Dragons - wings or not; European-Gothic or Asian; good or evil
Why do some dragons have wings and some do not? What is the difference between European / Gothic and Asian dragons?
Are dragons good or evil?
Dragons: have been a part of many cultures throughout Europe and Asia, including:
European: Celtic, Finnish, French, Greek, Norse, Polish, Slavic, Romanian, Tartar and Welsh
Asian: Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Persian (Iranian), and Tibetian
Relatives: Griffen, Wyvern, and Basilisk
Religions: Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, and Zorastorism
European dragons as a group tend to be winged and harbingers of evil or malovelence. During medieval times they were symbols for envy, anger, and even loss of faith. Multi-headed dragons were symbols of dedance, opression and even heresy. But some dragons served as symbols of independence, leadership and strength. Often the coloring of the dragon was the key to its meaning. Gargoyles were used on churches to scare off dragons and other evil.
Asian dragons, especially the Chinese, Korean, and Japanese dragons are wingless and benevolent. In the Chinese culture the dragon is a symbol of potent power and is the embodiment of the Yang (as in Ying & Yang). The number of claws frequently determines the origin and status of the dragon. Its color conveys the type of accentuated power a particular dragon possesses. Chinese and Korean Imperial dragons have five toes. All other dragons have four toes, except the Japanese which have only three. It is the only "mythical" creature of the twelve animals used in the Chinese Zodiac and calendar.
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Guide created: 02/06/06 (updated 09/02/08)
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