2007-10-05 18:44:09 · 24 answers · asked by oldhag 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
Well, it depends on where on Earth you are living! In asia, dragons are seen as strong spirit, and are seen as the mark of the Emperor (if 5 claws). At the time in China, if somebody was seen wearing a 5 claws dragon cloth, he was to be put to death immediatly as it was seen an affront to the Emperor strength.
As for the western world, dragons have been associated early with snakes, which have been seen as pagan or against the church at early times. Actually, it may have been more to do with counterbalancing the Oriental religion influences in the west (that were adoring the serpent and dragons). And since dragons were mainly talk about the Medieval period, that was also in the time of the worst church inquisitions time, the two may have come together to be used by the Church to sit her power. All in all, western dragon myths have been used as political tools at the time... And since history is writen by the winners, dragons have kept their bad reputation until todays!
2007-10-06 07:52:15 · answer #1 · answered by Jedi squirrels 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure, but I think the ignorant people of the world associate them with reptiles and by association the snake in the garden of eden. There is also implied strength in the creature which can scare some people so they automatically associate it with evil.
While I like the look of the european dragons much better, I like the asian concept of dragons as forces of good and purity rather than evil.
-DragonLady
2007-10-05 18:53:41 · answer #2 · answered by the_dragyness 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I'm dragon, let me answer.
the reason is because of many things. one the dragon is carnivorous animal witch eats almost anything inclouding humans (well most likely I don't know) and people fear it so why not make it evil so other people hate it too? ignorant people make what ever they fear evil another is the link to the serpent in the garden like said above. but people don't realize that the bible is symbolic so things may or may not be as literal as people think. this is why I can't stand references of dragons from the bible. (I'm christen) now another reason is that they (in most stories {western})were of dragons having much gold and true evil people witch were greedy wanted it so make em evil and hate them more. now one more reason witch may or may not be true is that say they are real and killed livestock farmers would not have liked that so make em evil the same with wolves. its sad but true. now you said often so I will include that the eastern vision of the dragons was for good and luck and was to some a "god".
an a more modern note: have you noticed that as of just late dragons have seemed to get the high note and are more betrayed as good. it is all with times too.
2007-10-06 11:09:32 · answer #3 · answered by DRAGON 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Simple answer Christianity. They chose the dragon to represent Satan. Pre-Christian interference the Western dragon like it's Eastern equivalent was seen as good.
Some Celtic people still respect the dragon, as an example check the Welsh flag.
2007-10-05 20:21:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Most North Americans remember the traditional link between serpents and evil. There is another, cross-cultural issue which came on me many years ago when I was reading a paperback on the edge of a field and a cow came up to try to take a bite out of my book.
Large animals can be dangerous, period. Horses sometimes kill people -- deliberately or not. Large Animal Veterinarians are rare these days, but if you ever see one ask. You have to be careful around any animal of a certain size.
We're used to "terrible" meaning something bad, but at times and places it has just meant something very powerful such as dragons. So we have tales of terrible creatures from all over the world who travel through the skies roaring, and sometimes breathe fire, and those of us steeped in the Judeo-Christian tradition are naturally inclined to regard them as evil. Especially those of us whose experience with large animals (and there are more and more of us every day) is limited.
2007-10-06 02:03:39 · answer #5 · answered by jplatt39 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
They are in the Bible as a representation of Satan. Evil doesn't have any higher level.
If you check christian history they have a reputation for using whoever and whatever they want to promote themselves and then demonizing the very same. (Joan of Arc) This holds true when the church has been caught doing things it shouldn't; so to get out of their wrongdoing they find a scapegoat.
Dragons are beautiful beings and are much maligned; just like other creatures or things that humans cannot hold and control.
2007-10-06 02:53:16 · answer #6 · answered by Dragonmistress 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Well to get semi-religious (though I'm not) but dragons have ties in with serpents. Thus the serpent who tempted Adam and Eve. Thus implicating the whole BS of evil dragons. I for one, wouldn't think that. Hell, I think dragons (though fictional) are fricken cool.
2007-10-06 13:50:57 · answer #7 · answered by Ted S 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
No, there are also good dragons. Just like humans, we have good and evil people living on Earth.
2007-10-05 21:05:49 · answer #8 · answered by Bright 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Once again it all comes down to perspective of what EVIL is. just because a dragon decides to kill humans doesnt make it evil, just not good to humans. Dragons have free will to decide what path they take in life.
2007-10-05 18:54:10 · answer #9 · answered by lunarsword1982 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Anything that the theologists of Christianity can not control and gain profit from has long ago been declared evil by the Christian Church. This includes Dragons and Dowsers.
2007-10-05 19:02:21 · answer #10 · answered by Terry 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋