Western Dragons and East Asian Dragons (Ryu/Long) are fundamentally different entities.
Why are they both called "dragons"? It is said that this happened because their similar appearance led to the use of the same term "dragon" in translation.
Western dragons are generally considered enemies of humans and targets for defeat. In contrast, East Asian dragons (Ryu/Long) represent supernatural phenomena and are objects of both fear and veneration. In China, dragons are also used as symbols of imperial power.
Dragons in the West and East have completely different impressions, but there is an interesting perspective.
Originally, dragons (or ryu) came from Asia, including India, and were objects of worship. However, in Western society, which is centered around Christianity, this was seen as pagan and similar to serpents, leading to them being despised.
This theory seems quite convincing.
Should we view dragons and Ryu as entirely different entities, or as the same entity seen from opposite sides?
"Similar, yet fundamentally different."
Considering Western dragons and Eastern dragons in this way provides a rich and philosophical insight, don't you think?
Click here to see dragons made by Japanese craftsmen.
[↓Click here. What is Nippondo?↓]
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