Dragons as mythological creatures were perceived in different ways, by different cultures. Their appearance and their meaning changed throughout the centuries, as well as in Art as in society. In some cultures dragons are worshiped and respected in others they are feared and demonized. Dragons in Europe are mainly evil and personified as the devil himself, whereas in China, they are considered as powerful beings, that created the world and are being worshiped partly as Gods. Dragons are far more than just fantasy creatures. They were constant companions of the humans, and can be found almost all around the world as powerful spirits and protectors as well as demons and devils. Believe in dragons exists since the first civilizations and dragons can be found in fairy tales, myths and legends in which dragons have taken different roles and meanings. By the social and cultural changes dragons in Europe have changed to fantasy creatures.In this thesis the diversity of dragons in different cultures of the world is analyzed and the appearance of dragons in art is described. |