Dragons Throughout the Ages
Dragons Throughout the Ages – Chinese Dragons
Zoe:
They’re very neat and they’re way different than other dragons. They are helpful and kind. Some of
them from other cultures aren’t helpful and kind. They’re very long, they have a head like a camel and
paws like a tiger. Their neck and their body is kind of like a snake. Chinese people like dancing around as
dragons and describing them as kind beasts. And Chinese dragons breath out clouds which is pretty cool.
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Zoe:
Dragons have been found in many places in the world in people’s imagination. Dragons can have many
different shapes or sizes or colours. People believed that dragons were real when they didn’t believe in
dinosaurs. Instead of believing dinosaur bones are real, they believed dragon bones are real.
Janna:
In this article we will be uncovering dragon myths from different cultures around the world. Out of all
the mythical beasts (unicorns, fairies, trolls, etc.), dragons have been among the most prevalent and
enduring. The first known stories about dragons emerged as early as ancient Greek and Sumerian and
their popularity remains until this day. Like the other mythical creatures, dragons were portrayed as
sometimes useful and protective and at other times, harmful and dangerous. Their perception changed
during the rise of the Christian Church. In medieval times, at least in Europe, association with dragons
came from the bible, where dragons were often a representation of Satan. Since then, dragons have
often been depicted as fearsome and requiring slaying. The word “dragon” comes from the ancient
Greek word “draconata” meaning “to watch”. Could this be why we think of dragons as the guards of
treasure? Why would dragons want treasure? Surely something as powerful as a dragon wouldn’t need
to buy anything. Why do you think that the church linked dragons to Satan? What other meaning could
we derive from the Greek word “to watch”?
