Dragons have long been revered figures in world culture and mythology. Discover more about them through these ready-to-use Twinkl Originals stories and worksheets.
The prototypical dragons include ancient Mesopotamian mushussusu, Apepi and Vrtra from Egyptian mythology, Lernaean Hydra from Greek legend and Leviathan from biblical legend – each have elements which make them prototypical dragons.
A dragon is an iconic creature from fantasy literature. Common descriptions include its snake-like body with four legs and scaley skin; ability to breathe fire; and being capable of fire breathing. Contemporary works featuring dragons include J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern, Ursula K Le Guin’s Earthsea series, and George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series among many others.
Archeological findings provide some clues as to the origins of the dragon365 myth: misidentification of prehistoric animals was likely involved, such as mistaking dinosaur bones for dragon vertebrae.
Other evidence points towards a dragon as being independently invented by multiple cultures and civilizations throughout history, and found in art and mythology from Mesopotamia (mushussu, basmu and usumgal); Ancient Egypt (Aphep); Greece (Typhon, Ladon and Lernaean Hydra); medieval France (Grand’Goule); Germany and Scandinavia (drakon and ormr); as well as prominent in Chinese folktales.
Dragons are mythological reptilian creatures with various characteristics depending on culture. Some fly, some don’t; some breathe fire while others don’t and some are even good-tempered while some can even be evil.
People who possess the dragon spirit animal possess the ability to see both sides of any situation, making them adept mediators. Additionally, dragons tend to possess an adventurous spirit and can often be found exploring unknown terrain. Additionally, dragons are fiercely protective over those they love and remain fiercely faithful over time.
If you possess the dragon totem, this spirit guide can teach lessons on personal power and responsibility. It is especially effective at helping individuals balance their karma and find healing; additionally it can assist with creative abilities development, mental sharpness enhancement and alchemical transformations. By welcoming this spirit guide into your life with strength and grace.
Dragons have long been part of many cultures and traditions around the world, often depicted as giant snake- or reptile-like creatures that can breathe fire while flying, often boasting four clawed legs for stability and four sets of clawed feet – including Chinese culture where dragons play an integral part.
Legend has it that dragons represent our worst instincts such as greed, lust, and violence; thus it was thought if one conquered one they could overcome these dangerous traits within themselves.
Dragons can vary widely in their characteristics; some common powers that define them include flight, fiery breath and powerful bite. Furthermore, dragons often grind rocks as part of their digestive process. Furthermore, they’re very intelligent creatures often depicted hoarding treasures for themselves or protecting their hoard. Some types of dragons can live for over 12 human lifetimes while being fiercely protective over their hoard or young while being very aggressive when protecting those belongings or prey from potential danger.
Western media depictions of dragons often feature four-legged reptilian monsters with wings that can breathe fire, but there are numerous variations to this mythical creature. One example is the Lindworm (also referred to as Linnorm or Lindwurm). This creature features a body similar to that of a kangaroo’s. With strong hind legs and its tail being highly flexible.
Other dragons typically take the form of snakelike creatures with scales, scale horns and claws while others resemble more closely to lizards in appearance. Each can possess one or multiple heads and typically hatch from eggs containing them; typically dragons are depicted as violent and powerful entities though there may also be peaceful examples among their ranks.
Anthropologists hold that humans’ fear of predators led them to create dragons as early as prehistoric societies’ mythology and folklore, evident by mythical dragon mythology and legends. According to this theory, their snakelike appearance combined with invulnerability and power made the dragon an appealing symbol to primitive societies.
