Dragons are an integral part of cultures all over the world. From the Welsh valleys to the Chinese mountains, they appear in stories, songs, art and more. In each culture they have specific abilities, but because dragons are mythical beasts, their powers have also been adapted for fiction. Let’s take a look at how dragons’ abilities and powers differ in cultural traditions vs modern stories.

Chinese culture…

In Chinese culture, dragons are often a symbol of strength, authority and good fortune. They control natural elements such as waterways and weather and are considered kind and wise. However, they can be angered and bring disasters. In China and other Asian cultures, dragons are usually serpent-like with long, slim bodies and no wings.

…vs Western culture

Dragons have a very different reputation in Western Europe. They are often depicted as greedy and cruel, trying to harm humans. They are also traditionally associated with caves; the dragon killed by Saint George lived in a cave and terrorised local villagers. European dragons tend to have larger bodies than Chinese dragons, usually with four legs and huge, bat-like wings.

Fiction

Today’s dragons are still represented much as they have been for centuries. In China they retain their serpentine appearance, while in Europe they are still given wings. However, many modern books and films have given them rather different traits.

1. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Tolkien’s villain, Smaug, is one of the most memorable dragons in modern fiction. He is ancient, cruel, greedy and vain, and - like the dragon in the tales of St. George - torments the people of the local town between taking long naps on his hoard of treasure. Smaug is able to talk and, like the dragons in Western culture, can breathe fire.

2. How to Train Your Dragon

Adapted from the books by Cressida Cowell, the film of How to Train Your Dragon features Toothless, a playful, intelligent dragon who makes friends with a boy called Hiccup. Toothless is a Night Fury, a dragon that is virtually invisible at night thanks to its dark scales and silent movement. He is both strong and fast, and rather than breathing fire he emits short, explosive blasts that can knock over humans and other dragons alike. He can also retract his teeth when not using them.

3. Mulan

Mushu in Disney’s Mulan is a Chinese dragon, but rather different from the mythical beast of Asian tradition. Unlike these wise, helpful creatures, Mushu is impulsive, self-absorbed and a little bit silly. He comes to love and respect Mulan, however, showing that underneath he has a good heart. Far from being big and impressive, Mushu is about the size of a lizard and is not even considered a ‘real’ dragon by the Great Ancestor.

See a dragon live on stage

If you’re fascinated by magical creatures and mythical beasts, don’t miss Dragons and Mythical Beasts Live. This enchanting theatre show introduces a host of mythical creatures - including a dragon - and is a great day out for the whole family, being aimed at kids aged three and up.