The History of Dragon Folklore

Dragons are some of the most popular magical creatures in folklore, but who really created the idea of these scary winged beasts? Keep reading to find out more about the history of dragons in folklore.

Where it began

Many people believe that myths about dragons originated independent of each other in China and Europe, maybe in the Americas, and Australia too. But how did these myths come about?

That looks like a dragon

So maybe these myths about dragons began when people saw creatures that looked like the dragons we see in books today. In other words, animals that seemed truly terrifying. Here are some animals that may have been the inspiration for dragons.

• Dinosaurs: When humans first discovered dinosaur fossils, they probably misinterpreted them as dragon fossils. Take the fossilised stegosaurus, for instance. It is an average of 30 feet in length and approximately 14 feet tall, covered in armoured plates and spikes to defend itself. Doesn’t that seem like a dragon?
• Whales: Ok, ok, whales are marine animals, right? And people probably didn’t think they looked like dragons – that’s crazy! Wrong! Early humans probably discovered whale bones, and had no idea that whales were marine. And such humongous bones looked like they belonged to a ferocious beast.
•  The goannas: Australia is home to numerous species of monitor lizards, also known as goannas. Goannas have razor shar teeth and claws, and produce venom that causes their victims’ wounds to develop infections after an attack. Sound like a dragon?
• Snakes: How many people are scared of snakes? Almost everyone. But have you ever thought of how similar snakes are to dragons? Firstly, both are reptiles. Secondly, both are scary and can kill you. Could snakes be the inspiration behind dragons?
• Humans: The most amazing explanation involves us, humans. Throughout evolution, a fear of unknown animals and beasts has been implanted in our minds. So maybe since humans fear death most, the human brain itself invented a scary beast that could kill us with one blow.

What I personally think is that dragons are metaphors, symbolic of evil. In many stories, we read about dragons kidnapping princesses and brave knights defeating the dragons to save the beautiful princesses. I feel that maybe man wrote these tales to give people hope: to show us that good always defeats evil.

What do you think is the reason behind the creation of dragons? Maybe one of the above reasons? Or something else? Whatever it is, the myth of dragons has had a huge impact on stories around the world, from King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table to Harry Potter!