Translation by Asteria Lan
About the author
Ashu, born in Sichuan in 1996. She once studied in Japan and is now based in Shanghai. She currently works as a narrative planner in a top game company in China. She has been conducting multi-dimensional explorations of game narrative, including extending her profession into fields of novel writing, and media expressions in film and television. Being knowledgeable in a wide range of subjects, her works carry very distinctive themes, her essays are also often published in various well-known gaming media platforms.
About the translator
Asteria Lan is a professional Chinese-to-English translator with four years of experience and a portfolio exceeding 1 million translated words. Her work includes English localization and dubbing management for games including PUBG: Mobile, Love and Deepspace, and Alchemy Stars. In addition to her translation expertise, she has experience in lyric writing and works as a freelance illustrator.
Word count: ~3000 | Est. read time: 16 mins
Main text：
Eastern and Western Dragons: Origins and Evolution
Since ancient times, dragons have captured the imaginations of cultures around the world, resulting in a rich diversity of dragon mythology. People from different parts of the world gave the serpent-like creature their own spin, associating it with traits from a wide variety of animals. From fierce fire-breathers to wise and ancient guardians, these mythical creatures have been depicted in countless ways throughout history.
The explosion of popular culture in recent years has piqued interest in dragons once more, as they take on pivotal roles in books, movies, games and anime titles, a deeper understanding of their symbolism is presented, sparking curiosity about their origins and significance.
Evolution of Dragon Imagery in Western Cultures
Typically, the Western mythological concept of a dragon is derived from some kind of demon or monster. Early references to dragon-like beasts protecting riches, power, and dread appear in Homer’s Iliad. Another example is the Dacian Draco, a dragon-shaped Roman cavalry flag which came into existence during the Roman Empire. This further solidifies the dragon’s reputation as a fearsome symbol in its origin.
During the Middle Ages, dragons went through a drastic image change. Before Christianity took center stage, they served as national symbols for the Vikings, Celts, and Saxons, much like their revered Eastern dragon cousins. But once Christianity spread its wings, dragons got a bit of a PR nightmare. In Christian theology, especially in the New Testament’s Revelation, the dragon was cast as Satan’s evil mascot, a sneaky serpent symbolizing chaos and destruction—talk about a fall from grace!
Fast forward to the Renaissance, when mythology got a makeover—dragons found themselves back in the spotlight but with a twist. This period gave rise to famous mythical dragons, including the Babylonian Earth Mother goddess Tiamat (fans of Dungeons & Dragons may recognize her as the powerful five-headed dragon goddess), Níðhöggr from Norse mythology (who gnaws at the roots of Yggdrasil and heralds Ragnarök, referenced in modern fantasy novels like Dragon Raja by Chinese author Jiang Nan), and Jörmungandr, the world-encircling sea serpent often depicted biting its own tail (also known as a formidable boss in the God of War series). Another known iconic dragon is Fáfnir, a giant transformed by greed into a treasure-hoarding dragon, ultimately slain by Siegfried in Wagner’s The Ring of the Nibelung—an image familiar to fans of the Fate franchise and Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid.
Modern works of popular fiction have reignited fascination with Western dragons as mystical creatures. From well-known fantasy novels including Lord of the Rings and A Song of Ice and Fire (later adapted into Game of Thrones) to enduring game franchises such as Dungeons & Dragons, Dragon Quest, and The Elder Scrolls, dragons continue to symbolise power, dominance, and mystery, solidifying their place in popular culture.
Evolution of Dragon Imagery in East Asian Cultures
In East Asia, dragons hold a distinctly different meaning than their Western counterparts. Across centuries and dynasties, the embodiment of this mythical creature has morphed alongside the ever-evolving society and its people’s shifting sensibilities.
In China, the reverence of dragons can be traced back to the Stone Age. According to scholars of the Paleolithic Age, the image of the dragon started to appear on ceramics and jade during the era of Fu Xi, one of the “Three Sovereigns” in Chinese history. In ancient mythology, the dragon was seen as a deity controlling rainfall and rivers (as recorded in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, a foundational Chinese text that describes mythological beasts), an important symbol in agricultural societies. As time evolved, by the Shang and Zhou dynasties, dragons were officially established as the symbol of the emperor, who was respectfully titled “The True Dragon.” From the Spring and Autumn period to the Warring States period, China was fragmented into various independent states, and the image of the dragon grew diverse and complex. The dragon’s form became more powerful and vibrant during the Tang Dynasty, and its artistic beauty reached new heights. It was during the Song Dynasty, however, that the iconic image of the Chinese dragon, familiar to us today, took shape, becoming increasingly figurative and realistic. The dragon was described to have antlers like a deer, a head like a camel, and eyes like a rabbit, soaring through the clouds and mist.
For centuries, the dragon has held a significant place in Chinese culture as a symbol of power and good fortune. Its image can be found in various aspects of daily life, from decorative elements to architecture. As society evolved over time, so did the portrayal of dragons, reflecting the changes in cultural beliefs and societal structures. From simple depictions in ancient times to elaborate forms during the imperial dynasties, the dragon remains an iconic emblem of Chinese identity. With each passing era, unique interpretations and symbolism were implemented to this beloved creature, solidifying its role as a cultural symbol with deep-rooted meanings.
On the other hand, it is generally believed that dragons were first introduced to Japan through the rice culture in ancient China, giving rise to the prevalent snake worship during the Yayoi period. The people would carefully craft dragons on pottery, offering prayers for much-needed rain. These dragons were seen as gods of water and shared similar symbolic meanings as the Chinese dragon. The famous Yamata no Orochi—a multi-headed serpent-dragon—is documented in Japanese classic literature works such as Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
During the Heian and Asuka periods, China and Japan had close ties which influenced the Japanese dragon’s appearance to mirror its Chinese counterpart. It is believed that the Four Sacred Beasts of China (Qingloong, White Tiger, Vermillion Bird, Black Tortoise) were also introduced to Japan during this time. In the popular manga Fushigi Yuugi from 1991, these sacred beasts play a significant role in the storyline.
Over time, the Japanese dragon evolved with its own distinct features. Often depicted as graceful and delicate beings, dragons can be found in numerous Japanese shrines and temples today. Their legacy lives on in modern media, such as Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away where Haku, a White Dragon and river deity, embodies the power of nature. The White Dragon is likely based on the slender and elegant deity Nigihayahi no Mikoto from Japanese mythology, first described in Nihon Shoki and Sendai Kuji Hongi.
While there are more subtle differences worth noting between the historical Japanese and Chinese depictions of Eastern dragons, we’ll save that deep dive for another time. In recent years, Japanese dragon culture takes inspiration from both East and West, creating a fascinating hybrid in Japanese fiction that’s capturing global attention.
Now, let’s zoom out to a bigger picture: the head-to-head between Chinese and Western dragons, where each region brings unique interpretations and symbolism to the iconic creature. In essence, it can be observed across four primary areas: the origin, mythology, cultural values, and visual depiction. Chinese dragons are associated with constellations, rain rituals, and symbolise auspiciousness and imperial authority. In contrast, Western dragons are linked to floods and disasters, often representing evil or chaos. Mythologically, Chinese dragons serve as intermediaries between heaven and earth, often connected to rulers, while Western dragons are not seen as such. In certain cultures, Western dragons were once seen as divine, but their divine status in mythology gradually declined over time. Culturally, Chinese dragons symbolise order and political power, embodying a national spirit, while Western dragons are traditionally symbols of opposition and demonic forces. Visually, Chinese dragons are wingless, composite creatures, whereas Western dragons resemble giant winged serpents, often seen as embodiments of evil.
Exploring Pop Culture’s Favourite Dragons
In modern society, dragons are frequently appearing in comics, games, and novels, spreading their image across cultures. As a symbol that transcends time and geography, dragons connect people worldwide, even as different cultures interpret them in different ways, recognising and exploring these cultural contrasts is key to understanding the broader significance of the dragon lore.
Cultural Values Conveyed Through Dragon’s Symbolism
The way Western and Eastern cultures comprehend their own mythologies is shaped by shared beliefs and long-standing traditions within each context. This results in the distinct images of dragons in each culture. For instance, most Chinese people are familiar with the dragon’s image in works like Journey to the West and The Investiture of the Gods, while this imagery is less recognised in the West. Traditionally, dragons in Western culture often represent evil; while in Eastern cultures, they symbolise authority and royalty.
Cultural dissemination depends on the establishment and sharing of core elements, such as worldview (shared beliefs about the world), stories (narratives that carry cultural values), characters (iconic figures), emotions (shared experiences), and symbols (recognisable icons). Eastern Dragon-inspired characters in popular media often serve to convey cultural values, add depth to storytelling, and embody symbols with layered meaning.
For example, Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball draws inspiration from Journey to the West, incorporating familiar cultural symbols and values that would resonate with Chinese readers. The Dragon Ball universe introduces new elements, like Namek and cosmic civilisations, adding a fresh twist to traditional mythology. This fusion of classic themes and science fiction broadens the story’s appeal, allowing it to feel both novel and familiar. Additionally, many Dragon Ball characters mirror figures from Journey to the West: Goku resembles Sun Wukong, Oolong parallels Zhu Bajie, and Yamcha initially echoes Sha Wujing. And, of course, there is Shenron (Shenlong), the wish-granting dragon, whose name is derived from the Chinese word for “divine dragon.”
Western Dragons in Modern Media
The spread of dragons in Western fantasy owes much to The Lord of the Rings, which helped shape the modern image of Western dragons. In The Hobbit, Tolkien introduced Smaug, a colossal, treasure-hoarding dragon whose smoky nostrils and sharp teeth made him an iconic figure.
The cultural impact of The Lord of the Rings paved the way for countless adaptations, including the iconic tabletop RPG Dungeons & Dragons (DND), launched by TSR in 1974. As the first tabletop RPG, DND deeply influenced later works across literature, film, and gaming.
Works inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, such as the Dragonlance novels, World of Warcraft, and A Song of Ice and Fire, along with DND-inspired games, have spread the modern Western dragon lore worldwide. With deepening East-West cultural exchange, Western creators are reimagining Eastern dragon culture, sparking new interpretations.
Ryuutama, a Japanese TRPG released in 2016, portray dragons as gentle, deity-like beings who bring blessings to humanity. Despite resembling their Western counterparts in appearance, the dragons in this game align more closely with Eastern dragons in spirit.
Dungeons & Dragons remains a cornerstone of modern Western fantasy culture with far-reaching influence. Its impact is clear in games like The Elder Scrolls, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and World of Warcraft. Western dragons have also found their way into Eastern media, where anime and light novels often feature stories with heroes, demon kings, and evil dragons.
Eastern Dragons in Modern Media
The history of the Eastern dragon is long and rich, though it is less prominent in modern pop culture as compared to its Western counterpart. Since the 20th century, the appearance of Eastern dragons in East Asian media have decreased, though notable examples still exist. In China’s 1962 animated film Havoc in Heaven, the Jade Emperor’s dragon appears in a dazzling form; while Japan’s classic manga Ryuuroden features celestial wolves astride giant dragons; and dragon-inspired ninjutsu techniques appear in Naruto. Eastern dragons have appeared in popular games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which features an Eastern dragon in a boss fight; and Overwatch, where characters like Hanzo and Genji channel dragon motifs in their skills. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice includes the Sakura Dragon as another nod to Eastern dragon symbolism. Crafting a compelling Eastern dragon is no easy task, but games and movies from China offer some memorable portrayals Western audiences may find fascinating.
In film, TV, and novels, dragons continue to inspire storytelling. The Dragon Raja novel series (2010) became popular with teenagers, featuring dragons fighting alongside humans against evil forces. Earlier in the 1980s, the Chinese animated film Nezha Conquers the Dragon King tells the story of Nezha—a rebellious child god from Chinese mythology—defeating the evil Dragon King Ao Bing. This story, based on the classical Chinese novel Investiture of the Gods from the Ming Dynasty, has been adapted multiple times, including in the 2019 film NE ZHA and the fantasy comedy One Hundred Thousand Bad Jokes. Ao Bing represents the Azure Dragon (Qingloong), one of the Four Symbols in Chinese mythology, which are mythical creatures tied to cardinal directions and natural phenomena, stemming from ancient star worship and agricultural beliefs.
Eastern Dragons in Chinese games often symbolise nobility and power. Players gain recognition by defeating these mythical creatures, advancing the storyline in the process. In Chinese mythology, many images of the dragons come from the Classic of Mountains and Seas. For example, the long-running Chinese RPG series The Legend of Sword and Fairy, first released in the 90s, features many impressive dragons inspired by this classic. In Sword and Fairy 6, the dragon Yinglong—an ancient beast, once owned by the Yellow Emperor—draws directly from the Classic of Mountains and Seas. Similarly, Sword and Fairy 5 include the Thunder Dragon, which controls the rain and absorbs the power of thunder. Finally, Sword and Fairy 4 features the Candle Dragon, a human-faced, snake-bodied creature who was once the god of Zhāngwěi Mountain. Through these games, dragon culture from classical Chinese myths is vividly brought to life, offering players a glimpse into the richness of ancient Chinese mythology.
For example, in the Gujian series (a Chinese RPG series featuring mythology, fantasy, and martial arts), the character Qianyu, who rides the wind and journeys through mountains and rivers, transforms from a small water snake into a dragon, ultimately becoming a Yinglong—a dragon that oversees climate and agriculture. Similarly, Ao Yin, a white dragon character from Honor of Kings, is modelled after the human incarnation of Ao Bing from Journey to the West. These transformations reflect the deep connection between dragon myths and the evolution of early spiritual beliefs in China.
In Arknights, we have the Lung characters. In the game, they are members of the royal family of the Yan country, embodying mythical creatures with the true dragon’s bloodline. Characters like Chen, and later Shu (a Yinglong, yes, again), symbolise auspiciousness and protection. They are believed to ward off evil, bless the land, and bring fortune.
Azhdaha, from Genshin Impact, also draws on ancient Eastern dragon imagery but with a unique twist. In the Chinese version, this dragon is named Retuo the Dragon King, it is designed with an ancient and unconventional appearance, reminiscent of the crocodile-like dragons depicted in historical artifacts—crocodile-shaped jade items were found in the tomb of Lady Hao from the Shang Dynasty, and similar dragon motifs, such as four-legged, frog-like dragon images, appear on bricks and other relics in the Han Dynasty. Azhdaha’s quadrupedal design likely draws inspiration from these ancient depictions.
In Wuthering Waves, the dragon-like “Sentinel” character, Jué, is a striking manifestation of a Chinese dragon. Soaring through the clouds, Jué serves as the protector of Jinzhou, maintaining the balance of the seasons and safeguarding the land from harm. With its two horns and scaled body, Jué’s design draws from the Jiaolong—a dragon that symbolises supreme power, majesty, and rebirth. It is both a harbinger of renewal and a guardian of peace and prosperity, roles that are repeatedly emphasised throughout the game’s narrative.
In Honkai: Star Rail, Danheng: Imbibitor Lunae is a descendant of the Aeon of Permanence, Long. The Vidyadhara clan’s secret technique allows him to manifest a dragon form and reincarnate after death. His design incorporates the symbolism of the Qinglong—a dragon that is azure in colour and controls the power of water, borrowing heavily from Eastern dragon mythology. The use of traditional Chinese jade dragon motifs further accentuates his intricate design.
To ingrain a cultural icon in people’s hearts, it must evoke a powerful emotional connection. For the Eastern dragon, its significance goes beyond a striking image. Creating a character is easy, but conveying its cultural meaning is where the real challenge lies. For those outside of East Asia, exposure to dragon stories and imagery allows for personal interpretation and spiritual connection to this legendary creature. Like distant galaxies connecting, this exchange of understanding revitalises and evolves traditional Chinese aesthetics. It’s a dynamic interaction that preserves the legacy of the dragon symbol across cultures.
Dragons Across Borders: A Global Symbol
Today, the exchange of Western and Eastern dragon imagery in popular culture conveys unique meanings to different audiences. The Eastern dragon, bolstered by the global reach of the internet, has gradually gained a foothold worldwide.
Across both East and West, the dragon stands as a powerful symbol, representing humanity’s pursuit of power, wisdom, and the courage to face challenges.
Through dragon stories and symbolism, we gain insights into the human spirit. This ongoing blend of cultural influences—through collision, conflict, and harmony—infuses dragon culture with diverse and evolving meanings.
Translation Editor: Ruxuan