Where do dragon images first appear?

Dragon images first appear in the art of the Near East (Mesopotamia) and East Asia over 4000 years ago.

What do dragons symbolize?

The dragon is a symbol of untamed nature/chaos and also a protective agent defending civilization and the works of God (or the gods) from those very forces.

Do dragons appear in the Bible?

Yes, dragons are featured in the biblical books of Daniel and Revelation and, according to some scholars, in Job where Leviathan is identified as a dragon.

Who is the best-known dragon from mythology?

Fafnir from Germanic folklore and the Völsung Cycle is the best-known dragon from mythology along with the creature whose creation he influenced, Smaug, from The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien.

A Gallery of Dragons from Around the World (Image Gallery) p. 10

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Image Gallery

by Joshua J. Mark
published on 01 October 2024

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Han Dynasty Jade Dragon

by The British Museum
published on 28 September 2017

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Han Dynasty Jade Dragon — View Full-Size Image

A carved jade dragon. Han dynasty, 2nd-1st century BCE.

The British Museum, London.

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Questions & Answers

Where do dragon images first appear?: Dragon images first appear in the art of the Near East (Mesopotamia) and East Asia over 4000 years ago.
What do dragons symbolize?: The dragon is a symbol of untamed nature/chaos and also a protective agent defending civilization and the works of God (or the gods) from those very forces.
Do dragons appear in the Bible?: Yes, dragons are featured in the biblical books of Daniel and Revelation and, according to some scholars, in Job where Leviathan is identified as a dragon.
Who is the best-known dragon from mythology?: Fafnir from Germanic folklore and the Völsung Cycle is the best-known dragon from mythology along with the creature whose creation he influenced, Smaug, from The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien.

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External Links

8 of the Most Famous Dragons in Mythology and Books

bookriot.com

The Starbucks mermaid: Melusine – Signe Maene

signemaene.com

Natural History of Dragons

amnh.org

Wise, lucky, terrifying: The surprising 4,000-year history of dragons

bbc.com

License & Copyright

© Trustees of the British Museum. Republished under the British Museum Standard Terms of Use for non-profit educational purposes. Original image by The British Museum. Uploaded by Mark Cartwright, published on 28 September 2017. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: Copyright. You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.