Give Me Dragons or Give Me Death

                                                                        

Dragons are a significant force in fantasy fiction and fandom, yet remain one of the least understood mythical creatures of all time. They remain popular in large part because of the cultural legacy they have been given over the centuries. But the elusive nature of the larger-than-life beasts also helps generate interest; mystery almost always fuels controversy. In many ways, people see a part of themselves in these massive animals, and it is this, above all, that has helped them earn a spot in the collective consciousness of humanity. But, how do fantasy writers create authentic dragons? More to the point, how do we will into existence fictional creatures that prove engaging to an audience? This post explores these questions, and attempts to provide some insights and answers that may help the writer on their creative journey.

              One of the most notable differences between dragons is cultural. Eastern and Western dragons have historically each been distinct species that share only minimal characteristics. This is especially true in the context of Chinese dragons, when compared to “western,” creatures of the same name. Chinese dragons are predominantly aquatic beings worthy of respect and reverence. They are wingless, serpentine creatures who prefer the life of a hermit. Chinese dragons, however, can often fly as if propelled by magic, despite their lack of visible wings.

              One such example is the Chiao-lung, which is a riparian dragon-deity that is said to harbor a preference for swallows. Legend says that one should avoid water after they consume one of the small birds, for the Chiao-lung will almost certainly eat the person just to get a mere taste of the diminutive avian creature. In some traditional folklore, eating the flesh of one of these dragons will cure or prevent some skin diseases.

              As a side note, Japanese dragons, while adhering to many of the traits typically ascribed to Eastern dragons, are said to have only three toes, compared to Chinese dragons that are often depicted as possessing four or five.

              Western dragons, however, are often depicted not only with wings and larger bodies, but also are fire-breathing monstrosities deserving of our fear. The personality and temperament are important focal points when discussing dragons, for some of the most important distinctions result from how these arcane beasts are perceived. In the West, dragons are typically viewed as vile monsters, dangerous, rapacious creatures with malicious intent. Compare this to the East, where literal shrines have been erected in homage to the beasts, and where dragons form an essential part of cultural identities.

              In one of the West’s most fecund literary works, Beowulf, an avaricious dragon went on a brutal campaign of revenge as he sought to retrieve treasures taken from it by the king, Beowulf. The epic poem then takes on the tale of a frail monarch fighting the forces of evil, ultimately successful though irrevocably harmed in the process. It is these sorts of examples, seen frequently throughout the iconic works of early Europe, that have helped shape the images of dragons for millions as instruments of terror and unmitigated horror.

              Now that we’ve discussed some of the distinctions between Eastern and Western dragons, stay tuned for the next installment, when we look at the importance of dragon colors.

              Exist and thrive, grays.

              We will meet again soon.

              If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends and follow this blog to be part of the community. We’re ready to hear your thoughts, so post them and any questions you have in the comments.

2018. Copyright: William Gray. All rights reserved. 

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.

              If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends and follow this blog to be part of the community. We’re ready to hear your thoughts, so post them and any questions you have in the comments.

              2018. Copyright: William Gray.