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Mar 10, 2021 · Where did the dragon myth originate, and why are dragon stories so widespread across at least two continents? Carolyne Larrington, Professor of medieval European literature at the University of Oxford, investigates.
Jan 4, 2023 · Delve into the ancient past as we uncover the fascinating origins of mythical dragons through the lens of the fossil record. Explore the links between real-world discoveries and the legendary creatures that have captured our imaginations for generations.
The word dragon entered the English language in the early 13th century from Old French dragon, which, in turn, comes from Latin draco (genitive draconis), meaning "huge serpent, dragon", from Ancient Greek δράκων, drákōn (genitive δράκοντος, drákontos) "serpent".
The modern, image of a dragon developed in Europe during the Middle Ages through the combination of the snakelike dragons of classical Graeco-Roman literature, references to Near Eastern European dragons preserved in the Bible, and European folk traditions.
- Ancient Mesopotamian Dragon Myths
- Dragons in The Lands of Persia
- Ancient Egyptian Dragon God
- The Chinese Dragon
- Dragons in Japan and Korea
- Dragons on The Indian Subcontinent
- Southeast Asian Dragon Myths
- European Dragons
- Dragons Among The Indigenous Tribes
- The Feathered Serpent
Tales of dragons, as we recognize them, first appear in the mythology of ancient Mesopotamia. Turn back the clock to the 2nd millennium BC and a mythological creature called the Mušḫuššu, or fierce snake, appears in written texts. The Mušḫuššu emerges throughout Sumerian and Babylonian mythology and is described as serpent-like, covered in scales, ...
Dragons also appear in the literature and mythology of ancient Persia, particularly in the form of the Azhdahas – evil figures depicted as giant snakes or winged lizards. Zahhāk, also known as Zahhāk the Snake Shoulder, is one such figure in Persian mythology, also described in ancient Persian folklore, such as the Avesta,as Azhi Dahāka. Meanwhile,...
Ancient Egyptian stories also host mythological dragons like the giant serpent deity Apep, or Apophis, who was viewed as the god of chaos and the adversary of light. Apep was the nemesis of Ra, the Sun god, and his roots can be traced back to as early as 4000 BC.
The Chinese dragon is revered in its culture. The dragon has long symbolized power and good luck, as well as portending influence over the weather, not unlike in other cultures. It is widely viewed as a spiritual and harmonious symbol in Chinese mythology. For example, the Chinese Emperor often used the dragon to showcase his power. The earliest pr...
Dragons are legendary figures in Japanese folklore and mythology.Their origin is a mix of native legends and myths imported from other Asian cultures, particularly China. A handful of indigenous dragon stories in Japan, such as the Kojiki and Nihongi, emerged in the late 7th century AD. Chinese dragons greatly influenced the appearance of Japanese ...
The Mahabharata epic is a significant text in Hindu mythology, and it introduces the concept of nagas or serpent beings. The epic describes the nagas as a semi-divine race with the power to assume human or serpent forms. Naga kings, including Shesha, Vasuki, Takshaka, and princess Ulupi, are all depicted in the epic. They are often associated with ...
In Philippine mythology, the Bakunawa is a dragon-like serpent creature. It is believed to bring about natural phenomena such as eclipses, earthquakes, rain, and wind. The Bakunawa is usually depicted as having a looped tail and a single horn. It was generally considered a sea serpent but was also thought to inhabit either the sky or the underworld...
Dragons play a significant role in ancient Greek mythology, depicting them as large snakes with the ability to spit or breathe poison. The word “dragon” is derived from the Greek word “drakōn,” which has its roots in the Latin word “draco,” meaning a large, constricting snake. The ancient Greeks wrote of several serpent like creatures including Typ...
Across the Atlantic, dragons also appear in the cultures of many Indigenous tribes throughout the Americas. The Illini people painted murals of the Piasa Bird in the Mississippi River area, a winged dragon figure. Its presence isn’t quite understood, however, some believe it originates with the much larger Mississippian culture of Cahokia. Elsewher...
Further south, among the civilizations of the Aztecs and Maya, the depiction of the Feathered Serpent is just about everywhere. First worshipped at Teotihuacan in the 1st century BC, the deity was originally depicted as an actual snake, however, over time this morphed into a figure also bearing human-like characteristics. The Yucatec Maya worshippe...
Jan 23, 2012 · Scholars say that belief in dragons probably evolved independently in both Europe and China, and perhaps in the Americas and Australia as well. How could this happen?
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2 days ago · Where did the term dragon come from? The English word dragon comes from the Greek word drakōn , which was used originally for any large serpent, and the dragon of mythology, whatever shape it later assumed, remained essentially a snake.
