| If you were asked to picture a dragon in your mind, | | | | homeland and migration. And while most dragons fly, |
| what would you see? Would it look like a reptile or a | | | | not all of them need wings to do so. |
| snake? Would it be perched on the edge of a building | | | | Dragon skin can also differ, but underneath it all is |
| or flying through the air? Would it be attacking a fair | | | | pure muscle. You will usually see a dragon with scales |
| maiden or allowing her to pet its head? Is it bigger | | | | covering its soft skin, but there are some that have |
| than your house or can it fit in your pocket? | | | | only a tough leathery skin to protect them. The color |
| When I picture a dragon, I think of probably the | | | | differs, too. In this room alone, I see a red dragon, a |
| most common Western type. Large, scaly, two legs, | | | | blue one, a gold one, and a purple one. I've heard |
| two arms, huge tail, razor sharp teeth, wings, and | | | | that some dragons have the ability to camouflage |
| fire-breathing. From where I am sitting, I can see | | | | themselves. Some can even shape shift. |
| four different dragon figurines depicting this type of | | | | Why the difference? The major difference is cultural |
| dragon. | | | | and legend and lore, which encompasses species |
| In the other room, I have a Chinese dragon. These | | | | differences. Some of the distinctive dragon races are |
| creatures are said to be made of parts from nine | | | | Wyvern, Guivre, Hydra, Drake, Chimera, and Gryphon. |
| different animals: the body of a snake, talons of an | | | | And every one has a different disposition from friend |
| eagle, antlers of a dear, head of a camel, belly of a | | | | to foe. |
| clam, ears of a cow, soles of a tiger, 117 scales of a | | | | If you really pay attention, you can find dragons of |
| carp, and eyes of a demon. | | | | all sorts all around you. Some of these creatures live |
| There are plenty of other types of dragons, though. | | | | on rooftops or in the waters. Many live in caves or |
| Some are more serpent like. Others have four legs | | | | castles. Others reside in role playing games, |
| and walk on all fours like the dinosaurs. According to | | | | storybooks, and imagination. Do you see any dragons |
| the cultures in the East, the number of claws that a | | | | from where you are sitting? |
| dragon has symbolizes its rank of sorts, or its original | | | | |