25th Annual Student Research Conference
The Origin of the Dragon: Shared Myth or Sheer Reality?
Patrick C. Skeens
Dr. Kathryn Brammall, Faculty Mentor
The idea of the dragon has been passed down through myth and legend from nearly all of the earliest human societies. Their stories can be traced from the Ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Chinese, Aztecs, Mayans, Norse, and even from the Australian Aborigines. Each of these cultures have their own unique description and history behind this mythical creature but how did each of them arrive at the same concept? Is the idea of a dragon a universal idea that is bound to be created at some point in time within a culture's existence? Did the discovery of ancient dinosaur remains spark questions? This study will examine the similarities and differences within dragon myths and tales in order to deepen understanding of their widespread popularity.
Keywords: Dragons, Mythology, Legend, Universal, Ancient, Folklore
Topic(s):History Senior Seminar
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 409-2
Location: VH 1236
Time: 2:45