podcastsinenglish Level 1.187 What is a dragon?
Feb 8, 2023
Join Jackie and Richard as they dive into the enchanting world of dragons. Learn how Chinese dragons differ from their Western counterparts, with the former being serene and snake-like. Discover the cultural significance of dragons in the zodiac and their portrayal in mythology. The conversation also touches on unicorns, including historical mix-ups and their status as national symbols for Scotland and England. They wrap up by inviting listeners to share their favorite mythical creatures, ensuring a delightful exploration of fantasy!
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Cultural Differences In Dragon Imagery
- Dragons differ by culture: Western dragons are winged, fire-breathing and evil, while Chinese dragons are wingless, more serpentine and often positive.
- The dragon is the only mythical creature among the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, highlighting its unique cultural role.
Chinese Dragon As Snakelike Symbol
- Jackie points to Chinese dragon dancers as evidence that Chinese dragons lack wings and resemble snakes more than lizards.
- Richard and Jackie note the Eastern dragon is not evil, contrasting Western portrayals.
Marco Polo's Unicorn Description
- Jackie recounts Marco Polo's claim that unicorns looked like ugly, mud-loving elephant-like creatures with a short horn.
- Richard connects that description to a rhinoceros, showing historical misidentification of mythical beasts.