Dragons History

Dragons Definitions

Encarta98: A legendary reptilian monster similar in form to a crocodile and usually represented as having wings, huge claws, and a fiery breath.

Webster's Dictionary: drag-en n dracon-,draco serpent, [fr.GK drakon;akin to OE torht bright,Gk derkesthai to see,look at]
1 archaic: a huge serpent
2:a fabulous animal usually represented as a monstrous winged and scaly serpent or saurian with a crested head and enormous claws.

Tormont Illustrated Encyclopedia: drag'en n.
1. a. A fabulous monster, represented usually as a gigantic reptile breathing fire and having a lion's claws, the tail of a serpent, wings and scaly skin. b. A figure or other representation of this creature.
2. Archaic. A large snake or serpent [Middle English drago(u)n, from Old French drago, from Latin draco (stem dracon-), from Greek drakon, serpent]

History and Information

The images that we see from history, are made up of different parts of many animals. Most seem to have a lot of alligator and snakelike characteristics. Most have a lion's head plus maybe lion's front legs and eagle's feet. Some have wings and can breath fire.
In Wales, this creature is part of their National Emblem.(See Picture)

They are some of the oldest of mythological creatures, they appear in the cultures of almost all ancient societies. Folklore, from many cultures, has created this tribe of monsters giving them many different attributes.
In the earliest times, they were shown with the Great Mother or the water god or the warrior sun god. They had the power to be either bad or good and were considered to be the most powerful creatures in the world.
In some parts of Africa they are considered as an evil power. This monster was believed to be the result of the unnatural mating of a she-wolf and an eagle. Some cultures consider this creature to be destructive and evil. In the epic Enuma Elish from a Mesopotamian creation legend created around 2000BC, the goddess Tiamat, a main character, was very dragon like. She led the "Hoards of Chaos" from the oceans. These hoards had to be destroyed before there could be order in the universe.

From the ancient most sacred writings of the Hebrews, the dragon represented evil and death. Early Christianity adopted this belief which shows up in many parts of the Bible.

Christian art often depicts the dragon as representing sin. You will find it being destroyed by saints and martyrs to demonstrate winning the battle between Christianity and the Pagens.

In Chinese Astrology this sign is one of the most powerful and lucky Signs of the Chinese Zodiac. Its warm heart makes this brash creature's fiery energy far more palatable. This is a giving, intelligent and tenacious Sign that knows exactly what it wants and is determined to get it.

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