Dragons of the World

[Denise Morgan (Helping Hand)]

To connect with the Dragons, and what particular Dragon may help you, let us take a look at the different type of Dragons found around the world. The Dragons and how they interacted with the humans of these lands depended on the people's culture and feelings toward the Dragonic beings. Some Dragons took human, or semi-human, forms to better communicate with the indigenous people. Some Dragons would shape shift, change size, or form. While other Dragons preferred to be left alone, and would anger easily if interrupted. Here is a small collection of Dragons; their characteristics, history, folklore, artwork, and forms found around the world. Rather than copy the hard work of others, please consult the complete listings of Dragons of the World on some of my links below (Dragon Encyclopedia and Mythological Dragon List). (This information was gathered from sources on the internet, books, folklore, and stories. Special notation is used when channeled from certain Dragon Spirits.)

[Denise Morgan (Helping Hand)]

Africa, Mediterrian and Middle East
Tiamat, Murdak, Sobek, Hydra

Characteristics: Of all the dragon forms found around the world the Middle East and Mediterranean lands are filled with a diverse Dragon body types. Often Dragons are several species of animals mixed together, or have multiple heads like the Hydra. Some of these combinations include: lion, eagle, crocodile, snake (cobra), hippopotamus, horse, worm, fish, hyena, cat or dog. Tiamat was a creator Dragon whose body became the world when slain by Murdak (a lion/dragon mix).

Folklore: Most Dragons were guardians of treasure and scared temples. Sobek, the Egyptian Dragon God of the Nile, was a huge crocodile and was built a large temple to insure good water for fields and abundant harvest for the people. Celebrated Sobek crocodiles (usually white/albino) were preserved and placed in the tombs as guardians. Hence the legend of Dragons guarding their treasure.

[Denise Morgan (Helping Hand)]

America
Sisiutl, Dragon Leech, Dragon Whales, Dragonfly

Characteristics: American Dragons, before the influence of the Western European and Asian, has many shape shifting species usually in the form of water type sea serpents and whales. Dueling Shamans often took the form of dragons or sometimes a dragon/leech that would "suck" the life force from the opponent. The Sisiutl was a double headed sea serpent snake with a human face in the middle of his body (see picture left). Even the small Dragonfly was once a shaman dragon who was tricked into the insect form.

Folklore: Often these Dragons were peaceful with the Native Tribes but warred with each other over land or brides (like the West Coast volcanic mountains). Many stories of the Dragons were of battles that would shake the Earth and cause rivers of lava to flow. The Sol Duk hot springs of Washington were said to be caused by two fighting Dragons. After eons of battling they hid in their caves and cried forming the boiling streams of the hot springs.

[Denise Morgan (Helping Hand)]

South America
Quetzalcoatl

Characteristics: South America is the home of Feathered Serpents and Dragon Snakes. Body forms often reflected the diverse animals, birds, and reptiles of the forests. Many tribes gave reverence to the huge snakes that traveled the streams and forest paths. Talking 50 foot pythons and small winged lizards were common stories told around fires.

Folklore: Quetzalcoatl, the rainbow feathered serpent of Aztec and Mayan culture, was a major influence in connecting the heavens and the people. Quetzalcoatl brought a new understanding to the people and stopped the human sacrifices. Many of the other Dragons lived apart from the humans, but some would help teach and heal those few they thought worthy.

[Denise Morgan (Helping Hand)]

Europe
Fire Drakes, Lindworms, Wyverns, Wyrms

Characteristics: Most of our modern ideas of Dragons come from the Western European images of Dragons. Their characteristics changed as the feelings of the people turned from reverence to fear. Body types included: worm or snake- like Wyrms and Lindworms, huge wings and horns of the Wyverns, and long body and clawed feet of the Fire Drakes. We find their shapes and images on flags (Welsh red dragon flag), family crests and coat of arms, and church glasswork (St. George and the Dragon).

Folklore: Before pre-Christian influence, Dragons were seen as the body of the Earth and the connection between humans and the forces of Nature. Celtic tribes tattooed their arms with blue Dragons to show their dedication to the land and their religion. Dragons were the wise teachers and keepers of sacred circles (Stone Henge). This example is seen in the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the round table. Arthur, from disrespect to the Earth religions and the Dragons, caused the demise of the land and his own marriage. The quest for the grail was to re-balance the Goddess (Earth and the cup or cauldron) with the Christian (water of Life, or blood of Jesus). (King Arthur information was channeled)

[Denise Morgan (Helping Hand)]

Austrialia, New Zealand,
India and South Seas
Rainbow Serpent, Taniwha, Water Spout Sea Serpents, and Nagas

Characteristics: Dragons take a different form as we look at the lands surrounding the Indian Ocean. Dragons in Australia were often seen in Dream-Time or the spirit world of the Aborigine. With huge rainbow wyrm-like bodies they helped those seeking knowledge and self discovery. Nagas of India were half snake and half women who controlled the water and weather. Dragons in Indonesia and surrounding islands have large bodies with or without wings and controlled the natural elements. These water Sea Serpents often breathed water instead of flames and hide in caves along the sea shore.

Folklore: Folklore varied from culture to culture in how they worshiped and view these Dragons. Most revered these wise teachers and held annual rituals and parades. Many of the Hindu Gods and Goddess could change forms to Dragons or ride Dragons.

[Denise Morgan (Helping Hand)]

Asia
Lungs, Worms, Imperial Chinese Dragons

Characteristics: Of the modern Dragons, and our misunderstandings of their relationship to humans, the Asian Dragons have helped create a positive picture of their wisdom and power. Asian or Eastern Dragons are easily recognized by their long worm-like body, 3-4-5 toes, large heads, horns, and long whiskers. They are often shown holding pearls of wisdom, and flying through the heavens. Different Dragons were used for everyday artwork, architecture, and tools. These Dragons could be all sizes and be a personal family ancestor, symbol and protector of a village, or the Emperor.

Folklore: Chinese Dragons were Gods and had particular items they loved (music instruments, bells, columns of buildings, drain spouts, doors, etc.). Chinese people also celebrate Dragons in their new year by performing the dragon dance to insure a good year and to chase away evil spirits. In the Chinese astrology the year of the Dragon is the most important and people of this sign are blessed with power, leadership, and wisdom. Of the different species of Dragons the 3-toed Dragons are usually only found in Japan after they left Chinese (the main land) to be by themselves. Share
Of all the different types of Dragons discussed on this page our Guardian Dragons are the most playful, interactive, and among the first to come to us. Guardian Dragons are often, but not always, young dragons learning of the world and humans. They protect the person or place of their choosing and often answer to other bigger Dragons. These Dragons can change size to sit on your shoulder or fill your garage. They help us to protect our homes, valuables, astral bodies, and physical bodies. To call upon the Guardian Dragons simply follow the Dragon meditation above, but state your call for Guardian Dragons to protect you. Often when calling one, many others will follow. They can be playful with their reassurance they are near us. They can whistle, pull hair, move objects, chase your pets, gurgle in your water fountain or toilet, and horde treasures in their favorite corner. Of my many Guardian Dragons, Bob a black Dragon has been with me the longest. He chases solicitors from my yard, eats spiders, and protects my home. He has been a trusted protector and friend for a long time. So meet your Guardian Dragon today and find a new way to ask for help, receive humor, and protect what you love.