While traditional European dragons are evil monsters, hoarders, and kidnappers of beautiful young maidens, Eastern dragons are considered auspicious, wise, and powerful as well as bringers of good fortune. The red dragon dancing through the streets on Chinese New Year, scaring away evil spirits and searching for wisdom and knowledge, illustrates the nature of Eastern […]
European Dragons: Fearsome, Lovable, and Awe-Inspiring (Part III of the Dragon Series)
Traditionally European or Western dragons are evil, firing breathing creatures who hoard riches and capture fair maidens. They, of course, must be killed. J. R .R. Tolkien’s Smaug is a quintessential example. There are always exceptions to the evil rule: Welsh red dragon, representing the Welsh people and foretelling the coming of King Arthur, and […]
Where Do Dragon Myths Come From? (Part II of the Dragon Series)
Early stories, myths, and fairy tales fascinate me. The Grimm brothers’ fairy tales are every bit as dark and frightening as Stephen King’s stories, maybe more so. Why do we like them? Is it therapeutic to face our fears? Can we experience our emotions through story? When I was a child, I loved to scare […]
