Legends of Dragons from Around the World and Their Origins – Part 2

In Part 1, we examined the hypothesis that dragon myths may have originated from human encounters with dinosaur remains. However, do these narratives perhaps convey a deeper, more profound meaning?

Dragon mythology is deeply embedded in diverse cultures worldwide, presenting a profound challenge for evolutionary theorists. How did societies across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas independently develop narratives of immense, awe-inspiring reptiles, simultaneously feared and revered? Some scholars propose that these myths may represent embellished accounts of real perils posed by smaller reptiles, such as snakes.¹ Conversely, others contend that ancient peoples crafted these narratives in response to the dinosaur fossils they discovered.²

As demonstrated in Part 1, both hypotheses presented are fundamentally flawed. The most plausible, albeit unacceptable to proponents of evolution, is that humans coexisted with dinosaurs. Over time, accounts of these encounters likely evolved into myths and legends surrounding dragons. In this context, it could be suggested that dragons are essentially a type of dinosaur, and that palaeontologists may, in fact, be unearthing the remains of what were once known as dragons.

However, the correlation between dragons and dinosaurs is not as straightforward as it may initially appear. There exist significant distinctions between actual dinosaurs and their mythical counterparts in dragon lore. These disparities suggest that dragon legends embody more than mythologised accounts of historical encounters between humans and formidable reptiles. In order to gain greater clarity, this can be examined through the lens of the biblical creation narrative. 

Differences Between Dragons and Dinosaurs

The initial point of distinction lies in the differing appearances of dragons and dinosaurs. While some mythological representations of dragons do bear a resemblance to dinosaurs, dragons are seldom depicted in myths as exclusively terrestrial creatures. Those that appear most dinosaur-like frequently possess wings, granting them the ability to fly, akin to pterosaurs.³ Sea dragons, however, bear a closer resemblance to snakes. These legends may reflect human encounters with plesiosaurs, which, although not serpents, had remarkably elongated necks.⁴

The portrayal of dragons varies notably when we move beyond the Western cultural sphere. Chinese mythical dragons, for example, display remarkable diversity. While they often possess limbs akin to those of European dragons, they typically lack wings and bear a distinctly serpentine form. Indeed, dragons from many cultural traditions around the world resemble snakes more closely than dinosaurs. This is evident in the Horned Serpents of North America, prehistoric Europe, and the Middle East, as well as in the Rainbow Serpents of Africa and Australia. Similarly, the Mesoamerican deity Quetzalcoatl (also known as Kukulkan) is frequently depicted as a rainbow-colored serpent.⁵

Fantastical Features of Dragons

Many dragons are ascribed distinctly fantastical characteristics. Notably, some Chinese dragons are able to fly despite lacking wings.⁶ They are also believed to wield control over weather, water, and other natural elements, rendering them akin to deities. The Rainbow Serpent is similarly reputed to possess such powers. Certain dragons, such as Quetzalcoatl (Kukulkan), are even attributed with the creation of the world.⁷ In myths and legends—even in Western traditions—dragons are often not merely creatures of roar and flame but possess the rare gift of speech. Through this capacity, they impart wisdom and specific knowledge to humankind. In contemporary fantasy literature, dragons frequently use this gift to engage in rich dialogues with human characters, adding depth to their interactions and influence.⁸

Historical evidence assures us that dinosaurs did not exhibit such characteristics. Rather, these traits are evocative of the winged serpent described in the biblical account of the Garden of Eden, which enticed Eve to consume the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.⁹ Evolutionary theorists often dismiss this account as mere myth. Yet, if that is so, how might we account for the widespread presence of similar myths across diverse cultures? Could it be that the collective memory of humanity indeed reaches back to events reminiscent of those described in the early chapters of Genesis?

Notably, several ancient myths reference dragons that cling to or guard sacred trees. In Norse mythology, the winged serpent Nidhögg gnaws at the roots of the cosmic tree, Yggdrasil. Similarly, in Greek mythology, the tale of Hercules’ Twelve Labours recounts a dragon named Ladon, who vigilantly guards the golden apples in the Garden of the Hesperides.

Humankind’s Relationship with Dragons

The connection between dragons and the serpent of the Garden of Eden provides insight into why, in the Mediterranean cultural context, dragons are often perceived as symbols of evil that humanity is called to resist. This interpretation is most clearly articulated in the Book of Revelation, where the great red dragon is explicitly identified as Satan.¹⁰ In the Old Testament, there is also mention of Leviathan, the great sea serpent, whom God is said to ultimately defeat.¹¹ The association of evil dragons, however, extends beyond the Judeo-Christian tradition. In ancient Egypt, the colossal serpent Apep (or Apophis) was believed to oppose the sun god Ra in an eternal struggle. Likewise, ancient Greek mythology features several dragons beyond Ladon, including prominent figures such as Hydra, Python, and Typhon.

Humanity’s relationship with dragons has varied considerably across different cultures and regions. In general, perspectives grow increasingly favourable the further one moves from the Middle East and Europe. Chinese dragons are traditionally revered as emblems of health and prosperity. In Mesoamerican belief systems, Quetzalcoatl (also known as Kukulkan), the Feathered Serpent, epitomises knowledge and renewal. Among Native American cultures, dragons are often perceived as symbols of wisdom and immortality.¹² According to Aboriginal Australian¹³ and West African¹⁴ mythologies, the Rainbow Serpent is the guardian of interpersonal relationships. The similarity of these dragons to the biblical flying serpent from the Garden of Eden, who deceived Adam and Eve, is almost striking.

The Credibility of the Bible

It seems implausible that similar legends and narratives about dragons could have independently emerged across different cultures worldwide without a shared origin. The widespread nature of these legends suggests a common source or sources. Given this, could these stories represent distant echoes of human encounters with dinosaurs? This seems unlikely. Instead, it appears that alongside the natural world, humans may have encountered a more cunning figure—a serpent embodying deceptive wisdom. Unlike the fantastical elements found in many mythologies, the biblical narrative stands out for its restrained tone and, as a result, appears notably more credible.

If this holds true, then both categories of narratives—those concerning dinosaurs and the account of the serpent from the Garden of Eden—must have converged.¹⁵ This is plausibly the origin of the dragon myths and legends that have persisted through history. Is there any credibility to these stories? It is undeniably challenging to propose an alternative source for such widespread dragon tales. These legends may offer indirect validation for the Genesis account, which describes the creation of the world, the Garden of Eden, and a global flood within a relatively concise timescale spanning only a few thousand years.

By the way, we recommend reading the articles:

• The Mythology and Origins of Dragons Across Cultures – Part 1
• Exploring the Origins of Religion
• Scientists and Philosophers Who Found Faith in God
• What Happened to the Waters Above the Firmament?
• Human Races: A Scientific Perspective

Footnotes:

1. Jones, D.E. (2000) An Instinct for Dragons. New York City: Routledge.
2. Mayor, A. (2000) The First Fossil Hunters: Dinosaurs, Mammoths, and Myth in Greek and Roman Times. New Jersey: Princeton University Press.
3. Did dragons really exist? (n.d.) Available at: https://dinoanimals.pl/zwierzeta/smoki-czy-istnialy-naprawde/.
4. Jerlström, P. (1998) ‘Live plesiosaurs: weighing the evidence’, Journal of Creation, 12(3), pp. 339–346. Available at: https://creation.com/live-plesiosaurs-weighing-the-evidence.
5. Quetzalcoatl and Kukulcan (n.d.) Available at: https://mythologyexplained.com/quetzalcoatl-kukulcan/.
6. Ho, M. (2021) Chinese Dragons — Facts, Culture, Origins, and Art. China Highlights. Available at: https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/article-chinese-dragons.htm.
7. Cartwright, M. (2013) Quetzalcóatl. World History Encyclopedia. Available at: https://www.worldhistory.org/Quetzalcoatl/.
8. Radford, B. and McKelvie, C. (2022) ‘Dragons: A brief history of the mythical, fire-breathing beasts’. Live Science. Available at: https://www.livescience.com/25559-dragons.html.
9. The Bible, New King James Version (1982), Genesis 3.
10.  The Bible, New King James Version (1982), Revelation 12.
11.  The Bible, New King James Version (1982), Isaiah 27:1.
12.  Malone, M.S. (2012) The Guardian of All Things: The Epic Story of Human Memory, Chapter 5: Long-Leggedy Beasties. St. Martin’s Press.
13.  Aboriginal Rainbow Serpent (n.d.) Available at: https://dinoanimals.com/animals/aboriginal-rainbow-serpent/.
14.  Ayida-Weddo, Vodou Goddess of Fertility (n.d.) Available at: https://atlasmythica.com/ayida-weddo-vodou-goddess-fertility/.
15.  Hodge, B. (2019) Are Dragons Real?. Answers in Genesis. Available at: https://answersingenesis.org/dinosaurs/were-dragons-real/.

© Source of main image: Leonardo.ai.

Evolution of Thinking - Sebastian S.

The portal EvolutionOfThinking.org, created by the Research and Education Institute, focuses on education and the dissemination of knowledge related to research on various aspects of human well-being.