Colors and Dragons

Color may seem like a bland idea. It is something we take advantage of every day. Yet, color is an inherently subjective process inextricably intertwined with the miracle that is human sight. If you thought the noun process in the preceding sentence was an error, think for a second. When referring to color, we actually are speaking about wavelengths of visual light, corresponding to a range between 400 and 700 nanometers moving from violet to red. As children, we learn what a “color,” is by direct correlation. That is, if we see a green block, we will soon learn GREEN. However, there is no empirical evidence that humans perceive the same exact colors; even color blindness is diagnosed in the context of contrasts.

              As humans, we use binocular vision. This means that humans, most of us, anyway, see with two eyes, with each eye being distinct. Both eyes collect visual impressions over a shared space, and create overlapping sets of data for the brain to process. One thing most people definitely wouldn’t associate with the word color is the term ocular columns. These are how most people are able to perform the phenomenon we know as “seeing.” Ocular columns are not, however, the a given. In fact, in albinos, there is a lack of the pigment epithelium, disrupting the normal connections between the photoreceptors and the optic nerve. This, of course, has widespread consequences, and disrupts vision and creates abnormal encounters with the visual world.

              So, then, after all of that mumbo jumbo, one might wonder why they should care? How the eff does this relate to fantasy and science-fiction? Those are great questions, and I think you might be pleasantly surprised at the answers that follow.

              As noted in the previous post, dragons vary by culture. The clearest demarcations exist in Western and Eastern dragons. Color, too, shares a variety of different perceptions that differ according to the relative culture. In the west, we often use colors to represent emotional states, as well as gender, social status, and political affiliations.

              Dragons, largely symbolic, mythical creatures in fiction, thus, owe much to the color of their scales. A dragon’s color will largely dictate its abilities, weaknesses, traits, and even size. Below is a brief introduction into some of the most common dragon colors, and the meaning behind them.

              As might be expected, red dragons are fearsome, menacing creatures that delight in both their destructive capacities and avarice. They are powerful, impulsive, and vain dragons that are known for their ability to breathe a cone of devastating fire. Red dragons are chromatic, and are distinguished not only by their distinctive color, but also by their enormity and sulfurous stench. They prefer volcanic mountain areas. Note that there is a direct correlation between the common symbolism associated with the color of red, which is associated with belligerence, and the traits and characteristics of the dragon who boasts the hue.

              Green dragons are said to be clever, crafty manipulators who revel in their charismatic abilities. They are said to hoard creatures like other dragons cache treasure, and are viewed as lovers of secrets and intrigue. When dealing with larger foe, they rely on their intelligence, but delight in cruelty when facing lesser opponents. Physically, their most notable feature is a long fin-like crest that runs the entire length of their body. They possess forked tongues that are notably long, and expel a chlorine gas cloud. They prefer old boreal forests for their territory.

              As can be seen, color is a process. We each ascribe certain symbolic meanings to color, and perceive color in different ways. It is no different than dragons. Some may be calm, pacific creatures as fluid and dynamic as a river, while others may be envious, treacherous beasts to avoid.

              Since color is fraught with nuance and rife with symbolism, it will be a recurring topic in this community. It also happens to have specific importance in the fantasy and sci-fi worlds, because color influences the personalities and attributes of various creatures. Color is of paramount importance in the context of dragons, but, it also provides considerable insights into the lives and abilities of extraterrestrial life as well. In the next post, we will focus on aliens, and briefly look at how our visual perceptions and subjective awareness of color influence what we know about, and how we interact with, aliens in science fiction.

              Exist and thrive, grays.

              We will meet again soon.

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              2018. Copyright: William Gray.