List of Dragons from Around the World – Types and Characteristics of Dragons in Legends and Myths

Asian Dragons

Chinese Dragons

• Lóng – The legendary dragon of Chinese mythology. Characterized by its long, serpentine body and four legs, it is revered as a divine creature governing weather and water.
  • Azure Dragon – The guardian of the East, symbolizing spring.
  • Yellow Dragon – Protector of the center, representing the imperial power.
  • Dragon King – A dragon deity who rules over water and weather.
  • Shenlong – A celestial dragon who controls the rain and storms.
  • Fucanglong – A dragon guardian of volcanoes and hidden treasures.

Japanese Dragons

• Ryū – Japan’s version of the Chinese dragon, often associated with water and rain.
  • Orochi – The legendary eight-headed and eight-tailed serpent vanquished by the storm god Susanoo.
  • Kuzuryū – The nine-headed dragon, revered as a water deity.
  • Tatsu – The common term for dragons in Japanese lore.

Korean Dragons

• Yong or Mireu – A celestial dragon that governs the clouds and rain.
• Imoogi – A massive serpentine creature that has not yet fully transformed into a dragon.

Vietnamese Dragons

• Rồng or Long – The dragon of Vietnamese mythology, sharing similar traits with its Chinese counterpart and revered as a water deity.

Oceanian Dragons

Polynesian Dragons

• Kihawahine – A dragon or giant lizard from Hawaiian mythology.
• Mo’o – A shape-shifting, spiritual lizard found in Hawaiian shamanistic lore.
• Taniwha – A massive aquatic creature from Māori legends.

Australian Dragons

• Rainbow Serpent – A primordial snake featured in Indigenous Australian mythology, credited with creating water sources and sustaining life.

American Dragons

Native American Dragons

• Piasa Bird – A giant, dragon-like bird from the legends of the Illini people.
• Horned Serpent – A horned snake featured widely in Native American mythology.
• Gaasyendietha – A lake dragon featured in the legends of the Seneca tribe.

Mesoamerican Dragons

• Quetzalcoatl – The feathered serpent god of Aztec mythology, revered as a creator deity.
• Kukulkan – A dragon god in Mayan mythology, similar in nature to Quetzalcoatl.

South American Dragons

• Boitatá – An infernal snake from Brazilian folklore, known for its fiery nature.
• Amaru – A chimera-like creature from Incan mythology, possessing qualities of a dragon.

Conclusion

Dragons have played a pivotal role in the myths and legends of cultures around the world. Whether worshipped as sacred guardians or challenged as fearsome adversaries, their diverse portrayals reflect the rich history and cultural nuances of their origins. The dragons presented in this article offer fascinating insights into each tradition’s values and beliefs. Is there one dragon that captured your imagination? Delve deeper into these legends and discover even more secrets hidden within the lore of dragons!

Source: Wikipedia – List of dragons in mythology and folklore