Dragons

As a Game Of Thrones lover, I have been reflecting lately on the role dragons played throughout history. There have been many recent movies featuring dragons, such as the remake of 'Pete's Dragon, Dragonheart 3, Maleficent, and the two most recent releases from The Hobbit franchise. What is the facination with this most ancient of fire breathing beasts?

Well, to answer that I guess it is best to look into the history of dragon lore...

Chinese Mythology -

Chinese dragons are legendary creatures in Chinese mythology and Chinese folklore. The dragons have many animal-like forms such as turtles and fish, but are most commonly depicted as snake-like with four legs. Chinese dragons traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over water, rainfall, typhoons, and floods. The dragon is also a symbol of power, strength, and good luck for people who are worthy of it. With this, the Emperor of China usually used the dragon as a symbol of his imperial power and strength. One kegend is the one of the Koi who Leaped from the depths of the river, and attempted to reach the top of the waterfall to no avail. The Koi's efforts caught the attention of local demons, who mocked his efforts and heightened the waterfall out of malice. After a hundred years of jumping, the koi finally reached the top of the waterfall. The gods recognized the koi for its perseverance and determination and turned it into a golden dragon, the image of power and strength.





Norse Mythology-
Although snakes aroused fear, dragons were far more dangerous and dreadful. With their fire breath they could incinerate anything in their way. Their shells were impenetrable to swords and arrows, and the only vulnerable area of their skin was the abdomen. They lived in bronze-age tumuli, which were the size of small hills. Due to their affiliation to the underground, they also came out only after sundown. Their role in mythology was guarding treasures. Historical map makers – who worked before the world was fully explored – drew dragons and mermaids at the edges of the known world. 





Celtic Mythology-
To invoke such reverence from the Celts, who were one of the most fierce and rugged ethnic groups in ancient times, they must have been much more than just fire-breathing beasts.Although dragons are usually associated with Asia, these mythical creatures can be found in fairy tales and folklore all over the world, including Celtic Ireland.
In the secular world of Celtic chiefs and warriors, dragons are merely symbols of the power of the chief. Indeed the Celtic word for "chief" is Pendragon. But in the esoteric world of spirituality, Celtic dragons represent much more...
What magical powers do these mysterious creatures possess that was so important that we can find tales including rituals of sacrifice to the mighty dragons? 
"Dragons were an important part of Celtic lore. The Celts were highly attuned to the land and dragons were believed to influence the land.... Areas frequented by dragons were believed to possess special power." Dragons have always been associated with the Power of the Land. Even today, in many esoteric rituals, people believe that invoking the "Eye of the Dragon" will increase their personal power.

Come check out some of our beautiful Dragon Jewelry at Handmade Jewelry Haven.

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