5 Mythical Dragon Figures From Around the World

Dragons are a large mythical creature that are often talked about in the folklore. There regularly appear in fictional books, films, and TV programmes. A mythical dragon is also associated with fear and mystery. 

Depending on where you find a dragon figure, each one has a story to tell. You will find some dragon figures painted in bright colors to make them attractive. 

In some cultures, mythical dragons are believed to be associated with good fortune. If you’re interested in finding out more, let’s take a look at the different mythical dragon figures from around the world.

5 Mythical Dragon Figures From Around the World
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The Chinese Dragon

The Chinese dragon, also called Lung or Long, is a legendary creature in Chinese mythology, folklore, and culture. Chinese dragons are portrayed in different animal-like forms like fish and turtles, but are generally portrayed as snake-like with four legs.

Traditionally, a Chinese dragon symbolizes auspicious and potent powers to control water, rainfall, typhoons, and floods. Also, it is a symbol of strength, power, and good luck, for the East Asian culture. 

In the Imperial China days, the Emperor used the dragon to portray his imperial strength and power.

The European Dragon

It is sometimes called the Qla dragon. This is a famous creature in mythology and folklore across Europe. During the early middle ages, it was depicted as a big, fire-breathing, horned, scaly, lizard-like creature. It is portrayed as a leathery, four-legged, long, muscular creature with bat-like wings and a prehensile tail. 

Other European mythical dragons are described as having ivory spikes that run down the spine with fiery manes, crests, ear fills, and other exotic decorations.

In folktales, it is believed that dragon blood sustains life. Some believe that dragon blood has acidic or poisonous properties instead.

In Christianity, a dragon protects a castle or cavern that contains gold and treasure. An evil one is linked with a great hero that tries to kill it, while a good one gives wise advice and support.

The American Dragon

It is sometimes called Piasa or Piasa Bird. It is a Native American dragon described in one of two murals painted by Americans on cliffsides above the Mississippi River. 

It’s believed to have originated in the limestone bluffs of Maddison County, Illinois. The original Piasa image is extinct, and a newer one based on former lithographs and sketches has been placed on Alton bluff, a distance away from its origin. 

This bird looks like a large calf with horns on their head, red eyes, a face that’s somewhat similar to a man’s, and a beard like a tiger. It also has a scaly body and a long tail.

The African Dragon

In Egyptian Mythology, one of the African dragons includes the Apep. It is a massive serpent that resides in Duat. Duat is the Egyptian underworld. 

It was believed that the sun setting is caused by Ra(sun boat) moving down to Duat to fight Apep. Some accounts say Apep is longer than a height of eight men and its head is made of flint. 

It is thought that Apep’s roar causes thunderstorms and earthquakes. Also, when Apep attacks Ra, a solar eclipse happens. 

Other African dragons include Ouroboros and Nehebkau, amongst others.

German Dragons

Dragons contribute to a big part of German mythology and tales. Usually, they are described as evil and you’ll find stories of how people have overcome and defeated tthem. 

The commonest German dragons include Fafnir, Nidhog, and Jormungad. 

The types that are detailed in the German stories are Firedrake, Lindworm, Puk, and Black Worm. Puk is a small dragon that stays in households and steals things to bring to the household head.

Black Worm lives in caves and protects gold and other treasures.

5 Mythical Dragon Figures From Around the World

 

Last Word

Mythical dragons are associated with different tales and myths from across the world.

One common belief about dragons is that they are scary and not human friendly.  Some dragons are associated with good fortune, power, and strength. 

Also, dragon blood is believed to contain healing and supernatural powers. These are just some of the most popular mythical dragon figures.