.
- They were often given sacrifices to placate them.
- They lived in inhospitable and inaccessible caves and deep forests.
- Those few benevolent ones were usually scholarly hermits.
- Dragons' teeth and claw were sharper than daggers.
Some western dragons may be of special note, such as the great, red-skinned dragon that protects Wales. Dragon body-parts often had use as chimerical treasures (usually one use only) with scales for armour and shields (flame resistant), sowing the teeth for a crop of warriors, poisonous blood etc.
Oriental (Eastern) Dragons
Called 'Lung' in China and 'Tatsu' in Japan. Unlike western draons, they rarely had wings, but could still fly. In fact, they could fly with greater speed, ease and agility than western dragons. Usually representatives of the Celestial Court, they were avatars of water and air, and bringers of rain. They were always wise and intelligent, and always possessed magic powers of majesty, awe, and weather control. The majority were benevolent, but there are a few cases and aggressive or arrogant ones. They had the head of a camel, neck of a snake, horns of a deer, feet of a tiger, claws of an eagle, eyes of a demon, scales of a fish, whiskers of a cat, and tail of an ox. They were sinuous and long, ranging in size from that of a dog to truly massive (probably having the power to change their size at will).Traits of Note:
- They were incredibly wise, said to possess the 'fiery pearl of wisdom'. many pictures show such a pearl located beneath their chin. Whether this is figurative or a chimerical artifact is unknown.
- They aren't as physically strong as western dragons, but are better fighters and possess greater magics.
- They represent Rulership, and are supposed to be supreme among animals. They were majestic and awe-inspiring.
- They were equally at home underwater or in the air.
- They usually lived in beautiful underwater grottoes or palaces among the clouds.
Oriental belief in dragons is much stronger than that of the west, especially in China, Tibet and Hong Kong. they are probably more numerous due to this. For example, many still believe that 9 dragons inhabit the waters of Kowloon in Hong Kong, protecting the city.