Dragons Around the World

Mandarin Chinese: Lung (Loong) (Wade-Giles Romanization)

The Lung is the stereotypical Oriental dragon. Long and snake-like, the Lung has four claws and carries a pearl. According to traditional lore, this dragon has the head of a camel, horns of a deer, ears of an ox, eyes of a devil, neck of a snake, belly of a clam, scales of a fish, talons of an eagle, and paws of a tiger. A Lung often starts as a snake and go through a series of changes before becoming a dragon.

Hindi: Naga (Naaga)

The Naga is a multi-headed serpent. Usually resembling a king cobra, this dragon possesses a pearl between its coils. Some Indian Nagas have human heads and upper bodies.

Australian Aboriginal –Kunwinjku tribes: Ngalyod, the Great Rainbow Serpent (male), and Yingarna (female)

The Great Rainbow Serpent is a large snakelike dragon, striped with the colors of the earth and sky. There are two Rainbow Serpents – the female is the Mother and the male, the Transformer. According to some Australian tribes, the Great Rainbow Serpent is blind. In addition, some Australian artists depict the Rainbow Serpent with a kangaroo head and crocodile tail.

Latvian: Pukis (Pukys, Puhkis)

In the air, the Pukis is a flying fiery ball. On the ground, it takes the form of a cat. This household dragon can be bought, and then bred by the family it resides with.

Hawaiian: Mo’o’inanea, Mo’o

The Mo’o traditionally resembles a large lizard. For Hawaiians, the Mo’o is a shape shifter, who can appear either as a woman or a boulder. This dragon is often found near groves of hau trees.

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Works Cited:
____. “The Rainbow Serpent”, Aboriginal Art Online, 2001, 28 April, 2009, .

____. “Indigenous Australia: Spirituality”, Australian Museum, 2004, 28 April, 2009, .

DeKirk, Ash “LeopardDancer”, Oberon Zell Presents Dragonlore, New Page, Franklin Lakes (NJ), 2006.

Dobell, Steve, ed., Dragons: Heroes and Legendary Beasts in Poems, Prose, and Paintings, Anness Publishing, London, 2004.

Nigg, Joseph, The Book of Dragons and Other Mythical Beasts, Quarto Press, London, 2002.

The Serene Dragon, 2002, 28 April 2009,

Zell-Ravenheart, Oberon and Ash “LeopardDancer” DeKirk, A Wizard’s Bestiary, New Page, Franklin Lakes (NJ), 2007.
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