Ask anyone if they know what a dragon is, and they will tell you yes. There is a universal knowledge of, and in the past... a belief in dragons. All cultures have their stories, legends and myths involving these fabled creatures. Man has sung songs, carved, etched, woven, painted and drawn dragon images as far back as the cave men.

What or who are dragons? Although they may appear different from culture to culture, and from time to time, there is no mistaking this fire-breathing, scaly reptilian, with its long neck and barbed tail, bat-like wings, sharp teeth and taloned feet. There is telling of green, red, brown, gold, black and white dragons.

What do we know about dragons? Dragons dwell in lakes and beneath the sea, in subterranean lairs and on mountain tops. Wherever they establish their abode, be it in a crystal palace or in arid, rocky regions, they take pleasure in their comfort and dislike being disturbed. Dragons love beauty and many possess a hoard of gold, crystals, rare jewels and pearls.

Dragons are fierce, fearless and loyal. They are the symbol of power, truth and wisdom. These ancient winged ones have divine attributes, magical if you will. If they are not gods, they are surely the messengers of the gods. Some say they ruled the earth before there were gods.

Dragons converse with humans when they wish. If they make a lifetime bond with a deserving mortal, they bestow gifts of knowledge, treasure, good fortune and power upon them. They protect these humans as they protect their own younglings.

Then there are stories of dark dragons, those sea and land monsters of hell, serpents, worms, entities who are greedy, evil and spiteful. When their wrath is incurred, they retaliate with death and destruction, devouring virgin maidens, leaving little more than ashes for mothers to heap upon their heads.

Killing a dragon is almost impossible. If there are rumors of such a slaying, there is no evidence, no bones, teeth, talons or scales... nothing. All that remains is the telling of the tale by the self-proclaimed ‘Dragon Slayer’.

GE