DRAGONS

The dragon is a legendary animal, similar to a huge lizard or snake, that appears in

stories and art from all over the world. Dragons typically are portrayed as having scaly skin,
a powerful jaw with sharp teeth, four legs with long claws, and a long tail. Horns, spikes,
and batlike wings also may sprout from their body.

In most Western myths, such as those of Europe, dragons are symbols of evil. They
are usually fire-breathing beasts that terrorize people. In many tales, a hero makes
it his mission to slay a dragon. Saint George is one of the most legendary dragon
slayers. Stories from the Middle Ages tell how he rescued a princess from a dragon
and then killed the beast. Dragons are also known for greedily guarding stolen
treasure. C.S. Lewis’s Voyage of the Dawn Treader tells about a greedy boy named
Eustace who turns into a dragon. He lives in a dark cave piled with gold, diamonds,
and other valuables.

In most Eastern legends, such as those of China and Japan, dragons are good

creatures. They lack wings but can fly, and they live in water. They are thought to
control rivers and the rain and wind. In Chinese culture, dragons are symbols of
power and luck. In the past, the dragon was the symbol of the emperor of China.

Real Dragons

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Mythical dragons are not real. However, in Southeast Asia and Australia, several
types of small lizard are called dragons. The largest living lizard also goes by this
name. Found in Indonesia, the Komodo dragon can be 10 feet (3 meters) long.
Dragon facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This page is about the  mythical  creature called  dragon. For other meanings of the word, see  Dragon
(disambiguation).
Paolo Uccello's "the dragon"

The dragon is a legendary creature belonging to the world of mythology, story telling and fantasy. There
are stories about dragons in Chinese culture, European culture, South American culture, and many
others.

Dragons can look like dinosaurs and other extinct animals. Because of that, it is easy to think that those
animals might have been an example for dragons as they were thought of in the history of humankind.

There are many kinds of dragons in the different cultures. In general:

 A dragon has: none to four legs, claws, scales and possibly spikes. Optional wings.

 A dragon can look like a snake with wings, or like lizards

 A dragon has a tail and a long neck.

 A dragon has a wide mouth with big and dangerous teeth.

 Sometimes they have horns and hair.

 A dragon can fly.

 A dragon can perhaps breathe fire (or other dangerous substances).

 A dragon has special powers.

 Some dragons live in caves.

In stories such as The Hobbit or Beowulf, dragons are dangerous and attack humans. Other stories, such
as those by Anne McCaffrey, have dragons who are looking for help, or giving help. A dragon also
appears in the Book of Revelation chapters 12-13, where he is seen as the Devil.

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