Brian Jeong

Computers 8

December 2010

Table of Contents

• What are Dragons?

• Dragons in Greek Mythology

• Types of Dragons

• Modern Depictions

• Dragons in Modern Media

• Bibliography

What are Dragons?

• Legendary reptilian creatures

• Features in myths of many cultures

Dragons in Greek Mythology

• Ladon– Hundred headed dragon– Guarded the golden apples

• Hydra– Nine heads that grew two when cut– Had immortal head made of gold

• Colchian Dragon– Guarded the Golden Fleece at Colchis– Medea helps Jason steal the Fleece

Types of Dragons

• European dragons– Ancient creature of the

earth element– Have underground lair – Usually evil

• Chinese dragons– Can take on human

form– Usually seen as

benevolent– Popular in China– Five-clawed dragon =

Chinese emperors’ symbol

Modern Depictions

• Inspired by Medieval art in 20th century

• Frequent theme– symbols of sin – nature force, fighting against man

Dragons in Modern Media

• Fantasy novels– The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien– Harry Potter novels by J. K. Rowling– Dragonriders of Pern – Farmer Giles of Ham

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragons_in_Greek_mythology