Dragons_Marshall

__ DRAGONS __

__**ORIGINS **__  The dragons first known roots is in Mesopotamian mythology. Dragons were believed to have originated in what is now the Middle East, where the fertile land of Mesopotamia was. Depictions of the origins of dragons have changed; it is believed that spitting cobras have evolved into fire-breathing dragons, and that the origin of dragons can be derived from here. Other animals that may have inspired dragons include crocodiles, dinosaurs, and many forms of snakes/serpents.



__**APPEARANCE **__  Dragons come in many different forms based on their classifications as a dragon. They can range in size, shape, color, and even amount of heads! Common dragon characteristics include scales, tails, and commonly wings. Most dragons are generalized for breathing fire, having spikes, horns, and barbs, but not all dragons consist of these qualities. Some dragons also have hair, feathers, and multi colored skin. The amphisbaena is a two headed serpent, with one head at each end of its body. It’s very popular in Libyan medieval bestiaries.

__**MYTHOLOGICAL STORIES **__  Ladon- Ladon was a serpent-like dragon that guarded the golden apples in the Garden of the Hesperides. Atlas wanted some of the golden apples, so therefore he defeated Ladon. A few years later, Argonauts passed the spot of the golden apple tree to hear the lament of “shining: Aigle, one of the Hesperides, and they saw Ladon still twitching. Ladon is now associated with Draco, a constellation in the sky.

Lernaean Hydra- The Lernaean Hydra is a serpent with between 5 and 100 heads that has venomous breath, blood, and fangs. When one of the Hydras’ heads is cut off, it still remains living and two more heads grow back. In one story, Heracles was sent to destroy the animal with his nephew Iolaus, because it was terrorizing townspeople who live near the dragon. Hera, who was fond of the Hydra, sent in a crab to distract Heracles. Heracles crushed it underneath is foot, and continued on. After he slayed the serpent, he buried the head underneath a rock. He dipped his arrows in the blood of the Hydra, that way when he shoots his enemies it will cause mortality. One of the poisoned arrows is known for killing his centaur tutor Chiron.  __**IMPORTANCE **__  Dragons are important to society today because they are involved in many Greek mythological stories, and a constellation is based off of a dragon. Dragons are a symbol of power, and strength, and they are commonly known for guarding very important possessions. = __ **MODERN REFERENCES ** __ =  There are many modern references of dragons in our society today. In the Disney movie, Mulan, Mushu is a red dragon (who is very small) that is in order of Mulan and caring for her. 

 The very popular kids cartoon, Dragon Tales, features 4 dragons that are friends with two siblings names Max and Emmy.

 Dragons are used very often in the well-known Harry Potter series. In the most recent film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Harry had to battle a dragon to get into Bellatrix Lestranges bank account. Also, when Harry was competing in the Tri-Wizard Tournament Harry had to battle a Hungarian horntail.

<span style="font-family: Cambria,serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Including films, dragons are referenced a lot in today’s modern world. There are video games about dragons, and books that features’ them; such as “How to Train Your Dragon.”

__WORKS CITED__

[] [] [] [] [|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon#Origin_and_etymology] [] []