Perhaps the dragon that has had the most influence on Westernized Christian thought is the red dragon that dominates the last book of the New Testament. The author of this book, who simply identified himself as John, had been exiled to the Isle of Patmos, a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea, where he received a brilliant vision in which he was welcomed into the heavens to witness all things which were to come. In the vision he was shown a book with seven sealed portions. He was allowed to see the contents of each sealed portion in turn and then commanded to write what he saw. It is at the very end of the seventh portion that we find the story of the red dragon.

The Red Dragon of St. John, The Divine

The first dragon story on record is found in the Babylonian creation epic, Enuma Elish. First called Labbu by the Sumerians in 3000 BC, this dragon came to be known as Tiamat when that civilization gave way to the Babylonians and their mythologies blended. Broken down, Tiamat’s name means “life-mother,” and this she-dragon was indeed the creator of all. Part animal, part serpent, and part bird, Tiamat was revolting in appearance and certainly did not possess the nurturing qualities we now regard as motherly; for she, along with her husband Apsu, was terrible, vengeful, and full of malice toward the gods, which were her and Apsu’s descendants. Tiamat was the very spirit of chaos, and the she reigned with Apsu in troubled confusion and disorder.

Tiamet, the First Dragon

While Europe’s shining knights spent their lives slaying dragons, the Chinese sought after and worshiped Eastern dragons as the most benevolent, wise, and generous of all creatures. Indeed, to be called “dragon face” was a great honor, and it was believed that emperors received counsel and aid from dragons in times of need. A few emperors even proudly claimed to be direct descendants of dragons. Pairings between humans and dragons were thought possible, since dragons were capable of changing their shape and size to assume whatever form they desired.

Eastern Dragon

The dragon was the sign of the Emperor, and was on the national flag of the late Qing dynasty. The Chinese dragon is rendered as a long and serpent-like creature without wings.  The Chinese dragon is said to be a strange mixture of several animals.   According to legend Chinese dragons were supposed to be made of all the world's spare parts.  The Dragon in Chinese mythology was a creature of high mountains or underground caves, breathing flames and ready for combat.  

Chinese Dragons

Much folklore about dragons has been believed throughout time. In Egyptian mythology, the god of the underworld, Osiris, is sometimes represented by a dragon.  In Greek mythology, dragons are always guarding something or eating someone.  In European mythology, a dragon is a serpent-like legendary creature.  In both Eastern and Western mythology, the dragon is believed to be responsible for eclipses.  

In Bulgarian legend, dragons are three headed, winged beings with snake's bodies.  There is also a white dragon, which according to legend can transform into a bird called O-Goncho.  The dragon also plays a vital role in Arthurian legend.  

Dragon Myths and Legends

If the dragon is your Chinese year sign or the Chinese sign of your child, you'll be glad to know that dragons are often good humoured and excellent company. They tend to see the larger picture and have a dislike of detail. Born leaders and original thinkers, Dragons can be very successful, although they have a tendency to plough on regardless and are reluctant to admit mistakes.

Year of Dragon

The oldest culture in the world to utilize dragons in their mythology and beliefs, are the Chinese. For them, the dragon is a divine, mythical creature that brings good fortune, prosperity and bounty. It is the symbol of emperors and imperial rule, and its legends have shaped a good portion of modern Chinese culture.

Mythology and Beliefs

The first appearance of dragons in Western mythology was the Norse "worm," a large scaled creature that was able to breathe fire and regenerate itself if vivisected. It didn't have the arms, legs, or wings of later dragon stories, but was often pictured as an enormous snake.

Symbolism in Dragon Lore

Have you seen a living, breathing dragon in person lately? Me neither. But that doesn't mean they don't exist.

The history of dragons goes back at least six thousand years, and there are dragon tales and legends from every continent except Antarctica. In some places, dragons have been considered helpful to people.

Brief Dragon History

The red dragon was introduced to Britain during Roman times. It is possible that the Romans learned of the dragon from the Persians. Initially the 'draco' was used as a standard by the Roman army but over time it was adopted by the Welsh people as their national flag. It is possibly the oldest national flag in use today.

The Red Dragon

Sounds ridiculous to say that, "Every Relationship is a Fairy Tale." does it not? Yet if we look closer we may find out that it is true. We may also find that we get a clearer understanding of how to make our relationships work better.

Every Relationship Has a Dragon

The Dragon has played an important part in myths and religions since pre-historic times. The history of dragons goes back at least six thousand years, and there are dragon tales and legends from every continent except Antarctica. In almost every culture, and all throughout history, there are stories of these mythical and magical creatures called dragons.

The History of Dragons