The dragon is a highly complex symbol, combining images of the serpent and the
bird, two loaded images in isolation. Together, they form one of the most powerful
monsters dating back to antiquity. The dragon is a symbol of evil, in both the
chivalric and Christian traditions. In the Orient, it symbolizes supernatural
power, wisdom, strength, and hidden knowledge. In most traditions, it is the
embodiment of chaos and untamed nature. It is associated with the depths of
the unknown sea, with the mountaintops, and with the clouds. Heroes typically
fight ("slay") dragons to gain control over territory; dragons are also usually
guardians of a treasure,whether it be material (as in GOLD)
or symbolic (as in knowledge). Killing the dragon is the conflict between light
and darkness, slaying the forces of evil.
It has many correspondences: in psychology it is a fear of incest, or the chaos
of the unconscious, evil. In ALCHEMY
it relates as one of the many names of prime matter. In Blake it represents
sex and war, and in Yeats it is a guardian of life. Dragon blood is a talisman,
ensuring good fortune, health and luck, can inflict incurable wounds if weapons
are dipped in it.
Click the dragon above to return to the painting of St. George and the Dragon,
or click here to learn more about Visual Symbolism.
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