History of the Dragons
The origin of dragons, as well as the stories connected to them, is lost in the depths of human history. Dragons appear in the legends of ancient civilizations, both European and Eastern, but their interpretations differ significantly. In Western traditions, dragons were seen as embodiments of evil, bringers of destruction and death. In the East, however, they were regarded as powerful, benevolent creatures. The only unifying trait is their primary physical characteristics: except for a few cases where they take bizarre and terrifying forms, dragons have always been described as serpent-like creatures with enormous bodies, small front and rear limbs, massive jaws, and sharp claws. They are typically depicted with protective scales, capable of breathing fire, and flying with the help of large, powerful wings.
In legends, dragons were seen as extraordinary beings, believed to possess magical properties. Their teeth and blood were thought to have significant healing abilities. Dragons developed over centuries before reaching full maturity. According to lore, a dragon egg took no less than a century to hatch. After another 500 years, the young dragon's body began to undergo changes: it transitioned from resembling a giant serpent to developing limbs, which would take several more centuries to reach their full size, along with claws. Another 500 years were required for the dragon to attain its ultimate form, marked by the growth of long, branched horns on its head. Due to their extraordinary longevity, dragons accumulated unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, making them much more than mere animals.
The Western Concept of Dragons
Dragons in Western culture symbolized famine, destruction, and death. In Europe, they represented conflict, violence, and war. Their image was often used as a battle emblem, and numerous stories and legends about dragons emerged, most of which date back to the Middle Ages. Historical sources and manuscripts, such as bestiaries, contain detailed descriptions of dragons' appearances and habits. These creatures were said to inhabit caves atop mountains or in remote, rugged territories, rarely venturing out. According to these accounts, the roar of a dragon alone could send all animals, even lions, fleeing in terror to their dens.
The extinction of dragons is traditionally attributed to the Middle Ages when wandering knights, adventurers seeking glory, and dragon hunters dedicated their lives to combating these beasts, eventually exterminating them. The story of Saint George, the quintessential dragon slayer, is particularly famous. Saint George, the soldier-saint and patron of England, is said to have lived in Diospolis, Palestine, and was beheaded in Nicomedia in 287 AD during the persecutions under Emperor Diocletian. In the 12th century, a legend emerged among Crusaders that Saint George had slain a dragon in Silene (Libya) to rescue a princess tied to a rock. King Edward III adopted him as England's patron saint around 1348.
One story from Milan's "Liber Notitiae Sanctorum Mediolanii" recounts Saint George slaying a dragon terrorizing Brianza, Italy. The dragon polluted the air with its noxious breath and devoured livestock and, eventually, villagers. One of its victims was a princess, Cleodolinda. Saint George subdued the dragon by feeding it elderflower-coated sweets before slaying it. To this day, Brianza celebrates Saint George's Day (April 24th) with a traditional dessert called "Pan meitt de San Giorg."
Another legend tells of Saint Efflam, who aided a prince terrified by a dragon. While the prince froze in fear, Efflam entered the dragon’s lair with divine confidence. The dragon fled to the ocean, vomiting blood—a testament to how faith, rather than swords or armor, can overcome evil.
Dragons in Other Traditions
The Romans featured dragons (Dracones) on their battle standards, and the Vikings named their ships Drakkar, after these mythical creatures. In Mesopotamian lore, the dragon Tiamat represented chaos and was composed of seven animals: lion’s teeth, bat wings, crocodile jaws, lizard legs, eagle talons, a serpent’s body, and bull’s horns. After the god Marduk slew Tiamat, her body was used to create humans.
In Egyptian mythology, the sun god Ra battled the dragon Apopi, leader of chaos, every night in the underworld. In Greece, Typhon, a fire-breathing dragon with 100 heads, was defeated by Zeus and buried under Mount Etna.
The Eastern Concept of Dragons
Unlike their Western counterparts, Eastern dragons were seen as peaceful, benevolent creatures that existed since the creation of the world. In China, for instance, dragons were considered among the four benevolent spirits, alongside the Turtle, Unicorn, and Phoenix. They symbolized harmony with humanity, and many legends tell of great men becoming dragons.
Eastern dragons were divided into several categories:
- Celestial Dragons: Light green in color, they guarded the skies and were the only dragons with five claws on each paw.
- Spiritual Dragons: Azure-colored and revered as protectors of wind, clouds, and water, they influenced farmers’ harvests.
- Earth Dragons: Emerald green and guardians of rivers, they controlled water flow and lived in river depths.
- Underground Dragons: Golden in color, they guarded immense treasures and were givers of eternal happiness.
- Red and Black Dragons: Violent and combative, their clashes in the air caused devastating storms.
In both Western and Eastern lore, dragons remain among the most fascinating and enduring mythical creatures, embodying humanity's complex relationship with power, nature, and the unknown.
