dragon

Dragons are legendary creatures that appear in the mythologies and folklore of many cultures. They are typically depicted as large, powerful reptiles with features such as scales, claws, and sometimes wings, though descriptions vary widely. In most traditions they are legendary rather than real animals.

In Western folklore, dragons are often portrayed as malevolent beings that guard treasure, breathe fire, and oppose heroes. They can be land-dwelling or winged and are frequently shown as intelligent and cunning adversaries. In East Asian traditions, particularly Chinese folklore, dragons are usually serpentine and wingless, associated with water, rainfall, and imperial authority, and they are frequently regarded as benevolent or protective.

Other cultures have their own dragon-like creatures, including serpentine or multi-headed depictions in South Asian and Southeast Asian myths. In some contexts, dragons symbolize natural forces, fertility, or divine power rather than pure danger.

In modern fiction, dragons remain a common motif in literature, film, and games, where they can be antagonists, allies, or complex beings with their own cultures. Scholars regard dragons as symbolic figures reflecting human concerns such as power, wisdom, and the unknown.