Some Dragon History

So I also have a bit of a thing for dragon legends as well. Dragons in any story really, from The Hobbit to “How to Train Your Dragon.” Here’s a basic history of dragon legends.

Dragons have appeared in nearly every culture since as far back as 4000 BC. There are myths about them that have almost become universal as a result.

One possible reason for this might have been people trying to explain dinosaur fossils found. Dragons could have been the explanation for this unknown race.

Dragons have been said to live everywhere, depending on the type. Could be the middle of the ocean, or an underground cave. They are often related to sea monsters, which was a popular idea back when the world was thought to be flat. Supposedly dragons waited at the ends of the earth to devour anyone who sailed too far out. This is why most maps mark the end of the world with the phrase “Here There Be Dragons.”

They are also almost always connected to treasure, whether it is gold or a maiden. Knights then had to slay the dragon to gain the treasure. In England, anyone who killed a dragon was promoted to knighthood. Another common feature is supernatural powers such as breathing fire or poison.

In Rome, dragons were thought to be very wise creatures. They saw them as keepers of knowledge, as well as a threat. In some cultures, it is said that dragons taught humans how to talk.

Dragon tales have evolved into two different kinds: the European and the Chinese. Each culture assigns its dragons a slightly different morphology and habits.

European dragons are said to live by rivers or in caves. They have armored scales and have wings, but rarely fly. They were said to be evil under Christianity, although they were kind before then.

Chinese dragons are seen as more similar to snakes. They are also associated with power and the emperor. It is also the only mythical animal in the Chinese calendar.

Different parts of a dragon are often claimed to have healing properties, such as the bones or the blood. In reality, these were usually dinosaur bones or tree sap. Alternatively, it has also been said that dragon blood is poisonous or destructive.

It’s pretty hard to put together a history of dragons, as every culture is slightly different and they tend to contradict each other. However, everyone agrees that they are mythical, fascinating creatures.