Dragon Lore: Eastern vs Western dragons

The notion of a dragon conjures up images of a large, reptilian-type of creature. To delve further into thought, I see two distinct dragons. The first, a fire-breathing, maiden-eating, demon beast and the other a protector and overseer of good faith. Okay, I agree they are two completely different images but both completely valid. The first is the dragon of the West, the plague of mankind. The second, the dragon of the East, a revered and highly-thought of creature.

The Western dragon tends to be quite tall and heavy with claws and bat-like wings. They are typically scaly but may also have fur or feathers. Sometimes black as the night but always shinny. Some have forked tongues, others crests, fringes, or some other adornment. It always has the ability to belch forth fire and smoke.

In contrast, the dragon of the East is a montage of many animals. A head of a horse or camel, ears of an ox, the neck or body of a snake, the belly of a clam, scales of a fish, feet of a tiger, and talons of an eagle. Common everyday dragons have three to four claws, where the Imperial dragon has five. Eastern dragons can become invisible or visible by will alone. This dragon generally suspends a pearl around its neck, symbolizing the sun and holding the dragon's power.

In the West, dragons are either cave dwellers or mountain predators. Cave dwellers feel comfort in the dark, dank coldness of caves. The caves, filled with fire and water, are easily guarded and located close to towns, where food is convenient. Mountain predators live in cave-riddled mountains that provide an invincible edifice.

The Eastern dragon is found in many places depending upon its nature. The Subterranean Dragon or the Treasure Keeper guards the precious metal and jewels found buried deep within the earth. The Terrestrial Dragon or River Lord regulates and maintained the rivers, altering their courses as needed. The Divine Dragon or Weather Maker forms clouds, wind, and rain. Finally, the celestial Dragon protects the heavens and the homes of the gods.

In the West, the dragon is an evil beast. There are many myths and legends of dragon slayers such as Hercules and Seguird. Many people gained sainthood after slaying a dragon like St. Michael, St. George, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret. The places where the dragons were slain are found all over England appropriated titled "Dragon Hill". Western dragons like to feast upon human flesh preferring the weak and young. It typically takes to flight at night to spread pestilence over the land. The Western dragon holds secrets and knowledge that may only be retrieved upon his death. One must drink the dragon's blood and eat its flesh to have these secrets revealed. The Western dragon is destructive, evil, and frightful.

In the East, if one encounters a dragon they receive a gift as opposed to death. The dragon is a companion and a teacher. Dragons are looked to for guidance and cherished as great and wonderful creatures.

Romanticized in legends of good verses evil in the West and praised and honored in the East. Good or evil, the dragon is fascinating.

Saint George and the Dragon
Included in Jacobus de Voragine's collection of Saints' lives written around 1275, translated into English and published by Caxton in 1483.

"At the town of Silene, in Libya, there was a dragon, who was appeased by being fed two sheep a day; when these failed, the townsfolk offered by lot one of their young people. One day the lot fell on the King's daughter, who was led out to the sacrifice, dressed in her wedding gown. George appeared and transfixed the dragon with his spear and then using the Princess's girdle led the bemused dragon into the town, where it was beheaded."