16. The Ancient Origins of Dragon Lore
Dragon mythology has existed since ancient times in vastly different cultures, thousands of years and thousands of miles apart. A common theme is a dangerous beast that poses a deadly peril, until a heroic figure slays it and saves the day. Dragons and dragon-like huge serpents appear in the mythology of many cultures around the world. The Hebrew Bible has the Leviathan; Norse mythology has the beast from Beowulf; Albanians have wyverns and pythons; the French have the Grand’ Goule; and the ancient Greeks had the Hydra. In non-Western lore, Hindus have the Vritra; ancient Egyptians had Apep; and Mesopotamians had mushussu.
The hero and monster theme – an archetype that symbolizes the eternal war between good and evil – is prominent in dragon lore. The tales depict a scary reptilian creature that menaces people. It might fly and breathe fire, or slither and spew poison. Eventually, after a nice buildup that heightens the drama and narrative tension, a bigger than life hero or a god makes an entrance, challenges the beast, slays it, and sets things right. So, what are the origins of dragon lore?