ORIGINS OF DRAGONS

Dragons are a cultural icon in many different societies, and our human fascination with

these mythical creatures never seems to end.

BRAINSTORMING!

What do we actually know

about dragons?

During the Medieval period no one ever doubted the existence of dragons.

It was known as a common fact that they have existed since the creation of earth.

This changed when science began to challenge faith.

During the 17th century scientists began to doubt the real existence of dragons, but conceded that “phantasmic creatures” were at least possible.

As a consequence "faked" dragons were made by unknown artists and they were “discovered” to be placed in the early museums to prove the possibility of

unknown and undiscovered creatures. They compiled mummified rays, bats and other winged creatures to create

something new and unknown.

Out of all of our different and wonderful cultures, there are two distinct cultural traditions of dragons that have always

remained the most prominent in today’s society:• The European dragon, derived from

European folk traditions and ultimately related back to Greek and Middle Eastern

mythologies, Hercules etc. • The Chinese dragon, spread out through

Japan, Korea and other Asian countries.

DRAGONS IN CULTURE

Today, dragon art is very popular in many forms: from tattoos to sculptures.

In mythology most dragons are used as symbolism for evil, but in Asian culture the

dragon is a symbol of the emperor. European dragons are usually portrayed

with bat-like wings, while Chinese dragons have the likeness of huge snakes.

ORIENTAL DRAGONS

It is said that China’s first emperor, Fu Xi had a dragon’s tail and that his successor, Shen Nung, had a dragon for a father. The Imperial Dragon has five claws instead of four so that he can move in five directions simultaneously to issue orders for the Emperor. The fifth direction is the centre in which he remains.

Fu Xi and Nü Wa pictured with dragon tails intertwined. Picture by Ma Lin 160 AD

The Oriental dragon is so praised in eastern culture that temples are built

in their honour. People visit these temples daily to pray

to the dragon from everything from good health to finding love. The

Oriental dragon is also very good luck.  The year of the dragon is the year in

which the most children are born in the eastern world because if you are born in this year you will have good fortune

and wealth.

ORIENTAL DRAGONS

ORIENTAL DRAGONS

Harbin Snow Festival 2005China

Even though the Disney movie Mulan is a western depiction of oriental society. It still puts dragons in a

lucky, positive context. Which is very different to Western cultures idea of what a dragon was.

In Western Culture: the American dragon was seen as a violent and greedy creature

that lives in cave and hordes treasure.  It's usually a solitary creature which causes havoc for near by towns and

castles. 

Most American dragons have the ability to spit every thing from fire to ice and like

most reptiles its colour is dependent on its environment.

The colour of the dragon was also directly related to their personality.  A classic example of an American dragon is smog the dragon told about in the story of the Hobbit.

Find and research a dragon artist:

Write down / print and glue in your visual diaries the answers to the following questions:

• Who is the artist? Where did the artist come from?• What artistic mediums does the artist use?

• What do you like about the artist?

Some artists to choose from:

John Howe, Ciruleo, Joe Mueller. John Luck

Sites:

Google, Deviant art

THE ACTIVITY 01!

Jason Barbacovi.(2005). Harbin Snow Festival Photographs. Retrieved Sunday 1st May, 2011 from Jason Barbacovi’s Me and Chair Man Mao the Blog website: http://chairmanmao.jasonbarbacovi.com/2005_01_01_archive.html

CMS: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. (2010). Monochromatic Dragons: Le Blanc’s Middle School Art Page. Retrieved 1st May, 2011 from website:

http://pages.cms.k12.nc.us/emanuelaleblanc/mondrag.html

The Power Point Paradise. (2011). Chinese Mythology Clarified by Miao Legend Confirms Noah’s Flood History! Retrieved Sunday 1st May, 2011 from The Paradise Post website:

http://powerpointparadise.com/blog/2011/02/chinese-mythology-clarified-by-miao-legend-genesis-hebrew-history/

Monstrous.com., (2011). Origins of Dragons. Retrieved on Sunday 1st May, 2011 from website: http://dragons.monstrous.com/oriental_dragons.htm

 

REFERENCES