Here There Be Dragons!

People and cultures the world over, have tales and legends of powerful, beautiful, winged and fire-breathing creatures. Some live in the water, some in caves, some greedily hoard gems and treasure, and some fall in love with beautiful maidens. Dragons are known to love riddles and conundrums, and are often very highly intelligent, even to the point of being advisors and poets.

One of my favorite dragon stories is that of Jilocasin. He was a dragon who lived during the reign of Charlemagne, and was a very wise and old. Periodically, he liked to take human form and visit the King's court where he was a well-known and respected troubadour. One day while travelling through the forest (in human form), he heard a woman cry for help. Jilocasin changed back to dragon form and defended her against the bandits, then, seeing she was injured, he lifted her onto his back and flew her to his cave. Upon examining her wounds, he discovered a bundle tied close to her body, and inside the bundle was a newborn baby. She explained that she was a widow, fleeing to protect her baby boy from an unscruplous man who had stolen the title and wealth of her deceased husband. Jilocasin offered her protecion and shelter in his home, and the two fell in love. The lady was aware of Jilocasin's true identity, but it did not affect her love for him. They would visit far-off lands together, with her riding on his back as he flew, and they would sing the dragon's songs together. After three years, they were excitedly awaiting the birth of their son, but the lady died in childbirth. Jilocasin was overcome with grief. He raised the two boys without making any distinction between his adopted son and his own, and when they were grown he presented them at court to be armed knights. The two were known as the Knights of the Dragon, and were famous for their nobility and honor. At length, they avenged their mother's death by killing the villian who had stolen their inheritance.

http://www.aquariann.etsy.com/

http://www.deldreamart.etsy.com/

http://www.phenomegnome.etsy.com/

These are a few favorite dragons from some fellow members of the Fantasy Artists team (FAEteam). I got my first dragon statue for my 16th birthday when all my girlfriends were getting expensive jeans and stereos. Since then I have accumilated quite a collection (including one that my brother brought home from Japan for me), and I don't think that collection will ever be complete. There are few things that can stop me dead in my tracks and make my heart skip a beat...dragons do it everytime.

I will leave you with my favorite dragon quote :

"Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup."

The Hunt

The noble stag was pausing now

Upon the mountain's southern brow,

Where broad extended, far beneath,

The varied realms of fair Menteith,

With anxious eye he wandered o'er,

Mountain and meadow, moss and moor,

And pondered refuge from his toil,

By far Lochard and Aberfoyle,

But nearer was the copsewood grey,

That waved and wept on Loch Achray,

And mingled with the pine-trees blue,

On the bold cliffs of Benvenue.

Fresh vigor with the hope returned,

With flying foot the heath he spurned,

Held westward with unwearied race,

And left behind the panting chase.

~The Hunt; an excerpt from the Lady of the Lake

~Sir Walter Scott

~artwork: The Monarch of the Glen

~Edwin Henry Landseer

My inspiration