Dragon

Dragon derives from the Greek word ‘drakon’, meaning “large serpent”. Celtic kings in Britain were called “dragons”; in Arthurian legends, Uther, father of Arthur, was named the Pendragon (Head Dragon) or High King.

In Chinese mythology, the celestial dragons guard the abodes of the gods; dragon spirits, who rule over wind and rain but can also cause flooding; earth dragons, who cleanse the rivers and deepen the oceans; treasure guarding dragons; and the imperial dragons, who have five claws instead of the usual four. In Taoism, the dragon represents the yang principle and is often portrayed surrounded by water or clouds. The Chinese dragon is thus associated with sublime elemental powers.