Scribd
Upload
12 views1 page

Title

This paper examines the enduring presence of dragons in mythology, highlighting their symbolic meanings in both Western and Eastern cultures. In Western tradition, dragons are often depicted as malevolent beings associated with chaos and greed, while their roles in Eastern cultures contrast with themes of wisdom and power. The study traces the evolution of dragon imagery from ancient myths to modern popular culture.

Uploaded by

agentclsn
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
12 views1 page

Title

This paper examines the enduring presence of dragons in mythology, highlighting their symbolic meanings in both Western and Eastern cultures. In Western tradition, dragons are often depicted as malevolent beings associated with chaos and greed, while their roles in Eastern cultures contrast with themes of wisdom and power. The study traces the evolution of dragon imagery from ancient myths to modern popular culture.

Uploaded by

agentclsn
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

Title: Dragons: Myth, Meaning, and Cultural Legacy

Abstract:
Dragons are among the most enduring and universal mythological creatures, appearing
in diverse forms across cultures and historical periods. This paper explores the
symbolic meanings and cultural roles of dragons in both Western and Eastern
traditions, tracing their evolution from ancient mythology to modern popular
culture.

Introduction
Dragons have fascinated humanity for centuries, manifesting in mythology, folklore,
literature, and media. Despite cultural differences, the figure of the dragon
recurs with striking consistency, symbolizing everything from chaos and destruction
to wisdom and power. This paper examines dragons from comparative mythological
perspectives, focusing on the contrasting roles they play in Western and Eastern
cultures.

Dragons in Western Tradition


In Western mythology, dragons are often portrayed as evil, greedy, and destructive
creatures. Originating in Mesopotamian and Greco-Roman mythology, these dragons
were later incorporated into Christian symbolism, where they represented sin and
Satan. The most iconic Western dragons include:

Fafnir in Norse mythology, a transformed dwarf corrupted by greed.

The dragon of St. George, a Christian allegory for the triumph of good over evil.

Smaug, from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, a modern reflection of traditional Western
dragon archetypes.

These dragons are usually slain by heroes, reinforcing themes of bravery, virtue,
and the triumph of order over chaos.

You might also like