Dragons: Eastern vs Western Tradition

Dragons are a common part of lore, both in cultures with European heritage and Asian heritage. However, the meaning and appearance of the dragon are very different in these two traditions. Let’s dig into the difference between Eastern style dragons and Western style dragons.

Western Dragons

Images of dragons abound throughout Western history as a reptilian winged creature breathing fire. Traditionally, dragons have held the role of villainous monsters, characterized by greed in their hoarding of gold and devouring of young maidens. They typically spread destruction through the use of their fire. Dragons were also associated with the Devil, who is symbolized as a dragon in one of the books of the Bible.

In more recent times, the dragon has transformed through pop culture into a creature that is heroic as often as it is villainous, with many stories featuring dragons that are the “good guys.” In any case, they remain creatures of great power and often magic.

Eastern Dragons

Rather than the stocky flying creature of the West, Chinese dragons are often a slender, serpentine figure without wings. Rather than indicating evil, Eastern dragons symbolize power. Each scale of the dragon represents a different animal to demonstrate that the dragon has the power of all creatures. Over time, the dragon became associated with the Emperor.

China does have multiple kinds of dragons, however. In addition to the powerful Imperial dragon, the people can rely on friendly “money dragons.” These creatures are recognizable by their open mouths and lack of any other opening for waste—meaning they only take wealth in for their masters and let nothing out. They often are found outside of financial institutions and are forbidden in places where mahjong is played.

Eastern vs Western

In both traditions, dragons hold great power. Chinese Imperial dragons demonstrated the authority of the government instead of the chaotic, destructive strength of the Devil shown by Western dragons. Both are also associated with money. While Western dragons hoarded riches for themselves, Chinese money dragons sought wealth for their owners. Historically, Western storytelling feared and fought dragons when Chinese traditions revered and sought them.

Dragons have become a staple in fantasy storytelling with great variety in their portrayal. Though they touch on similar themes, the approaches of the Western dragon and the Eastern dragon are very different from each other. However, whether from the East or the West, they are powerful creatures that capture the imagination.

What are some of your favorite stories involving dragons? How are the dragons portrayed?

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