Watkins, Sarah-Beth A History of Dragons. Their Influence on Life and Culture

This book takes a comprehensive look at dragons, our most popular and beloved mythical creature, from a cultural and historical perspective. From the Chinese imperial dragons to the worms and wyverns of English folklore, dragons appear in myths and legends around the world and throughout history. Follow the evolution of the dragon from creation myths to the dragons of the Middle Ages and the Vikings to our modern-day love of this mythical creature. Around the world, dragons appear in almost every culture, but their appearance, stories and meanings differ. We will travel back in time and take a closer look at the myths, tales and legends of different cultures. In all societies and cultures, dragons have played different roles alongside humans - as creators, enemies, guardians of treasure and allies. They are an integral part of the rich mythology and legends that form the backbone of every culture. They live in our imagination and our psyche. And while they have long played an important role in literature, they are now also appearing on our screens, from treasure-hunting dragons to cute, enchanting creatures. Packed with stories from around the world and illustrations and images of dragons through the ages, this is an essential guide for dragon lovers everywhere.