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| Topic: DRAGONS UNICORNS MERMAIDS PEGASUS OTHER MYTHIC ANIMALS | |
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 Love these pictures especially this one, very pretty.  I just liked the colors and design of the graphic. 
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Thats a mighty chesty good looking Pegasus. I wish I could of posted the one that had the three of them together. 
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Looking for a dragon tale. Story of the fight between the colors of the dragons.
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Colors of the dragon, didn't know there was a tale about that.
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Dragons are deeply rooted in Chinese culture. The Chinese sign for the dragon first appeared upon turtle shields as a tribal totem way back during the Yin and Shang dynasties, and was eventually emblazed on the national flag during the Qing Dynasty [1644-1911 AD]. Chinese mythology is rich with the artwork, tales and depictions of dragons. Dragons are thought to give life, hence their breath is called "sheng chi" or divine energy. They are essentially benevolent and associated with abundance and blessing. They were helpful, wise and generous with their gifts when people encountered them. The Rising Celestial Dragon. Details of a mandarin robe of embroidered silk, Chia-ching period (1796-1820), Qing Dynasty. Known as the sons of heaven and the governors of rainfall, they symbolise royalty, nobility and good fortune. Some possessed great powers that allowed them to make rain and control floods, hence the dragon is a symbol of the natural world as well. Physiology Wang Fu [Han dynasty 206 BC - AD 220], was the scholar who recorded the anatomy of the Chinese dragon in extensive detail. Chinese dragons have nine characteristics which are a complex combination. They have a camel's head, a demon's eyes, a cow's ears, a deer's horns, a clam's belly, a snake's neck, an eagle's claws, a tiger's paws and 117 carp scales. Chinese dragons are physically concise. Of the 117 scales, 81 are of the yang essence [positive] while 36 are of the yin essence [negative]. This malevolent influence [which is thankfully the smaller ratio] accounts for their destructive and aggressive side. Just as water destroys, so can the dragons in the form of floods or droughts, tidal waves and storms. Legend has it that they caused the droughts by eclipsing the sun. Some of the worst floods were believed to have been the result of a mortal upsetting a dragon. Nine Types There are a total of nine types of classical Chinese dragons. Chinese scholars categorized the dragons according to their cosmic tasks: 1. The Celestial Dragon [t'ien-Lung/literally "heaven dragon"] is the ruler of the dragons, in charge of protecting the heavens and homes of the deities. 2. The Spiritual dragon [shen-lung/literally "spirit dragon"] controls the weather and had to be appeased, or weather conditions would turn disastrous. A special rank of these dragons is known as Imperial Dragons that have five toes*. The only place they could be depicted on was imperial insignia. 3. The Earth dragon [ti-lung] controls rivers. It spends springtime in heaven and autumn in the sea. 4. The Underworld dragon [fu-ts'ang lung] is the guardian of precious metals and jewels buried in the earth. Volcanoes are said to be created when they burst out of the ground to report to heaven. Other distinct species include: 5. The Horned Dragon. Considered to be the mightiest. 6. The Winged Dragon. The only dragon with wings. Believed to be a powerful servant of Huang Di, the yellow emperor, who was later immortalized as a dragon. One legend states that Yinglong helped a man named Yu stop the Yellow River from flooding by digging long channels with his tail . 7. The Coiling Dragon. Dwells in the ocean. 8. The Yellow Dragon. A hornless dragon known for its scholarly knowledge. Emerged from the River Luo to show Fuxi the elements of writing. 9. The Dragon King. Really four dragons that were respected and honoured as these were the dragons people approached when there was no rain. Each of these rules over one of the four seas, those of the east, south, west, and north. * Some sources say that these are the only dragons with five claws/toes, others say that all Chinese dragons have five toes. I guess it's because the Chinese believe that all Eastern dragons originated from China. They believed that when the dragons flew away, they began to lose their toes. The further the dragons flew, the more toes they lost. That is why Korean dragons have four toes, and Japanese dragons have three. Decorative finials on roof ridges symbolize the importance of the building. Those used by the emperor would have nine figures. © Travel China Guide Maturation of Chinese Dragons The process for Chinese dragons to progress from hatchling to mature dragon is a lengthy one. They could take a whole millennium just to hatch! A millennium was needed for the dragon to grow scales and develop the head of a carp. Transformation of a fishlike nature would continue throughout the next millennium, and in the last 1000 years, the dragon would finally acquire the general appearance of an Oriental dragon. A detailed description: a dragon is called a kiao, or scaled dragon, after the first five hundred years of its life. After another 1000 years, it is considered a lung, or proper dragon. An additional five hundred years and it becomes a kioh-lung, or horned dragon. Another 1000 years after that, it becomes ying-lung, or a winged dragon. Chinese Dragons and the Pearl Many pictures of Oriental dragons contain a pearl. Dragons with this dragon pearl, found normally under their chin, would be filled with the power to ascend to heaven [the Eastern dragon ascending in a cloud or in the sky can be taken to be symbolic of "success in life"]. The pearl would multiply whatever it touched and is said to contain the dragon's immense wisdom. Hence it is also known as the Pearl of Knowledge. Some also believe that it symbolises the dragon as the "keeper of the Tao", Tao referring to the perfectly balanced Yin and Yang symbol. The pearl is also associated with wealth, good luck, and prosperity. Chinese Dragon Bones The Chinese believed the bones of Oriental dragons had vast healing powers. They were also thought to be the most effective. Dragon bones, said to be sweet, and dragon teeth would be used to treat a multitude of physical ailments. Prolonged intake would enable one to calm the spirit and lengthen his lifespan. Bones from China's West and South provinces were known for their high quality. The teeth and bones were crushed into a powder and boiled for some time before other ingredients were added for a specific concoction. Dragons in Ancient China In ancient China, nobody had any doubts about the existence of dragons. A fine example of Jingdezhen porcelain, featuring dragons. © Travel China Guide Wooden bicycle in dragon form, made for Emperor Pu Yi. People showed great respect for any dragon depicted in pictures, carvings and writings, and even the emperor prostrated himself before the image of a dragon with reverence and awe. Emperors in many Asian countries claimed to have dragon ancestors. Thus, everything they used was decorated with dragons and described in terms of the dragon: dragon-throne, dragon-robe, dragon-bed, dragon-boat. Calling an emperor "dragon-face" was a supreme compliment. People believed that rulers could change themselves into dragons. Eastern Dragon Colors and Meaning Dragons and the accompanying colours have different meanings in Eastern mythology. These are the common colors: · Yellow is superior, imperial, a symbol of the centre of the Earth, linked to the spleen and stomach. A yellow dragon robe was reserved for the Emperor (the Son of Heaven) and his family alone. · Gold coloured dragons are also special. They have special attributes such as wealth, wisdom, kindness and the ability to face challenges head on. · Blue and Green are symbols of the East, the chief spirits of the Spring. The blues are pure azure. Green represents good fortune, good health, or luck. · Red is associated with storms, the South, Summer, the heart and large intestine, fire, passion, activity, and good fortune. · Black is associated with storms, the North, winter, vengeance, and worry. · White represents the West, Autumn, mourning, and death. To my own knowledge, it's different from the association of the color white with purity. [full size] At a temple I went to in Penang. Elemental Dragon Types Dragons also appear in Chinese Astrology. It appears fifth in the 12-year cycle of animals in the Chinese Zodiac. The traits of each elemental Dragon-type are as follows. ASTROLOGY - THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON 1904 - Wood Dragon 1916 - Fire Dragon 1928 - Earth Dragon 1940 - Metal dragon 1952 - Water dragon 1964 - Wood Dragon 1976 - Fire Dragon 1988 - Earth Dragon 2000 - Metal Dragon 2012 - Water Dragon WOOD DRAGON: The Wood Dragon is creative, imaginative, and inquisitive. He is both a thinker and a doer and is capable of brilliant new concepts. Every move is guided by sound logic. His drive and ambition allow him to put many of his ideas into practice. Nevertheless this Dragon is capable of concealing his domination and tries not to offend. He will even compromise if it is advantageous. Although not as self-centered as other Dragons, he is still outspoken and fearless when challenged. FIRE DRAGON: The Fire Dragon is the most extroverted and competitive Dragon. He tends to push too hard and expects a lot from everyone. His criticisms are objective and he has the ability to arouse massive popular support. His insatiable ambition can make him short-tempered and intolerant. He is an empire builder who needs to master his less favorable traits and learn how to communicate more humbly with people as individuals. EARTH DRAGON: The Earth Dragon is a quieter, more reflective Dragon. She will be appreciative of others' opinions even if she fails to agree with them. She is reasonable in her approach to problems and her leadership is less dictatorial. She is not given to outbursts of temper, but at the same time demands respect. She knows the value of cooperation and is more diplomatic than the other Dragons. She's ambitious, but her initiatives are more carefully thought out. WATER DRAGON: The Water Dragon is less selfish and opinionated than the other Dragons. She is more inhibited and less power-hungry. She can accept defeat without recriminations. She makes a good negotiator as she knows when, where, and how to apply pressure. She has a tendency to be over-optimistic and needs to learn how to relinquish what is unfeasible so she can concentrate her energies on the most rewarding endeavors. METAL DRAGON: Metal Dragons are the most strong-willed Dragon. They're inflexible, unbending, and combative. They can give little regard to the feelings of others. This ruthlessness can result in a rapid rise to a position of authority, but often at the cost of destroying important relationships. They will go their own way if they can't gain support. They succeed because they refuse to accept failure. The Metal element also represents purity and precision. THE DRAGON - Personality Traits Dragon people are self confident and impulsive and consequently does not always listen to the advice of others. They are also perfectionists and set high standards for themselves. Although strong and decisive the Dragon person is not manipulative or sly. They enjoy being in command and like an emperor holding court, they eliminate obstacles until success is theirs! FAMOUS DRAGON PEOPLE Famous Dragon People include Ringo Starr, Dr. Seuss, John Lennon, Helen Keller, Salvador Dali, Susan B. Anthony, Joan of Arc, Orlando Bloom, Sigmund Freud, John Lennon, Florence Nightingale, Keanu Reeves, Ronaldo, and Mae West. Ref: Crystal Dragon of Taiwan Long Live Dragons.. Dragons are an important part of Chinese culture and mythology. They are the dragons with the most recorded history in the world. Today, spectacular dragon dances are still celebrated (especially during Chinese New Year) in parades around the world. |
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The Difference between Dragons Chinese dragons have five toes. The Chinese believe that all eastern dragons originated from China. They believed that when the dragons flew away, they began to lose toes. The farther and farther the dragons flew, the more toes they lost. So, Korean dragons have four toes, and Japanese dragons have three.3 Japanese dragons have three toes. The Japanese believe that all eastern dragons originated from Japan. They also believed that when the dragons began to leave Japan, they gain toes. The farther the dragons went, the more toes they gained. This is why the other dragons have more toes. The breath of Japanese dragons turned into clouds, which could produce rain or fire. Due to a measure upon their heads, they could ascend to Heaven when they chose.3 Korean dragons have four toes. The Koreans believe that all eastern dragons originated from Korea. When the dragons leave Korea and go toward China, they gain toes. When the dragons leave Korea and go toward Japan, they lose toes.3 The Differences from Females to Males Other interesting things to note is the differences between the dragons in pictures. For instance, males usually have clubs in their tails while females hold fans.4 These dragons can also be depicted as descending from the sky or inside clouds. Sometimes you might even be able to see a pearl, which is considered a "Pearl of Wisdom" that the dragons possess.12 Other things to look for include horns. Male horns were thinner near the base of the head and thicker and stronger outwardly.6 Females have "nicer" manes. Rather, they are rounder, and thus seen as more balanced than the rigid mane of the males. Their noses are usually straighter, their scales thinner, (after all, they are smaller!) and finally, a thicker tail. "Thicker" meaning throughout the body.6 The Oriental Dragons There are nine types of Chinese dragons, also regarded as the Oriental Dragons. You should also note that nine is a very lucky number to the Chinese. These are: the horned dragon, the celestial dragon, the spiritual dragon, the winged dragon, the dragon of hidden treasures, the coiling dragon, the yellow dragon, and the dragon king. Each of these dragon types has a special attribute to them. The Horned dragon is also know as Lung. They are the most powerful of the Oriental Dragons and are completely deaf. They how the power to produce rain, too. It should also be noted that the head points South, and the tail points North. In addition, they are a symbol of the East and the sun.6 The Celestial dragon protects the mansions of the gods to the Chinese, and the Spiritual dragon creates rain and wind for mankind.3 The Dragon of Hidden Treasures helps keep watch over concealed wealth, and the coiling dragon lives in the water, primarily lakes and deep, deep waters.3 The yellow dragon is especially important, for this dragon emerged from water and aided the Emperor Fu Shi by showing him writing.3 The Dragon King is really four dragons, and these dragons keep watch over the four main seas. They were honored and respected, for they were the ones the Chinese went to if there was little or no rain. The four lived in the North, South, East, or West waters.8 How did they fly? Unlike most types of dragon, most Eastern Dragons have no wings. (As a mater of fact, Ying-Lung dragons were the only ones to have wings.) How, pray tell, did these dragons fly? Well, the people of the East saw dragons as magical beings, so they believed in "Flight by Magic".1 On Chinese dragon's heads, they would have a lump called the chi'ih-muh. This is usually omitted in pictures, either due to the fact that the Chinese did not wish to put it in or due to the fact that the lump looks "normal".1 Some dragons did not have a chi'ih-muh. Instead, they had a wand (or baton) shaped object that they called po-shan. This, too, would allow them to fly.2 The Life Stages of Dragons Chinese believe that the dragons have several different "growth" or "life" stages. At birth to around five hundred years (or so) of the dragon's life, they are a "water snake". They are not dragons in the sense that we think them to be. From five hundred (or so) to around one thousand (or so) they become Chiao, or scaled creatures.4 Chiao are also referred to as Chiao-Lung or Kiao. They are said to begin as a fish, and, at a considerably old age, turn into a dragon. They are scaled dragons.4 After the Chiao stage, from about one thousand years to one thousand five hundred years old, the dragon grows rapidly. This is when the dragon becomes a Lung dragon. This takes place over the five hundred year period. 4 Lung are also called Li-Lung or Chih-Lung. Unlike some dragons, they are hornless and symbolize the scholar. These dragons can gain horns, but only after about five hundred years.4 When the dragon is between the ages of one thousand five hundred and two thousand, he or she will become a Horned Dragon. They will gain horns and thus look much wiser in the process.4 After the dragon is two thousand years old, they become a Ying-Lung. They are winged dragons that are also scale-less. They gain wings only after they've been around for about one thousand years, and they never have scales.4 Other Information Eastern dragons were revered and honored as demi-gods. Why? They were the primary source of rain, which the Chinese viewed as essential to life.5 Furthermore, dragons could cause dangerous floods if they were not satisfied.5 The only fears that Chinese dragons had were simple. Dragons feared tigers, perhaps due to the fact that they were the "opposites" of each other (in the Chinese Zodiacs).4 Other fears include beeswax, silk died in five colors, the lien tree, iron, and the still unknown wang plant.4 Why did they fear them? Well, Chinese believe in balance, like the Yin Yang. For all good, there must be bad. For all brave, there must be some fear. Each fear has an element: Fire - beeswax (lights the candle) Earth - wang plant Water - silk (flow of silk) Wood - lien tree Metal - iron (made of man) All - silk died in five colors, meaning all the elements Most of the Eastern dragons could also shape shift. They could take the form of different creatures, such as beasts or man. Whensoever they did this, they were always the most beautiful and kind of all the species.5 In turn, other animals, including humans, could become dragons. Mainly through magic, people could turn into one of these amazing beasts. One story is of a man studying the magics to change into a dragon. Another has it that a boy swallowed a dragon pearl and transformed into one. 11 There is also the Dragon's Gate, where fish can take the challenge to become a dragon. They must swim against torrents of water and clear a huge leap, and if they complete this they can become a dragon themselves.6 This gate is located in the Yellow River at the border between the Shensi and Shansi providences.13 The transformation from fish to dragon is said to be instantaneous. In addition, the dragons are said to rise from this gate in to the skies in the spring and descend into the waters in autumn.13 All Chinese dragons are said to have one hundred and seventeen scales total. Eighty-one of these scales are "yang", or the active, dominant, moving force. The other thirty-six scales are said to be of "yin", or the passive, recessive, accepting force. This is said to keep the dragon in balance.3 Eastern Dragon Types The Koreans speak of the following: Mang are four-toed dragons. They are a symbol of temporal power. 4 Chinese speak of the Pa Snakes, on the other hand, as huge serpents that enjoy elephants for meals. Thus, they appear in elephant-oriented areas. They spit out the bones of the elephant three years after they are eaten!4 There are the ch'i-lung. They are hornless and tri-colored. (The colors are red, white, and green.)4 P'an-lung are dragons that do not have the ability to fly. (They are lacking the chi'ih-muh or the po-shan, perhaps.)4 P'eng-niao is a semi-dragon bird. Being half bird and half dragon, they seldom appear in Chinese Mythology.4 There is also k'uh-lung. This dragon is born from a certain seaweeds.37 The deity of rivers was also draconic. Pi-hsi was partly a tortoise and partly a dragon. Pi-hsi is that of the element of water.4 Fei-lian is the Chinese god of the wind. With him, he carries a bag of wind. He is dubbed a troublemaker, and he is watched by Shen Yi, the archer. Shen Yi is the balance of Fei-lian. He is depicted as winged dragon with the head of a stag and the tail of a snake. In human form, he is Feng Bo.4 Japanese Dragon Types There are the Tatsu, which are Japanese dragons. They are a symbol of the Mikado. They are also looked upon as imperial and spiritual power, and they tend to live in lakes and springs.9 Sui-Riu is the Japanese Dragon King. The Dragon King was in charge of all the rain, and he was sometimes known as "the rain dragon."9 Han-Riu is a multi-striped Japanese Dragon. Though the dragon is around (or over) forty feet long, this dragon can never reach heaven.9 Ri-Riu, a bit of an unknown dragon, has exceptional eye sight. (As in comparison with other dragons, of course.)9 Ka-Riu was one of the smaller dragons, being that the dragon was only seven feet long. It is said, however, that the Ka-Riu was fiery red.9 Fuku Riu is a dragon of luck.9 Hai-riyo is a Japanese "Dragon-Bird". Said to be much like the Chinese Ying-Lung, this was the most "evolved" form of a dragon.10 Eastern Dragon Colors What makes the dragon colors so important? Each has its own special meaning and symbol. They also have their own attributes to them. Eastern Dragons are born with their colors based upon the age and color of their parents. The colors of dragons are: white, red, black, blue, and yellow. Each is born to a different parent. Black dragons are children of a thousand-year-old dragon that is black-gold. They are symbols of the North. They caused storms by battling in the air.4 Blue dragons are children of blue-gold dragons that are eight hundred years old. They are purest blue colors, and they are the sign of the coming spring. They are they are the symbol of the East.4 Yellow dragons are born from yellow-gold dragons who are one thousand years or older. They hold no symbol. They are secluded and wander alone. They appear at "the perfect moment" and at all other times remain hidden. Yellows are also the most revered of the dragons.4 Red dragons descend from a red-gold dragon who is about one thousand years of age. They are the symbol for the West, and are much like black dragons. They can cause storms in the skies when they fight.4 White dragons come from white-gold dragons of a thousand years of age. They symbolize the South. White is the Chinese color of mourning, and these dragons are a sign of death (which the Chinese did NOT deem evil).4 |
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While there are the famous dragon kings, it is important to realize that there were many dragon kings. Obviously, some were more famous then others. Most dragon kings were responsible for a particular region, although some were given other jobs. The Dragon Kings were usually water-dwelling dragons that were responsible for rainfall and the water in a particular region. Another common factor in the dragon kings is that they are noted for their beauty and splendor. Most of these dragon kings lived under the water in palaces made of crystal. At their command, there were legions of sea creatures for soldiers and servants.1 However, the dragon kings were not all-powerful. They had to answer to the gods and their emissaries.1 In Korea, the dragon king was not seen as very powerful, but this dragon still granted humans help, favors, and gifts. Korean Dragon Kings There are less stories of the Korean dragon kings that of the Japanese and Chinese dragon kings. The most popular story that involves one of the Korean dragon kings is the story of the Carp. A poor fisherman caught this Carp, and the Carp begged for its life so that he may return to his family. The fisherman obliged, and the Carp turned out to be one of the sons of the Dragon King, so the fisherman was rewarded greatly.2 Another story shows how the Korean dragon kings were not seen as powerful as the dragon kings of China or Japan. This story is a tale about an old turtle who was flipped over on his back by some wanton boys who were quite ready to sell him for profit. A man, passing by this turtle, scared the boys off and flipped the old turtle back on his feet. The turtle thanked the man and said that he was the dragon king, and he would give the man any help he would need in a return favor, all he had to do was return to the shore and call. Later, this man, wandering up a mountain, found a young witch who had taken over the mountain and expelled the mountain's protector. The witch ordered him to remain with her, but the hero asked her to give him some time to think. She gave it to him, and he returned to the shores to ask the Dragon King for help. Although the Dragon King tried twice to help the young man, he was unable to help him, for the witches power was too strong. So, the dragon king entreated a higher power, which struck the witch dead.3 Japanese Dragon Kings The famous Japanese dragon king is Ryo-Wo, who is responsible for the element of water to the Japanese. He holds the Tidal Jewels, which controls the tides of the world. Furthermore, Ryo-Wo is also credited with giving the Jelly fish its shape, and his daughter, Otohime, was said to have married prince Hoori, a human.10 Ryo-Wo was also revered as the god of the sea, making him quite powerful in the eyes of the Japanese. He is also said to live in a grand palace beneath the waves called Ryugu.5 Chinese Dragon Kings Lung Wang was said to be the Chinese Dragon king responsible for the element of fire.8 Many speak of the four main dragon kings of China - Ao Ch'in (Ao Chin), Ao Jun, Ao Kuang, and Ao Shun. Together, these four dragon brothers controlled the waters of the world as well as the rain. Each of them controlled one sea, and the middle of these seas was the Earth.1 The August Personage of Jade tells them where to distribute rain, too. During times of drought and times of flood, these dragon kings were sought out. 9 Ao Kuang was said to be the king of the dragon kings. His son, Ao Ping, succeeded him as the king of the dragon kings. However, Ao Ping was killed by Li No-cha in a spiritual battle, for Ao Ping fought for the last emperor of the Shang dynasty, Chou Wang, in the Battle of Ten Thousand Spirits. (Note: This took place at the same time with the Battle of Mu, although that was an earthly battle, not a spiritual one.) No-cha then made a belt out of Ao Ping's tendons. After Ao Kuang learned of his son's death, he was quite angry at No-cha's rashness. Ao Kuang fought No-cha, but lost. After begging for mercy, No-cha spared him, but ordered Ao Kuang to transform into a blue snake. Despite his defeat, Ao Kuang is still revered as the most important dragon king.5 Another famous dragon king was known as the White Dragon, or Pai Lung. He was born of a young girl who was cast away from her family when they found she was pregnant.9 When his flesh was thrown into the water, Pai Lung transformed into a giant white dragon, and a storm followed him. His mother died, and the local townsfolk revered her and buried her. They built a temple near her burial tomb, which Pai Lung is said to visit.6 Vietnamese Dragon Kings The most famous story about the dragon king is actually more about his daughter. Slowcoach, a man, befriended a small animal named Cibet. Slowcoach had a nasty brother, who killed Cibet. Still, Cibet was buried beneath a tree, and whenever Slowcoach prayed there, silver rained upon him. Jealously, his brother cut down the tree. From the tree, Slowcoach made a bough, and, after his brother destroyed that as well, he made a fishing hook.7 When Slowcoach used the fishing hook, a young maiden, the daughter of the dragon king, appeared to him. She told him that he had hooked her father, and he wanted the hook removed. Slowcoach followed her and helped the dragon king. In thanks, Slowcoach received a blue fish which he left in his home.7 Now, this was not really a blue fish. Slowcoach learned this after a while, as every time he returned home, it was clean. Finally, he pretended to leave his house, then re-entered it, to find that the blue fish was actually the dragon king's daughter. To make her stay, he smashed the glass in which he kept the blue fish, and, as she told him to, he made bones for her.7 In jealousy, Slowcoach's brother attempted to receive a beautiful maiden from the sea. When he went into the water, however, the dragon king simply turned him into a fish.7 |
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b]Eastern Dragons
Let us review the external appearance of the Chinese dragon: thin, long body with four legs, over sized head, and no wings. Flying is out of the question. There have been no creatures proven in science that could fly without wings or wing-like structures. The legs and talons are also out of proportion, but, if enlarged, can make a plausible serpent. Pretty much, the Chinese and Asian dragons can exist, but not as we believe them to. They would be a little more like snakes with legs. All right, people have argued this: Chinese dragons could be filled with a gas that makes them "float", and the arms and legs were just for steering. This is highly implausible if you really consider it. A gas within a biological being that is enough to make it float, yet it still have the organs to live? The internal body would have to be huge to do that! So, again, flying is out of the question. The other problem is the body shape and form. Should there be four legs, then the body would have to be thicker near the legs, at least, because the legs need certain muscles to work. Then, after this, you would have a creature the looks like a Cheetah in scales. Is this possible? Not really. Lizards are shaped differently then mammals. The outer appearance is definitely a snake-like reference, so, in that regard, these dragons might well be real. However, they would be more like snakes, not dragons as we believe them to be. Related Articles: Eastern Dragon Overview Western Dragons A Western Dragon is a huge reptile with four legs, a long tail, with two wings. Its head is that of an alligator or a crocodile (wedge shape, actually) and is usually accompanied with horns, spines, spikes, and a massive amount of other things. I have a strange feeling that wings would be out of the question; I have yet to see a non-insectoid or non-aquatic creature with more than four limbs; four feet, two wings? Have you seen a bird with arms? I have not. What about a huge insect? I have not seen one, either. So, the idea of the Western style dragons being real is questionable. Then there is the crocodile and alligator shaped head styles. This actually makes them possible! A creature most certainly can evolve. Scientist believe that the first forms of life came out of the water, rapidly evolved, and then became other creatures. Now the real question is: Could a creature evolve enough to actually grow two extra limbs? And, not so much as that they are extra limbs, but that they are wings! Another idea is that Western dragons is that they evolved from dinosaurs like the Pteronadon. The idea is far more likely than that of the alligator or crocodile. Why? Well, evolution is the betterment of a species, so if the Pteronadon were to evolve, it could be a step toward draconic figures. The wing muscles would have to develop, though, because the Pteronadon did not have wings like the ones we consider to be draconic. Also, they would have to grow arms. But, if a creature can go from walking on mainly all four and evolve into a creature that stands on two legs, there might be another chance of the creature adding a few limbs, especially non-complex ones like arms. When I mean arms, I mean frontal legs, too! There could have also been a mutation. However, if the Pteronadon did evolve, it wouldn't have grown too much larger. The Pteronadon was perhaps the size of a turkey, if that, although some larger ones have been found, and that is certainly not a Western dragon. The other problem is that dragons are considered cold blooded. You see, they must have been warm blooded to have flown in cold conditions, or they would need to fly only when the sun was out. So, it might be possible that Western dragons could be real. However, they would be much smaller then we think they are, and they would have to be warm blooded. That is another mystery entirely. Sea Dragons Sea Dragons are the most likely to really exist. The human race has yet to discovery everything about marine biology, and the oceans are so deep and vast that we still need to develop technology to find everything. Just think, this is our own planet, and we still can not identify everything! Now, eels can grow quite large, and so can other kinds of fish. There is no way for scientists to disprove that something could have evolved into a Sea Serpent. Whether the Sea Serpent would have come up to the surface of the water is questionable, but it is possible that something like the Barracuda could have evolved into something like it. Maybe even eels, too, since they, again, can grow to be large sizes. Again, we have not found all the creatures of the ocean, and probably won't in the near future. Living habitats would be hard to find if the creature was as big as some myths have it. However, the creature could be fifty, sixty, or seventy yards long and still be able to fit near the bottom of the oceans. Whether or not the creature could find enough food to sustain its large self is something else, but we do not know what it eats or how much calories it would need from that diet. Finally, these dragons could not possibly have wings. First of all, the water would weigh them down considerably, so that they would not be able to get into direct flight from the water. And, if they are a sea dwelling creature, if they dry they would die. So, really, there would be no wings, and the creature would no need them, either. Hydras Hydras are perhaps the most improbable of all dragons. As I have said before, the mass majority of creatures have four limbs; either four legs, two legs and two arms, or two legs and wings. Not only are Hydras depicted as having six limbs, but also more than one head! Could you imagine that? I know that I fight with myself enough, imagine if there were two! Some people say that Hydras could be a Siamese twin of a western dragon. If you read the section on Western dragons, you would most certainly of noticed the highly unlikeliness of their existence, so it is a poor argument to give. However, if Western dragons were proven, it most certainly could be that two were "smushed" together. Again, though, it would be more like a mule; not a real species due to lack of reproduction. Siamese twins are rare, just imagine them coming from a race that is extremely rare! Another thing that Hydras propose is that two or more minds can live in one body. Each head would have its own brain, and in most mythology those heads each operate individually. (Which helps the valorous knight, by the way, because they argue over so much.) Now, we all know how hard it is to live with someone, just imagine if they were around you all the time and you even shared the same body! Surely, no creature could with stand that. Finally, Hydras are too unscientific to be proven in real life. Dragons are hard enough to prove, and trying to explain how a non-proven and questionable creature can also have another mutation is simply unthinkable. Wyverns Wyverns are usually disregarded by dragon lovers. A lot of them do not think them to be "real" because they are much different. You see, instead of four legs with a powerful body, wyverns have long, snake-like bodies with two legs, two enormous wings, and a long tail. Wyverns are the most plausible of the land and air dragons due to their relationship with birds. Now, lets take a bird. An eagle, for example: it has a small, compact body with large wings, two feet, and a jaw for carrying things. Wyverns are much like birds, especially the smaller ones that are sometimes used in stories. The larger ones are questionable, but, otherwise, they are very possible. A wyvern has four limbs, not six like other dragon types, so that mystery is solves, and they also are depicted with large wings. Perfect, a small body with bigger wings to support flight. Also, Wyverns also have the abilities of a bird. They can grasp things, like a perch or fish, with their hind claws, or they can grasp food with their teeth, too. I suppose the jaw would be a lot like that of a Tyranosoraous Rex, large and powerful enough to grasp onto prey and hold them. However, scientist have proven that creatures evolve and gain feathers. This is because feathers fold and can flatten out to promote faster flight. Dragons would not be able to do this with these bat wings, they would have to glide or flap their wings repeatedly to stay in flight, where birds can fly without too much effort. Now, the only suggestion for dragons not evolving feathered wings is that they are cold blooded, but, if you could imagine, it is colder in the sky when it is cloudy then on the earth. Just imagine what would happen to the dragon's temperature. Another way to think of the wings is to say that the dragons have a relationship to bats, a warm-blooded mammal with non-feathered wings. I have attempted, on several occasions, to find the origin of the bat. However, bats seem to have a mysteriously elusive background and history. Their wings have not evolved into feathers, and there is no reason why. So, if we are looking at it from this point of view, could the bat have descendant from the same ancestor as the dragons? Could it be the ancestor of the dragons? Could it be a decent of the dragons? We might never know. If you are interested in looking into this a little deeper, read about Vertebrate Flight. |
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  Very interesting.
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I'll post more later.
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Okay looking forward to it, its all quite interesting
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Edited by
Eugene
on
Thu 08/04/11 08:40 PM
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In some respects you might say the Dragon is still alive and well in our modern day times. Most notably in Virtual Worlds like Second Life and Inworldz (among others). I'm gonna try to embed a couple of pics into this post showing a couple of Dragon avatars some people cruise around in.
First an Avatar made by a friend of mine. Very customizable as far as colors, scale patterns etc. This is my own custom color job.  And here is my own personal one that I made.  The only problem with such an avatar is that you can't dance in it. But that maybe fixable in the future. So in a odd way the Dragon is still around just greatly changed. |
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Okay looking forward to it, its all quite interesting
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In some respects you might say the Dragon is still alive and well in our modern day times. Most notably in Virtual Worlds like Second Life and Inworldz (among others). I'm gonna try to embed a couple of pics into this post showing a couple of Dragon avatars some people cruise around in. First an Avatar made by a friend of mine. Very customizable as far as colors, scale patterns etc. This is my own custom color job. And here is my own personal one that I made. The only problem with such an avatar is that you can't dance in it. But that maybe fixable in the future. So in a odd way the Dragon is still around just greatly changed. Grand indeed. 
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Thank you. The dragon avatar on the bottom I made myself piece by piece (with the exception of a couple of things you can't see). I placed a lot of effort into it and time and I admit I'm kinda proud of it.
Please though, carry on. |
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These are some really cool avatar pictures Deson, I tried second life, couldn't really get the hang of it.
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These are some really cool avatar pictures Deson, I tried second life, couldn't really get the hang of it. Thanks. What I may end up doing so as not to derail this thread any further than I have is to start a thread in the computer section dealing with Virtual worlds like Second Life and Inworldz and answer any questions people may have about it. this may take a little time but I think it may be a good idea. |
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