What is the difference between the eastern and oriental dragons? And why are they associated with evil?

Question

Please talk about ..
Guardianship of Knowledge, rivers seas and sky
And why is it considered evil if it protects.. what is so different between cultures.

Answer 1

The Oriental dragons are not associated with evil, they are symbols of knowledge, kindness, and prosperity. The European dragons are considered mostly evil. i belive this is because of culture differences and different ways of approching life and religious view. The Christian Europeans were more tempted to devilize dragons because of their religion, while the Orientals are more accepting and looking for the good in creatures.

Answer 2

Do not forget that eastern and western culture grew along different social and mythological lines.

In the east, dragons evolved into great guardian spirits because of the relative inclusion of nature into their mythology. Since eastern mythology is based upon the premise that man has alot to learn from nature, it is not surprising to find that a great super-natural animal serves as a guide.

In the west, however, due to the rise of religion, man was cast against the pull of nature. In some ways, the garden of Eden was as much responsible as man's fall as the serpent, for snakes and their natural environment are what man has learned to 'control'. It is not surprising that the west has mostly created the idea of guardians as being human-like in form, for they represent the ascenion of man above nature, even though it is forgotten that only through such 'wings' can it be done.

This is why angels (man) and dragons (serpents, snakes, nature) are pictured being constantly at war in the various Western literatures. The dragon feasting on a maiden was possibly incorporated from Greek myths (the rescure of Andromeda from the sea serpent) but even that fit into the mythology that a purified 'knight' could rescue a purified 'maiden', essentially recasting the original Garden of Eden script.

It is only within the last hundred years or so that eastern and western cultures have actually been allowed to mingle, with the rise of sci-fi and fantasy in addition to the influx of western inhabitants into Japan (and subsequently their conversion or appreciation being allowed to proliferate), and that Dragons have been considered as possible agents of good. Of course, I am talking about the more liberal pockets of knowledge; conservative and extremist religous sects still feel that the dragon/nature is something to be fought, not accepted.

Answer 3

Eastern and Oriental dragons are actually the same. Did you mean European or Western dragons?

In the West we are most familiar with artist's concepts of the European dragon, a ferocious, fire-breathing winged lizard capable of flight. The Eastern or Oriental dragon (sometimes called the 'Chinese' dragon) is depicted as more serpent-like with smaller wings barely, if even capable of flight. I believe that the Chinese dragon was also considered a fire-breather.

The European dragon was considered evil, or at least dangerous and hunted by knights usually to rescue fair damsels in distress 'sacrificed' to the evil dragon. I am not certain about the Chinese dragon. I believe it was revered as a symbol of strength. An Asian person would be far better qualified to elaborate on the role of the dragon in their culture.

H

Answer 4

I have no idea why it is different. I don't think it should be, since in the bible it mentions serpent, not dragons. Dragons are said to be descendants of dinosaurs, snakes are not - if I'm not mistaken. I know Eastern Orientals believe Dragons are symbol of luck, wealth and strength etc and in wizardry, snake is symbol of wisdom and knowledge. Animism people tend to worship what they can see, while religions teach us to worship what we can not see. I have to say that there is good and evil in everyone and everything. It is only difference in perception and way of life, but we are all only humans living here on earth.

Answer 5

Kwan Yin (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) is portrayed as riding a dragon, she is definitely not associated with evil. I think the dragons of European culture are more closely associated with evil ( i.e. St. George slaying the dragon)

Answer 6

dragons have been demonised in Christian Mythology for the same reason that all of the Pagan gods were, they simply do not fit the mold of a religion that believes that they are the one absolute truth.

Answer 7

I think happiness is something you feel and joy is temporary like your out having a good time with some friends .