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) a
dragon was considered a symbol for
destruction and evil. 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.
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.
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