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In the Beginning
The dragon has gone through many changes and forms throughout the pages of time. The first dragons were so powerful that they became deities (Quetzalcoatl from Mexico) and could only be killed by another deity, such as Apep from Ancient Egypt that tried to swallow the sun. The earliest forms of the dragon were associated with the Great Mother, the water god and the warrior sun god. In Egypt, the dragon ruled over the water. Even in the earliest stages, there were mixed feelings over its kindness, or lack thereof. In parts of Africa, it was considered evil, and in some societies it was considered an enemy of the sun and moon and responsible for eclipses. Where as in Greece and Rome, dragons had the ability to understand and convey to mortals the secrets of the earth.
In Greece
Draco is latin for 'dragon'. The word 'dragon' comes from the Greek darkon for serpent or large worm. It was the Greek version that later became the prototype for the European dragon. The most well known Greek dragon is the hydra, which Hercules killed with the help of Iolaus. The hydra was a multi-headed beast (6 - 9 heads) and for every head cut off, two would grow back in its place. Hercules evidentually defeated it by burning the neck stumps so no new heads would grow.
More changes
Dragons began to adopt certain powers and characteristics and were no longer seen as deities. Though they had long life spans, they could be killed by mortals. Some could spit fire or flame or some other substance. Some could shapeshift and walk as humans. Legends say that Merlin, the great wizard of King Arthur's time, could turn into a dragon. Some even speculate that Merlin was a dragon himself. It became a popular belief that dragons horded gold. This may be due in part to the Celtic god, Cernunnos, who was the god of commerce, wealth and health. He was usually accompanied by a horned dragon that guarded treasure. Later, it was believed that greedy misers would assume the forms of dragons for gloating over their treasure.
The rise of Christianity
As Christianity took hold of Europe, the dragon really fell to an image of evil and destruction. It was seen as a symbol of sin or Satan. Perhaps that is due to the fact that the dragon resembled a serpent in some ways. The dragon was mentioned throughout the bible, and never in good light. St. George, the patron saint of England, was made famous for killing a dragon. Originally a Roman calvary officer who was known for his courage in war, he converted to Christianity. The people of the town of Cappadocia had a dragon problem. They tried to calm the beast with the best of their sheep and when that no longer worked, they offered a virgin princess. George rode into 
town and slew the creature with a lance while charging on his steed. That deed began the slaughter
of dragons to save damsels in distress and earn fame and fortune.
Next
Lair of the Dragon
Dragon's Gold
Western Dragon
Other Historical Dragons
Many Forms
Dragons of the Far East
Dragons amoung the Stars
Dragon Links
