Dragon has become an iconic creature in humanity’s culture. It has appeared countless times in movies, books, stories, and even myths. Yet, there are numerous variations of this mighty creature with distinct traits.
Among them, the Chinese dragon and Western dragon are the most popular. As gorgeous and powerful as they seem, these two dragons possess unique appearances and characteristics.
You may wonder which is the more powerful, Chinese dragon or Western dragon. I will discuss their features in this comparison and bring you a detailed answer.
Chinese Dragons
Dragons are a legendary symbol in countless Chinese mythology and folklore.
A Chinese dragon has many similar traits to other animals, such as fish, snakes, or turtles. Yet, the most famous image of the Chinese dragon is a snake-like creature with a long and thin body.
Most Chinese dragons can fly and walk on four legs. In Asian cultures, dragons are a symbol of power and control. They can cause natural disasters and control water or rainfall.
Yet, Chinese culture, particularly, views dragons as a sign of good luck and power. For instance, the kings of the ancient dynasties in China viewed themselves as mighty dragons.
Western Dragons
In Western cultures, dragons are depicted as malignant creatures representing evil. They are bloodthirsty and willing to hurt humans for their benefit.
The word “dragon” originated from a Greek word called Drakon, or “sharp-sighted one”, and “serpent”. Some cultures call dragons “giant snakes”.
The most famous image of Western dragons has a serpent-like appearance with very large wings. It also shares some traits in appearance with a giant snake.”
The time dragons became popular all over Europe was in the late 17th century. Knights, dwellers, and priests reported that they encountered this creature.
According to the myths, dragons are evil enemies of superheroes and knights. The main character will go through numerous challenges to fight and kill this creature in a great final battle.
Difference Between Chinese and Western Dragon
The books, mythology, and cinematic industries have painted images of Western and Chinese dragons with distinct features. They vary significantly in size, traits, and appearance.
Yet, each region’s dragons share similar characteristics in both outer appearance and strength. In this comparison, I will highlight all those features and help you figure out the differences between them.
|
Features |
Western Dragons |
Chinese Dragons |
|---|---|---|
|
Origin |
Around 8000 years ago |
Before the 10th century |
|
Appearance |
A giant lizard with large wings and four legs |
A snake-like creature with no wings and a long, thin body |
|
Cultural Symbol |
A symbol of evil and malignance |
A symbol of luck, power, and kings |
|
Power |
More mighty and noticeable |
Less noticeable |
1. Origin
The origin of dragons in both cultures carries mysterious traits. Dragons first appeared in ancient books like Zhouyi and Songs of Chu in China. For this reason, the time Chinese dragons first appeared was very long ago.
Most of these books appear in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. Thus, historians can estimate that Chinese dragons appeared in the myths about 8000 years ago.
Though the origin of Western dragons is also vague, there are two likely periods. Firstly, Dragons appeared in the Bible countless times.
Based on the Bible’s origin, you can estimate that Western dragons showed up before the 10th century BC. This time also marks the prosperity of ancient Greek culture.
2. Appearance
Chinese and Western dragons share many similarities in their appearance and physical characteristics. For instance, they can both fly and have giant body sizes. They also have very long teeth and an aggressive appearance.
Plus, Chinese and Western dragons have four legs equipped with the sharp claws of eagles, plus the hard skin of fish.
Yet, Chinese dragons look more like a snake than Western ones with their long and thin bodies. Their necks are also longer and more agile than the Western creatures.
Meanwhile, the Western dragons resemble giant lizards with bat-like wings and long tails. While most Western dragons possess these gigantic wings, the Chinese variations may not have this feature.
3. Cultural Symbol
The cultural symbols of dragons in the two cultures are very distinct. For instance, Western culture and the Bible regard dragons as evils. Dragons commonly come with mean names like the Devil, serpent, or Satan.
The Western dragons are also masters of deceiving, who usually trick greedy humans into committing sins. Though they are a symbol of power, Western dragons carry a more negative image than Asian ones.
On the other hand, Dragons are the fifth animal that appears in the Chinese zodiac. They carry good spirits as a symbol of good luck, power, and majesty. Chinese dragons are also the friends and assistants of Gods and kings.
4. Power
Both Western and Chinese dragons carry extraordinary non-physical capacities. Yet, the West culture focuses more on depicting the power of Western dragons than the East.
Western dragons are the enormous legendary monsters in myths. They are bright and deceiving, allowing them to look through human minds and intentions.
Regarding physical traits, Western dragons possess bright eyes to see everything. They can also create Infernum from their breath to burn all enemies in their sights.
It’s nearly impossible to kill Western dragons due to their impenetrable skins. They also have the ability to heal from deadly wounds and live immortally.
Many Western dragons in ancient Western myths can live hundreds of years or even decades. Their immortality and longevity make them legendary creatures in this culture.
Meanwhile, Chinese dragons are more like a cultural symbol. Thus, their powers are not as evident and mighty as the Western ones. However, the popular capacity of Chinese dragons is flying.
You can see numerous depictions and pictures of flying dragons in Chinese culture. They are also known as the sacred creatures who carry gods to different destinations.
Final Thoughts
While Chinese dragons represent good luck and power, Western dragons are depicted as evil and mean creatures. Nevertheless, the power they carry and their mighty appearances are indisputable.
In both regions’ cultures, dragons have become iconic and legendary symbols. Though their existence is still questionable, dragons have become a familiar part of our lives.
I hope this comparison can show you the differences between them. Thank you for your time!