European Dragons Dragons are legendary creatures. They are derived from mythology or folklore. Dragons typically have serpentine or reptilian traits. They are the subject of myths in many cultures. There are two main types of dragons from mythology. The two categories are the European dragon and the Chinese dragon. The European dragon is a serpentine legendary creature. The European dragon is usually evil. These dragons are depicted as huge fire-breathing, scaly, and horned creatures with wings and a strong tail. The dragon is thought to have powerful magic. The blood of the dragon has magical properties. The European dragon protect a cave or castle filled with gold and treasure. There are many stories and examples of the European Dragon. The Roman dragon evolved from the serpentine Greek dragon and the Persian dragon. There are several Germic dragons. The most famous are Niohoggr, the giant sea serpent which surrounds Miogard the world of mortal men, the dragon Beowulf encountered, Fafnir (turned into a dragon because of his greed) and was killed by siqurd. The dragons of Beowulf and Falnir guarded mounds full of ancient treasure. The treasure was cursed and brought misfortune to anyone who possessed it. The Celtic dragon from Wales ia a red dragon. It may have originated during the legend of King Arthur. Myiddin had a vision of the red dragon and the white dragon fighting at Dinas Emrys. The red dragon represented the Britons and the white dragon represented the invading Saxons. The Slavic dragons of Bulgaria, Russia, Ukran, and Serbia are generally evil four-legged beast. These dragons demand maidens for food or gold. They have anywhere from one to seven heads. Three and seven headed dragons are the most common. The blood of the Slavic dragon is poisonous. There are many stories of dragons in European mythology a few more examples are: The Ceulebre or Culebra - A giant winged serpent in Asturian and Cantabia The dragon in the Peria Urel mountain near Jaca in Aragonese mythology Herensuge is the dragon in Bsaque mythology Catalan Drac is an enormous serpent with two legs, fire-breathing in Catalan mythology The Portuguese dragon is Coca. Coca is a female dragon that battles Saint Georg on the Corpus Christi Holiday In Italy the story of Saint George is well-known. There are other saints that battle dragons Saint Mercurialis killed a dragon and save the city of Foril, Saint Theodore of Tyco was a dragon-slayer. St Michael is depicted slaying a dragon. Many dragons of the European Middle Ages were thought to be demonic or Evil. The European dragons differ from the Chinese dragon. The Chinese dragon symbolize potent and auspicious power. Home Page