The Year of the Dragon in 2024 holds special significance, as dragons have been a part of human culture since ancient times.
Dragons are found in many cultures, but they are often described as reptilian or serpentine creatures.
A common depiction is the medieval image of the dragon: a fearsome, fire-breathing lizard with large wings and four legs. However, it is believed that this image may have been altered over time by storytellers, and that the earliest references to dragons may have been based on encounters with real snakes.
The legends about dragons could have originated from real snakes, as supported by historical texts and references in ancient literature.
Verdict:
TRUE
It is likely that the legend of the dragon was inspired by encounters with snakes. In Ancient Greece, the word ‘drakon’ was used to describe any large serpent. Documents from different eras consistently connect the mythological dragon with its serpentine origins.
As trade routes expanded, the legend of the dragon evolved. For example, as snakes from India were introduced to Europe, the description of drakons in texts began to resemble constrictor-type serpents.
One of the first sources that described drakons as flying beasts was Augustine of Hippo, which led to the dragon gaining its wings.
In the medieval era, many people took the word of respected figures as the truth, leading to the misinterpretation of drakons until they became outlandish misrepresentations of their origins.
Hoaxes involving taxidermy contributed to the belief in winged dragons, as some people believed that realistic depictions of dragons were real animals.
Consequently, dragons have continued to captivate our imaginations through the ages, making them an enduring figure in human culture.
Resources:
1. https://www.perseus.tufts.
2. https://daily.jstor.org/a-
3. https://www.britannica.com/
4. https://museumofidaho.org/
