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Here Be Dragons!

If you want to read something with the sources marked and real history then go to the dragon wiki page here! Otherwise read on for a more interesting view on the subject.

Dragons are unique in the fact that there are references to them in all major cultures and history of the world. While exact details will vary from place to place, they all speak of simular creatures called Dragons! The only thing standing in the way of saying Dragons are real, is a lack of skeletial remains.

 

Chinese Dragons

The Chinese dragon is a symbol of wisdom, power, and luck in Chinese culture. Unlike western dragons, oriental dragons are usually seen as benevolent and kind. Dragons have long been a symbol in Chinese folklore and art. Temples and shrines have been built to honor them.

Through the symbol of the dragon, many Chinese see divine attributes which they aspire to themselves. In fact, the Chinese are sometimes referred to as "descendents of the dragon." The dragon is held in reverence and respect in Chinese culture. It is unseemly to defile a depiction of a dragon. Dragons are referenced by several Chinese proverbs.

Chinese dragons control the rain, rivers, lakes, and sea. They can ward off wandering evil spirits, protect the innocent, and bestow safety unto all. They are called lung or long in the Chinese language.

They fly in the sky among clouds. Most pictures of Chinese dragons show them playing with a flaming pearl. Legend has it that the pearl gives them their power and allows them to ascend into heaven.

The Legend of the Carp says that a carp able to leap over the mythical Dragon Gate will become a dragon. Many have sought out the true location of this Gate, but none have found it. Several waterfalls and cataracts in China are believed to be the location of the Dragon Gate. This legend is an allegory for the drive and effort needed to overcome obstacles.

Chinese dragons have serpentine bodies, four legs, and are usually without wings. They are said to be a composite of various other animals-the body of a snake, the antlers of a deer, the talons of an eagle, the soles of a tiger, the scales of a carp, and the eyes of a demon. It is said that Chinese dragons have 117 scales.

They are usually depicted with four toes. In the traditional symbol of the emperor, the dragon is depicted with five. In Japan, dragons are depicted with three toes.

There are nine types of classical Chinese dragons. They are as follows:

  1. Tianlong; the Celestial Dragons, are the celestial dragons who pull the chariots of the gods and guard their palaces.
  2. Shenlong; the Spiritual Dragons, control the wind and the rain.
  3. Fucanglong; the Dragons of Hidden Treasures, are underworld dragons which guard buried treasures, both natural and man-made. Volcanoes are said to be created when they burst out of the ground to report to heaven.
  4. Dilong; the Underground Dragons, are earth dragons whose task it is to preside over rivers and streams. According to some accounts, they are the female counterpart of the Shenlong and they fly only in order to mate.
  5. Yinglong; the Winged Dragons, are the oldest of all eastern dragons and the only kind with wings.
  6. Qiulong; the Horned Dragons, are considered to be the mightiest dragons.
  7. Panlong; the Coiling Dragons, are water dragons believed to mostly inhabit the lakes of the Orient.
  8. Huanglong; the Yellow Dragons, once emerged from the River Luo and presented the legendary Emperor Fu Hsi with the elements of writing. They are known for their scholarly knowledge.
  9. Long Wang; the Dragon Kings, are rulers over each of the four seas, those of the east, south, west, and north. Although their true form is that of a dragon, they have the ability to shape shift into human form. They live in crystal palaces guarded by shrimp soldiers and crab generals.

Flying Fair

-by ME2_dragoncat

 
dragons swoop
in the sky,
flying high:
up and down,
they turn around
blue and green
and gold and silver.
when you look up
you may shiver.
'cause they're so high 
up there
and you fear
they may fall down
tumbling, 
dropping,
whipping past clouds.
you look once again,
they are safe.
no falling shapes there
in the sky
no falling, fire breather!
they soar and dive
and still survive
to fly so smoothly
another day!
dragon swooping,
in the air
with your dragon
friends in fair.
flying high 
up in the sky.
so now why can't I?
why can you fly,
a great, heavy beast
while I, so small
cannot? 
I wish to fly
with your fair in the sky
and let the world drop,
 and let it go by
to have no weight 
to press me down,
to soar on wings
outstretched.
to soar and dive
in the blue, blue sky.
now I, I wish to 
fly.

More to come shortly