Dragons

1. Dragons

   #1

   At face value, the dragon appears a gigantic brute that eclipses the sun and rules the Western lands, while in the East their sinuous coils trace ribbons through the clouds. Wherever they may appear across the globe, the dragon carries with it a remarkable array of interlinked meanings and symbols, and within its colourful existence we find captured something of our own history.
   The fantastic symbolisms surrounding the dragon are diverse and fascinating, yet in order to unweave the complex dragon we must first look to their basics; such as what they look like, how they act and their history, for this opens up a rich world unmatched by any other creature, except maybe the Demon which has emotion buttons attached to it in a way the dragon lacks.
   
   I came up with the idea of really going deep inside the history of the dragons since it is a beast that is so often(maybe far to often) used in our fantasy worlds. In many ways the dragon is a cliché, but as I did some reading I soon discovered that the fantasy dragon may still be saved with the help of the "real" dragon of myths.
   
   This section covers the basics of dragons.
   
   Dragons: A first glimpse
   From nations and cultures across the globe, legend has shaped and crafted their own version of the dragon. Throughout the years and most certainly into the future, this denizen of the flame has taunted humanity with its splendorous power and ethereal grace. The dragon may be sighted among the heavens as it takes to flight, felt underfoot as it tunnels beneath the earth, or encountered in our deepest dreams. It is perhaps because the dragon is not real, it becomes more prolific, for the dragon has shed the skin of mortality and chosen to exist in a place where only our most adventurous imaginings can touch it.
   
   This mighty beast has not always been branded with the name dragon; the word dragon as we know it first appeared in Hellenic times (800 BC- 338 B), from the Greek draconta or drakon, a name ascribed to any large mythological snake or serpent. Prior to this, dragons were simply known by their local names, and it is not until later years (such as today) that we are able to gather together the long-overlooked members of this ancient family!
   Although the dragon is a mythical creature, it was originally transcended from the snake. The snake or serpent was known to "glide" with their serpentine coils , and it is here we can identify an important era of change from the snake to the dragon. This is an important link because it shows us a transition point between the serpent slithering along the ground and then rising up into the air. This linkage inspired a great deal of myth and legend; further blending of the serpent and dragon occurred in religious translations, as the word "serpent" and "dragon" are interchangeable throughout the Bible.
   These serpents later came to plague our skies with their fiery breath, commanding domination over those whom they terrorised. They became associated with guarding the deceased and their treasure, and were carved into coffin lids to ward off grave robbers. It is this that gave rise to the popular children's tales we are all familiar with; the scene of a dragon hoarding treasure or some hapless maiden, only to be confronted by a valiant knight, is well known.
   
   However, serpents showing dragon-like qualities first appeared some thousands of years prior to this. The dragon's oldest relative, the rainbow serpent, appeared in Australian Aboriginal culture (65 000 BC- 35 000 BC), and was showcased in traditional rock art some 6- 8 000 years ago. Unlike the European serpent which adapted and specialised to become the dragon we know today, these serpents have remained the same over time.
   
   It is no wonder the dragon has captured our interest for so long. These beasts are marvels of the unseen world, for they appear across heraldry, mythology, alchemy and religion. It is unsurprising that historical figures wrote of them frequently; the noted explorer Marco Polo wrote in his journals of the dragons he encountered among his travels, and naturalist Edward Topsell included them in his bestiaries. Alexander the Great and his army were terrorised by a dragon, while a salamander (an amphibious type of dragon commonly found near fire), poisoned a river which subsequently killed 4 000 of Alexander's soldiers.
   Dragons have appeared in countless artworks, both ancient and contemporary, and have symbolised a number of things; such as the unchanged base alchemical matter, to an obstacle or Devil.
   
   In Eastern tradition, the dragon is perhaps even more famous. Rather than stem from the snake or serpent, the dragon is made up of many different animal parts, and was seen as an Imperial beast guarding the heavens. These dragons gained popularity during the Han dynasty of China, and tales of these creatures were passed down orally and visually for years. Dragons were incorporated into the Chinese zodiac, and like the Western dragon, they were depicted on tombs.
   Oriental dragons were important to everyday life, and were associated with human fertility and the water they delivered to crops. Once an Eastern dragon reached a certain age, they went through physical and mental changes, such as the growth of horns or wings, which were accompanied with new wisdom. The hai riyo or "dragon bird" was the highest state of being for a Chinese dragon, and to become one took thousands of years.
   
   The dragon is not only varied in its temperament and personality, but takes on many different forms to match. The first example that springs to mind is the gigantic, six-limbed Western dragon breathing fire of European myth and terror. In contrast, the Eastern dragon is slender and snake-like in appearance, although no less striking. With coloured manes, horns, beautiful iridescent scales and sometimes sporting expansive feathered wings, the Eastern dragon is an awe-inspiring creature to behold. There is a wide range of different dragon appearances; these may include more snake-like variants such as the limbless worm dragons, to reptilian dragons like the four-limbed wyvern. "Monster" or chimerical dragons, named so because of their extremely outlandish appearance, may include the piasa, an American dragon with bird-like features and the face of a man, or the Australian bunyip, which is comprised of many different animal parts.
   
   Because there are such a wide variety of dragons throughout antiquity, close examination is often required when deciding what can be classed into the dragon collective. There are no established guidelines for drawing the line between dragon and curious beast, and a great deal of exceptions are always needed when considering the cultural and native background of the candidate in question. However, the number of persistent similarities over countries and across time has shown us the basic qualities of a dragon, and these primary traits include:
   
   A reptilian appearance, often with monstrous or serpentine qualities, not to be confused with a snake;
   Basic elemental ties, including but not limited to water and fire;
   Esoteric properties, including but not limited to body parts which have positive physical and/ or spiritual qualities, such as healing or luck;
   Usually, but not always, the dragon is represented as an obstacle that is to be overcome.
   Though these four points are legitimate, usually discretion is a more appropriate tool when classing dragons. Attention must also be paid to the creature's cultural background and the timeframe they featured in; a great deal of skepticism must also be used!
   In conclusion, the dragon is a majestic beast representing the battle between the opposing forces of light and darkness. Their physical prowess is unmatched, and numerous stories throughout the world feature dragons as evil serpents battling valiant heroes, or as Imperial masters lending help to mankind. Truly, this creature is a timeless legend within itself. There is no other beast that can match the dragon, for this a King who knows no boundaries.
   
   References:
   
   Allen, Judy & Griffiths, Jeanne, The Book of the Dragon.
   Shuker, Dr Karl, Dragons: A Natural History.
   Storm, Rachel, Asian Mythology.
   Joseph Nigg, The Book of Dragons & other Mythical Beasts.
   
   More to come.

2. Dragons

   #2

   Anyone feel like contributing to this thread?
   I can not seem to get it started again.
   That is; I do not know where to start...
   I was thinking of biblical dragons in Albrecht style but alas I am not finding enough material for it.
   It would also be nice to include our familiar fantasy dragon.
   It has, after all mutated from the dragons of myth.
   But it should be used as a kind of sum it up figure to see where we are right now. The post-modern dragon! Ride on.
   
   P.S Do not be shy, if you do not have any books on the subject feel free to
   ravage the internet for info. But be sure to re-write it properly and write down your references and sources.

3. Dragons

   #3

   I have found some myths that might be an interesting asset to this thread.
   The goal is to find one myth for each culture.
   
   *Scandinavian
   
   *Chinese
   
   *Japanese
   
   Wu and the Storm Dragon (Chinese)
   
   The story is told of how Wu, the son of a farmer named Yin, won the favour of a dragon and rose to be a great man in China. When he was a boy of thirteen, he was sitting one day at the garden gate, looking across the plain which is watered by a winding river that flows from the mountains. He was a silent, dreamy boy, who had been brought up by his grandmother, his mother having died when he was very young, and it was his habit thus to sit in silence, thinking and observing things. Along the highway came a handsome youth riding a white horse. He was clad in yellow garments and seemed to be of high birth. Four man-servants accompanied him, and one held an umbrella to shield him from the sun's bright rays. The youth drew up his horse at the gate and, addressing Wu, said: "Son of Yin, I am weary. May I enter your father's house and rest a little time?"
   The boy bowed and said: "Enter."
   Yin then came forward and opened the gate. The noble youth dismounted and sat on a seat in the court, while his servants tethered the horse. The farmer chatted with his visitor, and Wu gazed at themin silence. Food was brought, and when the meal was finished, the youth thanked him for his hospitality and walked across the courtyard. Wu noticed that before one of the servants passed through the gate, he turned the umbrella upside down. When the youth had mounted his horse, he turned to the silent, observant boy and said: "I shall come again tomorrow."
   Wu bowed and answered: "Come!"
   The strangers rode away, and Wu sat watching them until they had vanished from sight.
   When evening came on, the farmer spoke to his son regarding the visitors, and said: "The noble youth knew my name and yet I have never set eyes on him before."
   Wu was silent for a time. Then he said: "I cannot say who the youth is or who his attendants are."
   "You watched them very closely, my son. Did you note anything peculiar about them?"
   Said Wu: "There were no seams in their clothing; the white horse had spots of five colours and scaly armour instead of hair. The hoofs of the horse and the feet of the strangers did not touch the ground."
   Yin rose up with agitation and exclaimed: "Then they are not human beings, but spirits."
   Said Wu: "I watched them as they went westward. Rain-clouds were gathering on the horizon, and when they were a great distance off they all rose in the air and vanished in the clouds."
   Yin was greatly alarmed to hear this, and said: "I must ask your grandmother what she thinks of this strange happening."
   The old woman was fast asleep, and as she had grown very deaf it was difficult to awaken her. When at length she was thoroughly roused, and sat up with head and hands trembling with palsy, Yin repeated to her in a loud voice all that Wu had told him.
   Said the woman: "The horse, spotted with five colours, and with scaly armour instead of hair, is a dragon-horse. When spirits appear before human beings they wear magic garments. That is why the clothing of your visitors had no seams. Spirits tread on air. As these spirits went westward, they rose higher and higher in the air, going towards the rain-clouds. The youth was the Yellow Dragon. He is to raise a storm, and as he had four followers the storm will be a great one. May no evil befall us."
   Then Yin told the old woman that one of the strangers had turned the umbrella upside down before passing through the gate. "That is a good omen," she said. Then she lay down and closed her eyes. "I have need of sleep," she murmured; "I am very old."
   Heavy masses of clouds were by this time gathering in the sky, and Yin decided to sit up all night. Wu asked to be permitted to do the same, and his father consented. Then the boy lit a yellow lantern, put on a yellow robe that his grandmother had made for him, burned incense, and sat down reading charms from an old yellow book.
   The storm burst forth in fury just when dawn was breaking dimly. Wu then closed his yellow book and went to a window. The thunder bellowed, the lightning flamed, and the rain fell in torrents, and swollen streams poured down from the mountains. Soon the river rose in flood and swept across the fields. Cattle gathered in groups on shrinking mounds that had become islands surrounded by raging water.
   Yin feared greatly that the house would be swept away, and wished he had fled to the mountains.
   At night the cottage was entirely surrounded by the flood. Trees were cast down and swept away. "We cannot escape now," groaned Yin.
   Wu sat in silence, displaying no signs of emotion. "What do you think of it all?" his father saked.
   Wu rteminded him that one of the strangers had turned the umbrella upside down, and added: "Before the dragon youth went away he spoke and said: 'I shall come again tomorrow'."
   "He has come indeed," Yin groaned, and covered his face with his hands.
   Said Wu: "I have just seen the dragon. As I looked towards the sky he spread out his great hood above our home. He is protecting us now."
   "Alas! my son, you are dreaming."
   "Listen, father, no rain falls on the roof."
   Yin listened intently. Then he said: "You speak truly, my son. This is indeed a great marvel."
   "It was well," said Wu, "that you welcomed the dragon yesterday."
   "He spoke to you first, my son; and you answered, 'Enter'. Ah, you have much wisdom. You will become a great man."
   The storm began to subside, and Wu prevailed upon his father to lie down and sleep.
   Much damage had been done and flood, and large numbers of human beings and domesticated animals had perished. In the village, which was situated at the mouth of the valley, only a few houses were left standing.
   The rain ceased to fall at midday. Then the sun came out and shone brightly, while the waters began to retreat.
   Wu went outside and sat at the garden gate, as was his custom. In time he saw the yellow youth returning from the west, accompanied by his four attendants. When he came nigh, Wu bowed and the youth drew up his horse and spoke, saying: "I said I should return today."
   Wu bowed.
   "But this time I shall not enter the courtyard," the youth added.
   "As you will," Wu said reverently.
   The dragon youth then handed the boy a single scale which he had taken from his horse's neck, and said: "Kep this and I shall remember you."
   Then he rode away and vanished from sight.
   The boy re-entered the house. He awoke his father and said: "The storm is over and the dragon has returned to his pool."
   Yin embraced his son, and together they went to inform the old woman. She awoke, sat up, and listened to all that was said to her. When she learned that the dragon youth had again appeared and had spoken to Wu, she asked: "Did he give you ought before he departed?"
   Wu opened a small wooden box and showed her the scale that had been taken from the neck of the dragon-horse.
   The woman was well pleased, and said: "When the Emperor sends for you, all will be well."
   Yin was astonished to hear these words, and exclaimed: "Why should the Emperor send for my boy?"
   "You shall see," the old woman made answer as she laid down again.
   Before long the Emperor heard of the great marvel that had been worked in the flooded valley. Men who had taken refuge on the mountain had observed that no rain fell on Yin's house during the storm. So His Majesty sent couriers to the valley, and these bade Yin to accompany them to the palace, taking Wu with him.
   On being brought before the Emperor, Yin related everything that had taken place. Then His Majesty asked to see the scale of the dragon horse.
   It was growing dusk when Wu opened the box, and the scale shone so brightly that it illumined the throne-room so that it became as bright as at high noon.
   Said the Emperor: "Wu shall remain here and become one of my magicians. The yellow dragon has imparted to him much power and wisdom."
   Thus it was that Wu attained high rank in the kingdom. He found that great miracles could be worked with the scale of the dragon horse. It cured disease, and it caused the Emperor's army to win victories. Withal, Wu was able to foretell events and he became a renowned prophet and magician.
   The farmer's son grew to be very rich and powerful. A great house was erected for him close to the royal palace, and he took his grandmother and father to it, and there they lived happily until the end of their days.
   Thus did Wu, son of Yin, become a great man, because of the favour shown to him by the thunder-dragon, who had wrought great destruction in the river valley and taken toll of many lives.

4. Dragons

   #4

   Seigfreid and the Dragon Fafnir (scandinavian)
   
   Regin the bard took up his harp, and his fingers smote the strings; and the music which came forth sounded like a wail of the winter's wind through the dead tree tops of the forest. And the song which he sang was full of grief and wild hopeless yearning for the things which were not to be. When he had ceased, Seigfreid said, "That was indeed a sorrowful song for one to sing who sees his hopes so nearly realized. Why are you so sad? Is it because you fear the curse which you have taken upon yourself? Or is it because you know not what you will do with so vast a treasure, and its possession begins to trouble you?"
   "Oh, many are the things I will do with that treasure!" answered Regin; and his eyes flashed wildly, and his face grew red and pale. "I will turn winter into summer; I will make the desert-places glad; I will bring back the golden age; I will make myself a god: for mine shall be the wisdom and the gathered wealth of the world. And yet I fear -"
   "What do you fear?"
   "The ring, the ring - it is accursed! The Norns, too, have spoken, and my doom is known. I cannot escape it."
   "The Norns have woven the the woof of every man's life," answered Siegfried. "Tomorrow we fare to the Glittering Heath, and the end shall be as the Norns have spoken."
   And so, early the next morning, Siegfried mounted Greyfell, and rode out towards the desert-land that lay beyond the forest and the barren mountain-range; and Regin, his eyes flashing with desire, and his feet never tiring, trudged by his side. For seven days they wended their way through the thick greenwood, sleeping at night on the bare ground beneath the trees, while the wolves and other wild beasts of the forest filled the air with their hideous howlings. But no evil creature dared come near them, for fear of the shining beams of light which fell from Greyfell's gleaming mane. On the eighth day they came to the open country and to the hills, where the land was covered with black boulders and broken by yawning chasms. And no living thing was seen there, not even an insect, nor a blade of grass; and the silence of the grave was over all. And the earth was dry and parched, and the sun hung above them like a painted shield in a blue-black sky, and there was neither shade nor water anywhere. But Siegfried rose onwards in the way which Regin pointed out, and faltered not, although he grew faint with thirst and with the overpowering heat. Towards the evening of the next day they came to a dark mountain-wall which stretched far out on either hand, and rose high above them, so steep that it seemed to close up the way, and to forbid them going farther.
   "This is the wall!" cried Regin. "Beyond this mountain is the Glittering Heath, and the goal of all my hopes."
   And the little old man ran forwards, and scaled the rough side of the mountain, and reached its summit, while Siegfried and Greyfell were yet toiling among the rocks at its foot. Slowly and painfully they climbed the steep ascent, sometimes following a narrow path which wound along the edge of a precipice, sometimes leaping from rock to rock, or over some deep gorge, and sometimes picking their way among the crags and cliffs. The sun at last went down, and one by one the stars came out; and the moon was rising, round and red, when Siegfried stood by Regin's side, and gazed from the mountain-top down upon the Glittering Heath which lay beyond. And a strange, weird scene it was that met his sight. At the foot of the mountain was a river, white and cold and still; and beyond it was a smooth and barren plain, lying silent and lonely in the pale moonlight. But in the distance was seen a circle of flickering flames, ever changing - now growing brighter, now fading away, and now shining with a dull, cold light, like the glimmer of the glow-worm or the fox-fire. And as Siegfried gazed upon the scene, he saw the dim outline of some hideous monster moving hither and thither, and seeming all the more terrible in the uncertain light.
   "It is he!" whispered Regin, and his lips were ashy pale, and his knees trembled beneath him. "It is Fafnir, and he wears the Helmet of Terror" Shall we not go back to the smithy by the great forest, and to the life of ease and safety that may be ours there? Or will you rather dare to go forwards, and meet the Terror in its abode?"
   "None bu cowards give up an undertaking once begun," answered Siegfried. "Go back to Rhineland yourself, if you are afraid; bu you must go alone. You have brought me thus far to meet the dragon of the heath, to win the hoard of the swarthy elves, and to rid the world of a terrible evil. Before the setting of another sun, the deed which you have urged me to do will be done."
   Then he dashed down the eastern slope of the mountain, leaving Greyfell and the trembling Regin behind him. Soon he stood on the banks of the white river, which lay between the mountain and the heath; but the stream was deep and sluggish, and the channel was very wide. He paused a moment, wondering how he should cross; and the air seemed heavy with deadly vapors, and the water was thick and cold. While he thus stood in thought, a boat came silently out of the mists, and drew near; and the boatman stood up and called to him, and said, "What man are you who dares come into this land of loneliness and fear?"
   "I am Siegfried," answered the lad; "and I have come to slay Fafnir, the Terror."
   "Sit in my boat," said the boatman, "and I will carry you across the river."
   And Siegfried sat by the boatman's side; and without the use of an oar, and without a breath of air to drive it forwards, the little vessel turned, and moved silently towards the farther shore.
   "In what way will you fight the dragon?" asked the boatman.
   "With my trusty sword Balmung I shall slay him," answered Siegfried.
   "But he wears the Helmet of Terror, and he breathes deathly poisons, and his eyes dart forth lightning, and no man can withstand his strength," said the boatman.
   "I will find some way by which to overcome him."
   "Then be wise, and l;isten to me," said the boatman. "As you go up from the river you will find a road, worn deep and smooth, starting from the water's edge, and winding over the moor. it is the trail of Fafnir, adown which he comes at dawn of every day to slake his thirst at the river. Do you dig a pit in this roadway - a pit narrow and deep - and hide yourself within it. In the morning, when Fafnir passes over it, let him feel the edge of Balmung."
   As the man ceased speaking, the boat touched the shore, and Siegfried leaped out. He looked back to thank his unknown friend, but neither boat not boatman was to be seen. Only a thin white mist rose slowly from the cold surface of the stream, and floated upwards and way towards the mountain-tops. Then the lad remembered that the strange boatman had a worn a blue hood bespangled with golden stars, and that a grey kirtle was thrown over his shoulder, and that his one eye glistened and sparkled with a light that was more than human. And he knew that he had again talked with Odin. Then, with a braver heart than before, he went forwards, along the river-bank, until he came to Fafnir's trail - a deep, wide furrow in the earth, beginning at the river's bank, and winding far away over the heath, until it was lost to sight in the darkness. The bottom of the trail was soft and slimy, and its sides had been worn smooth by Fafnir's frequent travel through it.
   In this road, at a point not far from the river, Siegfried, with his trusty sword Balmung, scooped out a deep and narrow pit, as Odin had directed. And when the grey dawn began to appear in the east he hid himself within this trench, and waited for the coming of the monster. He had not long to wait; for no sooner had the sky begun to redden in the light of the coming sun than the dragon was heard bestirring himself. Siegfried peeped warily from his hiding-place, and saw him coming far down the road, hurrying with all speed, that he might quench his thirst at the sluggish river, and hasten back to his gold; and the sound which he made was like the trampling of many feet and the jingling of many chains. With bloodshot eyes, and gaping mouth, and faming nostrils, the hideous creature came rushing onwards. His sharp, curved claws dug seep into the soft earth; and his bat-like wings, half trailing on the ground, half flapping in the air, made a sound like that which is heard when Thor rides in his goat- drawn chariot over the dark thunder-clouds. It was a terrible moment for Siegfried, but still he was not afraid. He crouched low down in his hiding-place, and the bare blade of the trusty Balmung glittered in the morning light. On came the hastening feet and the flapping wings: the red gleam from the monster's flaming nostrils lighted up the trench where Siegfried lay. He heard a roaring and a rushing like the sound of a whirlwind in the forest; then a black, inky mass rolled above him, and all was dark. Now was Siegfried's oppertunity. The bright edge of Balmung gleamed in the darkness one moment, and then it smote the heart of Fafnir as he passed. Some men say that Odin sat in the pit with Siegfried, and strengthened his arm and directed his sword, or else he could not thus have slain the Terror. But, be this as it may, the victory was soon won. The head fell lifeless upon the ground; his cold wings flapped once, and then lay, quivering and helpless, spread out on either side; and streams of thick black blood flowed from his heart, through the wound beneath, and filled the trench in which Siegfried was hidden, and ran like a mountain-torrent down the road towards the river. Siegfried was covered from head to foot with the slimy liquid, and, had he not quickly leaped from his hiding-place, he would have been drowned in the swift-rushing stream.
   The bright sun rose in the east, and gilded the mountain-tops, and fell upon the still waters of the river, and lighted up the treeless plains around. The south wind played gently against Siegfried's cheek and in his long hair, as he stood gazing on his fallen foe. And the sound of singing birds, and rippling waters, and gay insects - such as had not broken the silence of the Glittering Heath for ages - came to his ears. The Terror was dead, and Nature had awakened from her sleep of dread. And as the lad leaned upon his sword, and thought of the deed he had done, behold! the shining Greyfell, with the beaming, hopeful mane, having crossed the now bright river, stood by his side. And Regin, his face grown wondrous cold, came trudging over the meadows; and his heart was full of guile. Then the mountain vultures came wheeling downwards to look upon the dead dragon; and with them were two ravens, black as midnight. And when Siegfried saw these ravens he knew them to be Odin's birds - Hugin, thought, and Munin, memory. And they alighted on the ground near by; and the lad listened to hear what they would say. Then Hugin flapped his wings, and said, "The deed is done. Why tarries the hero?"
   And Munin sais, "The world is wide. Fame waits for the hero."
   And Hugin answered, "What if he win the Hoard of the Elves? That is not honour. Let him seek fame by nobler deeds."
   Then Munin flew past his ear, and whispered, "Beware of Regin, the master! His heart is poisoned. He would be thy bane."
   And the two birds flew away to carry the news to Odin in the happy halls of Gladsheim.
   When Regin drew near to look upon the dragon, Siegfried kindly accosted him: but he seemed not to hear; and a snaky glitter lurked in his eyes, and his mouth was set and dry, and he seemed as one walking in a dream.
   "It is mine now," he murmured: "it is all mine, now - the Hoard of the swarthy elf-folk, the garnered wisdom of ages. The strength of the world is mine. I will keep, I will save, I will heap up; and none shall have part or parcel of the treasure which is mine alone."
   Then his eyes fell upon Siegfried; and his cheeks grew dark with wrath, and he cried out,"Why are you here in my way? I am the lord of the Glittering Heath: I am the master of the Hoard. I am the master, and you are thrall."
   Siegfried wondered at the change which had taken place in his old master; but he only smiled at the strange words, and made no answer.
   "You have slain my brother!" Regin cried; and his face grew fearfully black, and his mouth foamed with rage.
   "It was deed and yours," calmly answered Siegfried. "I have rid the world of a Terror: I have righted a grievous wrong."
   "You have slain my brother!" said Regin; and a murderer's ransom you shall pay!"
   "Take the Hoard for your ransom, and let us each wend his way," said the lad.
   "The Hoard is mine by rights," answered Regin still more wrathfully, "I am the master, and you are my thrall. Why stand you in my way?"
   Then, blinded with madness, he rushed at Siegfried as if to strike him down; but his foot slipped in a puddle of gore, and he pitched headlong against the sharp edge of Balmung. So sudden was this movement, and so unlooked for, that the sword was twitched out of Siegfried's hand, and fell with a dull splash into the blood-filled pit before him; while Regin, slain by his own rashness, sank dead upon the ground. Full of horror, Siegfried turned away, and mounted Greyfell.
   "This is a place of blood," said he, "and the way to glory leads not through it. Let the Hoard still lie on the Glittering Heath; I will go my way from hence; and the world shall know me for better deeds than this."
   And he turned his back on the fearful scene, and rode away; and so swiftly did Greyfell carry him over the desert land and the mountain wate, that, when night came, they stood on the shore of the great North Sea, and the white waves broke at their feet. And the lad sat for a long time silent upon the warm white sand of the beach, and Greyfell waited at his side. And he watched the stars as they came out one by one, and the moon, as it rose round and pale, and moved like a queen across the sky. And the night wore away, and the stars grew pale, and the moon sank to rest in the wilderness of waters. And at day-dawn Siegfried looked towards he west, and midway between sky and sea he thought he saw dark mountain tops hanging above a land of mists that seemed to float upon the edge of the sea.
   While he looked, a white ship, with sails all set, came speeding over the waters towards him. It came nearer and nearer, and the sailors rested upon the oars as it glided into the quiet harbour. A minstrel, with long white beard floating in the wind, sat at the prow; and the sweet music from his harp was wafted like incense to the shore. The vessel touched the sands: its white sails were reefed as if by magic, and the crew leaped out upon the beach.
   "Hail, Siegfried the Golden!" cried the harper. "Whither do you fare this summer day?"
   "I have come from a land of horror and dread," answered the lad; "and I would fain fare to a brighter."
   "Then go with me to awaken the earth from its slumber, and to robe the fields in their garbs of beauty," said the harper. And he touched the strings of his harp, and strains of the softest music arose in the still morning air. And Siegfried stood entranced, for never before had he heard such music.
   "Tell me who you are!" he cried, when the sounds died away. "Tell me who you are, and I will go to the ends of the earth with you."
   "I am Bragi," answered the harper, smiling. And Siegfried noticed then that the ship was laden with flowers of every hue, and that thousands of singing birds circled around and above it, filling the air with the sound of their glad twitterings.
   Now, Bragi was the sweetest musician in all the world. It was said by some that his home was with the song-birds, and that he had learned his skill from them. But this was only part of the truth: for wherever there was loveliness or beauty, or things noble and pure, there was Bragi; and his wondrous power in music and song was but the outward sign of a blameless soul. When he touched the strings of his golden harp, all Nature was charmed with the sweet harmony: the savage beasts of the wood crept near to listen; the birds paused in their flight; and the waves of the sea were becalmed, and the winds were hushed; the leaping waterfall was still, and the rushing torrent tarried in its bed; the elves forgot their hidden treasures, and joined in silent dance around him; and the strom-karls and the musicians of the wood vainly tried to imitate him. And he was as fair of speech as he was skillful in song. His words were so persuasive that he had been known to call the fishes from the sea, to move great lifeless rocks, and, what is harder, the hearts of kings, He understood the voice of the birds, and the whispering of the breeze, the murmur of the waves, and the roar of the waterfalls. He knew the length and breadth of the earth, the secrets of the sea, and the language of the stars. And every day he talked with Odin the All-Father, and with the wise and good in the sunlit halls of Gladsheim. And once every year he went to the North-lands, and woke the earth from its long winter's sleep, and scattered music and smiles and beauty everywhere.
   Right gladly did Siegfried agree to sail with Bragi over the sea; for we wot that the bright Asa-god would be a very different guide from the cunning, evil-eyed Regin. So he went on board with Bragi, and the gleaming Greyfell followed them, and the sailors sat at their oars. And Bragi stood in the prow, and touched the strings of his harp. And, as the music arose, the white sails leaped up the masts, and a warm south breeze began to blow; and the little vessel, wafted by sweet sounds and the incense of spring, sped gladly away over the sea.

5. Dragons

   #5

   *Note
   
   These are exact copies of the myths as they appear in books.
   I have not changed anything. But they might be helpful to see the different sides of the Dragon as a myth creature compared to the different cultures in which it can be found.

6. Dragons

   #6

   Intruiging myths. If you have any yourself, post them here.
   
   Post on!

7. Dragons

   #7

   Here are some famous dragon names throughout history all around the world.
   
   -Famous Dragons: A - M
   -Abraxas, or Anbraxas, a famous dragon from Persian mythology, symbolic of Gnosticism.
   -Aido-Hwedo the Rainbow Serpent of Dahoney mythology
   -Akhekhu, from Egyptian mythology; a desert serpent
   -Amphiptere, a famous dragon from North African mythology; winged serpent
   -Ananta Boga, from Javanese mythology; ruler of the dead and king of dragons
   -Ancalagon the Black in The Silmarillion by J. R. R. Tolkien
   -Apalala, a water dragon converted to Buddist doctrine
   -Apophis, or Apep, a famous dragon from Egyptian mythology; serpent that chases Ra
   -Apsu from Babylonian mythology
   -Azhi Dahaki from Persian mythology; three-headed
   -Brinsop, a famous dragon from European legend; presumed to be the dragon Saint George killed
   -Chrysophylax, in Farmer Giles of Ham by J. R. R. Tolkien
   -Drachenstein, from Norse mythology; killed by Hurnen Siftrit
   -Eingana, from Australian mythology; goddess of creation and death
   -Fafnir, a famous dragon from Norse mythology and in Fritz Lang's Die Nibelungen Part 1: Siegfried(see above)
   -Falkor, the luck dragon, in The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
   -Galeru, from Australian mythology; rainbow serpent
   -Glaurung, the first of the dragons in J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth
   -Gleep in the Myth series by Robert Asprin
   -Griaule, a gigantic dragon, paralyzed and moribund yet still capable of casting a baleful influence, in stories by Lucius Shepard
   -Haku in Miyazaki Hayao's Spirited Away
   -Hatuibwari, a famous dragon from Malay mythology; winged serpent considered a human ascestor.
   -Illuyankas from Turkish mythology
   -Jabberwock, likely a dragon, in Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking-Glass
   -Jormungandr, from Norse mythology; symbol of infinity and enemy of Thor
   -Kalseru, or Julunggul, from Australian mythology; symbol of rain and fertility
   -Knucker, a famous dragon from British legend; water drake from Sussex
   -Ladon, from Greek mythology; guarded Hera's golden apples
   -Manasa, from Hindu mythology; symbol of fertility
   -Mayland Long from Chinese mythology

8. Dragons

   #8

   -Ness, a famous dragon from British legend; of Loch Ness
   -Nidhogg (also Nidhoggr) (the 'Dread Biter')
   -Nithhogr, from Norse mythology; eats the dead
   -Norbert, Hagrid's baby dragon, in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling
   -Norbert, from Harry Potter
   -Quetzalcoatl from Aztec mythology has a dragon-like aspect
   -Scatha, from J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth
   -Scylla, a famous dragon from Greek mythology; once a nymph, Circe transformed her into a beast
   -Shen Lung, from Chinese mythology; symbol of good luck
   -Sirrush, from Babylonian mythology; symbol of chaos
   -Smaug, in The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
   -Smerg, an evil dragon, in The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
   -Smok Wawelski (the Wawel Dragon) from Polish mythology, was killed by a clever shoemaker's apprentice.
   -Stoorworm, a famous dragon from Celtic mythology; death created Orkney Islands
   -Tarasque, tamed by Saint Martha
   -Tiamat, from Babylonian mythology
   -Typhon, from Greek mythology; son of Tartarus and Gaia
   -Uwibami, from Japanese mythology
   -Vasuki, a famous dragon from Hindu mythology; symbolic of the sea and oceans
   -Vermithrax Pejorative in Touchstone Pictures Dragonslayer
   -Whiro, from Polynesian mythology; symbol of death and evil
   -Xiuhcoatl is a serpent from Aztec mythology
   -Y Ddraig Goch, a famous dragon of British legend; symbol of Wales
   -Yam-nahar from Canaanite mythology
   -Yofune-Nushi, from Japanese mythology; symbol of female sacrifice
   -Zu, a famous dragon from Sumerian mythology; symbol of chaos
   
   If you can track cone up with any other relevant dragon please do not hesitate to post it. I have blended ancient myth dragons with the new fantasy dragons of our time since I sincerely think these are relevant for the final sum-up of this thread... which can be quite a challenge;
   Where do we take it from here?
   What will the dragon become?
   How can we use these legends, both old and new alike to shape the RP
   dragon of the future?
   
   to be continued.
   
   Post on.

9. Dragons

   #9

   Vasuki - Giant Hindu serpent
   Martu, also Amurru - Dragon god of firce storms and barbarians, Assyrian
   Leviathan - oceanic serpent, biblical
   Sesha, or Ananta - 1000 headed serpent that breaths flame, Hindu
   
   
   Tolkien's wyrms
   Glaurung the Golden, father of all dragons
   Ancalagon, the Black Rushing jaws, greatest of all dragons
   Scatha the Worm, Greatest Dragon of the Grey mountains
   Smaug the Golden, greatest dragon of the third age

10. Dragons

    #10

    Tolkien's wyrms
    Glaurung the Golden, father of all dragons
    Ancalagon, the Black Rushing jaws, greatest of all dragons
    Scatha the Worm, Greatest Dragon of the Grey mountains
    Smaug the Golden, greatest dragon of the third age

    
    
    All of these were mentioned above- but the small after text is more than welcome.

11. Dragons

    #11

    CHINESE DRAGONS
    
    There are many ways to organize all of the Chinese dragons. In the oriental tradition of opposites, the dragon is correlated with the masculine yang power while the phoenix, the bird of rebirth, is associated with the feminine yin force.
    
    The Chinese dragon like the Indian Naga's, are often associated with water and rain and lakes and rivers. And so dragons are not as the European model of destruction but are instead life-giving, honored and very powerful.
    
    Most often these dragons are associated with royalty and the emperors are closely aligned with the image of dragon. Before history began, China's first emperor, Fu Hsi was said to have a dragons tail and his successor, Shen Nung, was said to have a dragon as father. The Imperial Dragon or lung has five claws instead of four. The ordinary dragon or mang depicts temporal power instead of spiritual prowess. The lung, or Dragon King issued orders for the Emperor by moving in four directions simultaneously. The fifth direction (in connection with the fifth claw) is the center where he remains.
    
    Even into recent times dragons pervade within the body and movements of the emperor. There is the Dragon Throne, Dragons pace (the Emperors stately stride), Dragon face (his visage), and Dragons Pearl (the Emperors words). When an Emperor died it was said that he had ascended to heaven on the back of a Dragon.
    
    The T'ien Lung, or Celestial Dragon lives in the sky and guards the gods to keep them from falling out of the clouds. The Fu-tsang guards hidden treasure.
    
    Even though the dragon is an imaginary animal, it was long regarded as a god in China and was loved and respected as the highest symbol of good luck in the animal kingdom. The dragon thus became a symbol representing the dignity of Emperor, who was considered to be the ruler of the earth.
    
    
    Some examples of the symbology of the dragon are:
    
    - The Gnostics: "The way through all things."
    
    - Alchemy: "A winged dragon - the volatile elements; without wings - the fixed elements."
    
    - The Chinese: "The spirit of the way"' bringing eternal change.
    
    - The guardian of the 'Flaming Pearl" symbol of spiritual perfection and powerful amulet of luck.
    
    Japanese Dragon myths.
    
    The Tale of Urashima
    
    Once there was a young fisherman named Urashima, who caught a tortoise in his nets. But as tortoises are said to live thousands of years, Urashima thought it best to set the creature free. Little did he know, but this turtle was Otohime, the dragon king's daughter, in disguise. The turtle-princess invited the young man to her father's court where she appeared to him in the shape of a beautiful women, and married him. After three days, Urashima felt a strong desire to visit his aging parents. But when he returned to his land, he discovered that 300 years had passed. Since all his loved ones had long since departed, Urashima was stricken with grief, and desired to return to this dragon wife. Not knowing how to return to the dragon palace, Urashima opened the magic box (Tamate-Bako, or Box of the Jewel Hand) his wife had given him as a keepsake of their love. But she had told him never to open the box. When he opened the box, hoping to find a way back to her, he immediately lost his youth, became old and wrinkled, and fell dead upon the ground.
    
    The Tale of Hoori
    
    Long ago, the Dragon King's daughter Toyo-Tama (Rich Jewel) married a hunter named Hoori (Fire Fade; or Yama-Sachi-biko), who lived with her for three years in her underwater kingdom. Lonely for the site of his own country, however, Hoori returned to the upper world, but not before discovering that Toyo-Tama was with child. The son she bore him later sired four children, one of whom was Kamu-Yamato-Iware-Biko, the first human Emperor of Japan, who is now known as Jimmu Tenno. Incidentally, Hoori himself was the child of Ninigi (Rice Ear Ruddy Plenty) and Ko-no-Hana (Princeess who makes the flowers of the trees to blossom). Ninigi was the grandson of Ama-terasu. Hoori and his children thus trace their line back to Japan's earliest gods and goddesses.
    
    For an extended version of the Hoori tale, which includes many older Shinto names for the various deities involved, please click here http://www.harapan.co.jp/english/miya_e/myth/kojiki_Hoori.htm
    This site also offers the tales of Toyo-tama and of Ninigi, plus a family tree of the ancient gods and goddesses of Japan.

12. Dragons

    #12

    This had to be moved here: PM I sent is quoted:
    
    

    This needs to be taken care of ASAP please. If it is still up by Monday I am going to have to remove the entire thread.
    
    Do follow the directions and remove anything taken from that site and instead provide a link. If you provided a link in the first place it probably wouldn't have even been mentioned and you could have left the text.
    
    I am not too happy about this either, we can call it lesson learned I assume?
    
    Thanks
    
    Good afternoon,
    
    On your "Articles, Essays, and Grouped Tips" forum there is a thread
    called "Dragons", in which the first message includes a small essay on
    dragons called "Dragons: A first glimpse". The link to this essay on your
    forum appears here: http://www.rpgcitadel.com/guild/index.php?topic=2141.0
    
    This essay is taken word for word from our website here:
    http://www.sommerland.org/ondragons/introduction/
    
    And here:
    http://sommerland.org/ondragons/introduction/introduction.html
    
    Normally I wouldn't bother chasing this up, but the person has not given
    any credit and further down states the information is taken from books,
    which really denies me acknowledgment. I would very much appreciate it if
    you would please take the essay down. Instead, I would rather it be
    replaced with a link to the original. I'm sure this was simply an honest
    mistake on behalf of the member in question.
    
    Thank you very much for your time, I wish you all the best with your board.
    
    Kind regards,
    Amanda.

    
    
    He hasn't checked his PMs but I told Amanda what I was going to do. When Mike PMs me I will bring it back up for him to edit.

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