Dragons in Art

DRAGONS IN HISTORY Western Mythology Western legend and folklore often depicts the dragon as an evil creature that terrorizes the locals and burns up the countryside with its fiery breath. However, just as often the dragon may play a protective role, defending everything from the kingdom treasury to the honor of the kingdom's princess.

DRAGONS IN HISTORY Eastern Mythology Eastern dragons, notably those from China and Japan, generally have a benevolent nature. Associated with fertility and prosperity, Asian dragons are most often considered as symbols of good fortune. Ancient China held the dragon in such great esteem that the 5-clawed dragon became the symbol of its emperors.

CAVE ART Images of Dragons have been found as early as prehistoric man in cave drawings.

GREEK The Ancient Greeks and Romans believed that dragons knew the earth's secrets and endowed them with many protective and fearsome qualities. Their respect and admiration of the dragon led the Roman soldiers of the first century to etch and draw dragon images on their battle standards.

GREEK The Hydra usually has at least two heads, most commonly five. Each time a head is decapitated, another grows back.

GREEK The Wyvern is a ferocious looking scaly creature with bat-like wings, a spiked back, a long whip-like tail, and he often breaths fire. It is common in the Dungeons and Dragons culture

GREEK

Medieval Times In the Middle Ages, the dragon was a magical beast that could fly and breathe fire. According to Western folklore, dragons had the job of guarding and watching over hidden treasures and fortunes. The dragon remains a heraldic symbol, used both in battle and on many family crests. The flag of Wales still bears the symbol of a red dragon.

Medieval Times

NORSE DRAGONS In medieval times, the Scandinavians described swimming dragons. Vikings placed dragons on the front of their ships to scare off the sea monsters.

CHINESE The Chinese have many stories of dragons. Marco Polo wrote of his travels and reported on huge serpents, which at the fore part have two short legs, each with three claws. “The jaws are wide enough to swallow a man, the teeth are large and sharp, and their whole appearance is so formidable that neither man, nor any kind of animal can approach them without terror.” (Polo, Marco, The Travels of Marco Polo, 1961, pp ) Books even tell of Chinese families raising dragons to use their blood for medicines and highly prizing their eggs.

CHINESE Dragons are deeply rooted in Chinese culture, so Chinese often consider themselves, 'the descendants of the dragon. Dragon Boat Festivals are now found internationally

CHINESE

JAPANESE In Japanese traditions the dragon is considered to be a symbol of strength, protection and good luck Temples and alters in Japan can be seen hosting huge sculptures of dragons in today’s times.

JAPANESE