(Dragon)
A
legendary reptilian monster similar in form to a crocodile but with wings, huge
claws, and fiery breath. In the Mesopotamian creation myth (Enuma Elish), dating
from about 2000 BC, a dragon was considered a symbol for destruction and evil.
So it was also considered in the writings of the ancient Hebrews. The Bible
(Revelation) also so considers it. Dragons became more benign in later mythologies.
The Greeks and Romans believed that they had the ability to understand and to
teach mortals the secrets of the earth. Because of this duality, destruction
and positive influence, it was often adopted as a military emblem; the Roman
legions used it thusly as early as the first century AD. The folklore of northern
Europe contains a similar interpretation of the dragon. Norsemen carved the
prows of their ships with likenesses of the dragon. The ancient Celtic considered
the dragon a symbol of sovereignty. The Teutonic invaders of Britain had dragons
depicted on their shields. The dragon also figures in the folklore of Japan.
In
China it is traditionally considered as a symbol of good fortune, and was the
national emblem of the Chinese Empire. Unlike Middle Eastern or Western dragons,
the Lungs (Chinese appelation for "dragons") were benevolent and brought
rain, guarded sacred dwellings and such tasks.
There were four types:
1.The T'ien Lung, or Celestial Dragon
2.The Fu Tsang Lung or Treasure Dragon
3.The Ti Lung, or Earth Dragon
4.The Shen Lung, or Rain Dragon (also called Kung Kung)
The latter two Lungs are together known as the Wang Lung, and are propitiated
as water deities, dwelling in the Seas. (This information is derived from the
17th century Ming classic San-ts`ai t`ui-hui or Threefold Picture Book. (This
was an illustrated encyclopedia.)
a couple of animated dragons I've found in my journeys
and more still, with more to come.................
