Dragon Facts for Kids
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As a young child, you might be fascinated by the mythical creature, the dragon. Dragons have been a part of stories, legends and folk tales across various cultures for centuries. Contrary to what you might have heard, dragons aren’t merely fire-breathing monsters that kidnap princesses or hoard treasure. Here are some surprising and exciting dragon facts that you may not know.
1. Dragon mythology dates back to ancient civilizations
The first-known dragon myths date back to ancient civilizations including Greek, Chinese, and Norse, where they were often depicted as serpentine creatures, winged or wingless that protect the gods, guard treasures, or bring death and destruction.
2. Dragons come in various forms
Unlike the traditional depiction of dragons as huge, fire-breathing reptiles with wings, dragons can exist in many forms. Some cultures visualize them as serpentine sea-creatures or even bird-like creatures with beaks.
3. Dragons have varying abilities
As per its country or culture of origin, a dragon’s ability varies. Whilst Chinese dragons were considered celestial and symbolized good luck, European dragons exhibited fierce behavior and were feared.
4. Dragon-like creatures have existed in the past
Some reptiles and dinosaurs may have resembled dragons. Fossils of creatures such as the Pterosaurs and the Teratosaurus have been spotted with physical attributes, indicating they were strikingly similar to the popular depiction of dragons.
5. The popularity of Dragons
Dragons are popular characters in contemporary cultures, having frequently appeared in movies, TV shows, and games. Dragons are characters featured in the Harry Potter series and Game of Thrones, to name a few.
6. Dragon-themed festivals
Several cultures have dragon-themed festivals. The Chinese New year, for instance, involves a traditional dragon dance, performed by performers holding an elaborate dragon puppet, as it is said the dragon would bring good fortune and happiness to people.
7. Historical sites with dragon connections
There are several historical sites in the world that have connections with dragons. The Temple of Heaven in Beijing, for example, has dragon decorations, suggesting the importance of dragons in Chinese culture.