List of dragons in mythology and folklore
Updated: 5/20/2026, 8:11:05 PM Wikipedia source
This is a list of dragons in mythology and folklore.
Tables
· African dragons
Damballa
Damballa
West African dragons
Damballa
Ayida-Weddo
A lwa in Dahomey mythology who is married to Ayida-Weddo. Damballa is also mentioned in Haitian Vodou.
Ghanaian dragons
Ghanaian dragons
West African dragons
Ghanaian dragons
Ayida-Weddo
Bida
A lwa in Dahomey mythology who is married to Damballa. Ayida-Weddo is also mentioned in Haitian Vodou.
A serpent of Soninke mythology. She is said to be a big, black serpentine dragon with 7 heads. Despite being the protectress of the Soninke, she oppressed the people. The Soninke would force her captives to bring her virgin women as sacrifices, in exchange for her ability to rain gold. This would lead to her being vanquished by a young warrior, oft
Gambian dragons
Gambian dragons
West African dragons
Gambian dragons
Ayida-Weddo
Ninki Nanka
A lwa in Dahomey mythology who is married to Damballa. Ayida-Weddo is also mentioned in Haitian Vodou.
Ninki Nanka is a legendary creature in West African folklore. In Mande folklore, a version is said to inhabit the Niger River as far as the coasts of Guinea and Guinea-Bissau, called the "Ninimini". Descriptions of the creature vary. Some describe it as a river spirit, a river dragon or a swamp dragon, but most contend that the animal is reptilian
Egyptian dragons
Egyptian dragons
West African dragons
Egyptian dragons
Ayida-Weddo
Apep or Apophis
A lwa in Dahomey mythology who is married to Damballa. Ayida-Weddo is also mentioned in Haitian Vodou.
The giant Snake or Serpent of Chaos from Egyptian mythology.
Ouroboros
Ouroboros
West African dragons
Ouroboros
Ayida-Weddo
The "tail-eater" snake or serpent. By consuming its tail, it represents eternity.
Denwen
Denwen
West African dragons
Denwen
Ayida-Weddo
A colossal serpent or dragon engulfed in flames. The Denwen was so fierce and powerful that he terrified even the Gods of Egypt. Furthermore, the Egyptians refer to him as the embodiment of evil, without any chance of redemption. He aimed to attack the divine realm as a symbol of rebellion against cosmic order. However, he was defeated by the spiri
Ethiopian dragons
Ethiopian dragons
West African dragons
Ethiopian dragons
Ayida-Weddo
Arwe
A lwa in Dahomey mythology who is married to Damballa. Ayida-Weddo is also mentioned in Haitian Vodou.
A serpent or dragon king in Ethiopian Folklore.
Congo dragons
Congo dragons
West African dragons
Congo dragons
Ayida-Weddo
Mokele-mbembe
A lwa in Dahomey mythology who is married to Damballa. Ayida-Weddo is also mentioned in Haitian Vodou.
A legendary creature from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is often described as a "half elephant, half dragon" creature.
Nyanga dragons
Nyanga dragons
West African dragons
Nyanga dragons
Ayida-Weddo
Kirimu
A lwa in Dahomey mythology who is married to Damballa. Ayida-Weddo is also mentioned in Haitian Vodou.
A dragon from the Mwindo Epic. It is described as a large animal with black hide, teeth like a dog, a huge belly, the tail of an eagle and seven horned heads. It is said to dwell in a Virgin Forest. In the Mwindo Epic, it made a blood pact with Nkuba, the Nyanga lightning god. It was eventually slain by the eponymous protagonist of the tale, Mwindo
Southern African dragons
Southern African dragons
West African dragons
Southern African dragons
Ayida-Weddo
Grootslang
A lwa in Dahomey mythology who is married to Damballa. Ayida-Weddo is also mentioned in Haitian Vodou.
An elephant-sized serpent that dwells in a cave in Richtersveld, South Africa. Its name means "big snake" in Afrikaans.
Sotho dragons
Sotho dragons
West African dragons
Sotho dragons
Ayida-Weddo
Monyohe
A lwa in Dahomey mythology who is married to Damballa. Ayida-Weddo is also mentioned in Haitian Vodou.
A dragon-like serpent in Sotho mythology.
Nanabolele
Nanabolele
West African dragons
Nanabolele
Ayida-Weddo
A creature from the Thákane Epic, often referred to as a dragon or dragon-like. They are described as large crocodile-like, underwater monsters that glow in the night and always arrive in a cloud of smoke. Additionally, they are dangerous creatures which are feared throughout the land. In the epic, Thákane is tasked by her brothers to obtain the gl
Tsonga dragons
Tsonga dragons
West African dragons
Tsonga dragons
Ayida-Weddo
Masingi
A lwa in Dahomey mythology who is married to Damballa. Ayida-Weddo is also mentioned in Haitian Vodou.
A benevolent healer who resides in a clean dwelling.
Zambia Dragons
Zambia Dragons
West African dragons
Zambia Dragons
Ayida-Weddo
Nyami Nyami
A lwa in Dahomey mythology who is married to Damballa. Ayida-Weddo is also mentioned in Haitian Vodou.
A Zambezi River God or Spirit. He is said to be a dragon with the body of a snake and the face of a fish.
Zulu dragons
Zulu dragons
West African dragons
Zulu dragons
Ayida-Weddo
Inkanyamba
A lwa in Dahomey mythology who is married to Damballa. Ayida-Weddo is also mentioned in Haitian Vodou.
A legendary creature of Zulu folklore. It is often described as a giant serpent or dragon, with the ability to control rain and storms.
Namibian dragons
Namibian dragons
West African dragons
Namibian dragons
Ayida-Weddo
Namibian Flying Snake
A lwa in Dahomey mythology who is married to Damballa. Ayida-Weddo is also mentioned in Haitian Vodou.
A gargantuan winged serpent. It's described as being 25 feet in length, having a 30-foot wide wingspan, and a bioluminescent crest and horns.
| West African dragons | Ayida-Weddo | A lwa in Dahomey mythology who is married to Damballa. Ayida-Weddo is also mentioned in Haitian Vodou. |
| Damballa | A lwa in Dahomey mythology who is married to Ayida-Weddo. Damballa is also mentioned in Haitian Vodou. | |
| Ghanaian dragons | Bida | A serpent of Soninke mythology. She is said to be a big, black serpentine dragon with 7 heads. Despite being the protectress of the Soninke, she oppressed the people. The Soninke would force her captives to bring her virgin women as sacrifices, in exchange for her ability to rain gold. This would lead to her being vanquished by a young warrior, oft |
| Gambian dragons | Ninki Nanka | Ninki Nanka is a legendary creature in West African folklore. In Mande folklore, a version is said to inhabit the Niger River as far as the coasts of Guinea and Guinea-Bissau, called the "Ninimini". Descriptions of the creature vary. Some describe it as a river spirit, a river dragon or a swamp dragon, but most contend that the animal is reptilian |
| Egyptian dragons | Apep or Apophis | The giant Snake or Serpent of Chaos from Egyptian mythology. |
| Ouroboros | The "tail-eater" snake or serpent. By consuming its tail, it represents eternity. | |
| Denwen | A colossal serpent or dragon engulfed in flames. The Denwen was so fierce and powerful that he terrified even the Gods of Egypt. Furthermore, the Egyptians refer to him as the embodiment of evil, without any chance of redemption. He aimed to attack the divine realm as a symbol of rebellion against cosmic order. However, he was defeated by the spiri | |
| Ethiopian dragons | Arwe | A serpent or dragon king in Ethiopian Folklore. |
| Congo dragons | Mokele-mbembe | A legendary creature from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is often described as a "half elephant, half dragon" creature. |
| Nyanga dragons | Kirimu | A dragon from the Mwindo Epic. It is described as a large animal with black hide, teeth like a dog, a huge belly, the tail of an eagle and seven horned heads. It is said to dwell in a Virgin Forest. In the Mwindo Epic, it made a blood pact with Nkuba, the Nyanga lightning god. It was eventually slain by the eponymous protagonist of the tale, Mwindo |
| Southern African dragons | Grootslang | An elephant-sized serpent that dwells in a cave in Richtersveld, South Africa. Its name means "big snake" in Afrikaans. |
| Sotho dragons | Monyohe | A dragon-like serpent in Sotho mythology. |
| Nanabolele | A creature from the Thákane Epic, often referred to as a dragon or dragon-like. They are described as large crocodile-like, underwater monsters that glow in the night and always arrive in a cloud of smoke. Additionally, they are dangerous creatures which are feared throughout the land. In the epic, Thákane is tasked by her brothers to obtain the gl | |
| Tsonga dragons | Masingi | A benevolent healer who resides in a clean dwelling. |
| Zambia Dragons | Nyami Nyami | A Zambezi River God or Spirit. He is said to be a dragon with the body of a snake and the face of a fish. |
| Zulu dragons | Inkanyamba | A legendary creature of Zulu folklore. It is often described as a giant serpent or dragon, with the ability to control rain and storms. |
| Namibian dragons | Namibian Flying Snake | A gargantuan winged serpent. It's described as being 25 feet in length, having a 30-foot wide wingspan, and a bioluminescent crest and horns. |
· European dragons
Kulshedra
Kulshedra
Albanian dragons
Kulshedra
Bolla
In its twelfth year, the bolla evolves by growing nine tongues, horns, spines and larger wings. At this time it will learn how to use its formerly hidden fire-breathing abilities, and is now called a kulshedra or kuçedra (hydra). The kuçedra causes droughts and lives off human sacrifices. Kulshedras are killed by Drangue, Albanian winged warriors w
Dreq
Dreq
Albanian dragons
Dreq
Bolla
Dreq is the dragon (draco) proper. It was demonized by Christianity and now is one of the Albanian names of the devil.
Alpine dragons
Alpine dragons
Albanian dragons
Alpine dragons
Bolla
Tatzelwurm
Catalan dragons
Catalan dragons
Albanian dragons
Catalan dragons
Bolla
Drac
Chuvash dragons
Chuvash dragons
Albanian dragons
Chuvash dragons
Bolla
Věri Şělen
Celtic dragons
Celtic dragons
Albanian dragons
Celtic dragons
Bolla
Beithir
Y Ddraig Goch
Y Ddraig Goch
Albanian dragons
Y Ddraig Goch
Bolla
In Welsh mythology, after a long battle (which the Welsh King Vortigern witnesses) a red dragon defeats a white dragon; Merlin explains to Vortigern that the red dragon symbolizes the Welsh, and the white dragon symbolizes the Saxons – thus foretelling the ultimate defeat of the English by the Welsh. The ddraig goch appears on the Welsh national fl
French dragons
French dragons
Albanian dragons
French dragons
Bolla
Dragon
Tarasque
Tarasque
Albanian dragons
Tarasque
Bolla
A fearsome legendary dragon-like mythological hybrid from Provence, tamed by Saint Martha.
Guivre
Guivre
Albanian dragons
Guivre
Bolla
a Dragon like creature from French mythology, with a venomous bite, Guivre meaning wyvern or wyrm, or even serpent which the creatures name is derived from.
Peluda
La Velue, cover of a French pamphlet (1889)
Peluda
La Velue, cover of a French pamphlet (1889)
Albanian dragons
Peluda
La Velue, cover of a French pamphlet (1889)
Bolla
Also known as The Shaggy Beast, or La Velue, a legendary dragon from La Ferté-Bernard that shot deadly quills from its back.
Germanic dragons
Germanic dragons
Albanian dragons
Germanic dragons
Bolla
Wyvern
Longwitton dragon
Longwitton dragon
Albanian dragons
Longwitton dragon
Bolla
Of Northumbrian legend.
Worm hill dragon
Worm hill dragon
Albanian dragons
Worm hill dragon
Bolla
700 AD the Anglo-Saxons settled and called it "Wruenele" this translates as "Wruen" worm, reptile or dragon and "ele" hill. According to local folklore the hill at Knotlow (Derbyshire) was the lair of a dragon and the terraces around it were made by the coils of its tail. Knotlow is an ancient volcanic vent and this may explain the myth.
Knucker
Knucker
Albanian dragons
Knucker
Bolla
A kind of water dragon, living in knuckerholes in Sussex, England.
St. Leonard's Forest dragons
St. Leonard's Forest dragons
Albanian dragons
St. Leonard's Forest dragons
Bolla
Of Sussex folklore.
Lindworm
Lindworm
Albanian dragons
Lindworm
Bolla
Lindworms are serpent-like dragons with either two or no legs. In Germanic heraldry, the lindworm looks the same as a wyvern.
Fafnir, a dragon slain by Sigurd in Nordic mythology.
Jörmungandr, a sea serpent or dragon in Nordic mythology.
Níðhöggr from Nordic mythology.
Lagarfljótsormurinn, a lake monster or dragon living in the Lagarfljót, near
Flogdrake
Flogdrake
Albanian dragons
Flogdrake
Bolla
A Swedish wingless limbless serpentine dragon which flyes over the night sky like a streak of light, and lives in mountain tunnels it drills.
Puk
Puk
Albanian dragons
Puk
Bolla
Puk is a serpentine-bodied, four-footed dragon (with sometimes wings), sometimes with many heads, appearing in the legends of Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Germany. The name stems from the house spirit "schrat", which is variously called "puk" (also found in English as Puck), as such beings have been thought to transform into dragons in order to
Greek dragons
Greek dragons
Albanian dragons
Greek dragons
Bolla
Drákōn – δράκων
Agathodaemon
Agathodaemon
Albanian dragons
Agathodaemon
Bolla
Agathodeamons numinous presence could be represented in art as a serpent in the classical Greek period.
Amphisbaena
Amphisbaena
Albanian dragons
Amphisbaena
Bolla
A mythological, ant-eating serpent with a head at each end.
Jaculus
Jaculus
Albanian dragons
Jaculus
Bolla
A small mythical serpent or dragon. It can be shown with wings and sometimes has front legs.
Hungarian dragons
Hungarian dragons
Albanian dragons
Hungarian dragons
Bolla
Fernyiges
Sárkány
Sárkány
Albanian dragons
Sárkány
Bolla
A dragon in human form. Most are giants with more than one head, in which their strength resides. They become weaker as they lose them.
In the contemporary Hungarian language, sárkány is used to mean any kind of dragon.
Zomok
Zomok
Albanian dragons
Zomok
Bolla
A giant winged snake. It often serves as flying mount of the garabonciás (a kind of magician). The sárkánykígyó rules over storms and bad weather.
Italian dragons
Italian dragons
Albanian dragons
Italian dragons
Bolla
Tarantasio
Irish Dragons
Irish Dragons
Albanian dragons
Irish Dragons
Bolla
Oilliphéist
Cathach
Cathach
Albanian dragons
Cathach
Dabran
Dabran
Albanian dragons
Dabran
Farbagh
Farbagh
Albanian dragons
Farbagh
Muirdris
Muirdris
Albanian dragons
Muirdris
Ellén Trechend
Ellén Trechend
Albanian dragons
Ellén Trechend
Leonese and Asturian dragons
Leonese and Asturian dragons
Albanian dragons
Leonese and Asturian dragons
Bolla
Cuélebre
Lithuanian dragons
Lithuanian dragons
Albanian dragons
Lithuanian dragons
Bolla
Slibinas
Aitvaras
Aitvaras
Albanian dragons
Aitvaras
Bolla
Aitvaras is described as a bird with the appearance of a dragon outdoors. An aitvaras will lodge itself in a house and most often refuse to leave. It brings both good and bad luck to the inhabitants of the house, providing its adopted home with stolen gold and grain, often getting the household into trouble.
Žaltys
Žaltys
Albanian dragons
Žaltys
Bolla
A household spirit in Lithuanian mythology. Part of prussian, Baltic, Latvian and Lithuanian mythology.
Polish dragons
Polish dragons
Albanian dragons
Polish dragons
Bolla
Wawel Dragon
Krepel
Krepel
Albanian dragons
Krepel
Bolla
Also known as the Bytom Dragon; said to inhabit forests near Bytom. A young farmhand attempted to kill the creature for its treasure, but ended up befriending the dragon.
Spanish / Hispanic dragons
Spanish / Hispanic dragons
Albanian dragons
Spanish / Hispanic dragons
Bolla
Coca
Romanian dragons
Romanian dragons
Albanian dragons
Romanian dragons
Bolla
Balaur, Zburator
Slavic dragons
Slavic dragons
Albanian dragons
Slavic dragons
Bolla
Zmey, zmiy, żmij, змей, or zmaj, or drak, or smok
Tatar dragons
Tatar dragons
Albanian dragons
Tatar dragons
Bolla
Zilant
| Albanian dragons | Bolla | In the Albanian mythology * Bolla (also known as Bullar in South Albania), is a type of serpentic dragon (or a demonic dragon-like creature) with a long, coiled, serpentine body, four legs and small wings in ancient Albanian folklore. This dragon sleeps throughout the whole year, only to wake on Saint George's Day, where its faceted silver eyes pee |
| Kulshedra | In its twelfth year, the bolla evolves by growing nine tongues, horns, spines and larger wings. At this time it will learn how to use its formerly hidden fire-breathing abilities, and is now called a kulshedra or kuçedra (hydra). The kuçedra causes droughts and lives off human sacrifices. Kulshedras are killed by Drangue, Albanian winged warriors w | |
| Dreq | Dreq is the dragon (draco) proper. It was demonized by Christianity and now is one of the Albanian names of the devil. | |
| Alpine dragons | Tatzelwurm | A lizard-like creature, often described as having the face of a cat, with a serpent-like body which may be slender or stubby, with four short legs or two forelegs. Austrian: Tatzelwurm/ Praatzelwurm/ Linwurm/ Stutzn/ Bergstutz Swiss: Stollenwurm/ Tazzelwurm/ Stollwurm Slovenian: Daadzelwurm/ Hockwurm German: Daazlwurm/ Praazlwurm French: Arassa |
| Catalan dragons | Drac | Catalan dragons are serpent-like creatures with two legs (rarely four) and, sometimes, a pair of wings. Their faces can resemble that of other animals, like lions or cattle. They have a burning breath. Their breath is also poisonous, the reason by which dracs are able to rot everything with their stench. A víbria is a female dragon. |
| Chuvash dragons | Věri Şělen | Chuvash dragons are winged fire-breathing and shape shifting dragons, they originate with the ancestral Chuvash people. |
| Celtic dragons | Beithir | In Scottish folklore, the beithir is a large snakelike creature or dragon. Depicted with different numbers of limbs, without wings. Instead of fiery breath, Beithir was often associated with lightning. |
| Y Ddraig Goch | In Welsh mythology, after a long battle (which the Welsh King Vortigern witnesses) a red dragon defeats a white dragon; Merlin explains to Vortigern that the red dragon symbolizes the Welsh, and the white dragon symbolizes the Saxons – thus foretelling the ultimate defeat of the English by the Welsh. The ddraig goch appears on the Welsh national fl | |
| French dragons | Dragon | Authors tend often to present the dragon legends as symbol of Christianity's victory over paganism, represented by a harmful dragon. The French representation of dragons spans much of European history. Guivres from Medieval France Graoully of Metz, symbol of Christianization over paganism. |
| Tarasque | A fearsome legendary dragon-like mythological hybrid from Provence, tamed by Saint Martha. | |
| Guivre | a Dragon like creature from French mythology, with a venomous bite, Guivre meaning wyvern or wyrm, or even serpent which the creatures name is derived from. | |
| Peluda La Velue, cover of a French pamphlet (1889) | Also known as The Shaggy Beast, or La Velue, a legendary dragon from La Ferté-Bernard that shot deadly quills from its back. | |
| Germanic dragons | Wyvern | Wyverns are common in medieval heraldry. Their usual blazon is statant. Wyverns are normally shown as dragons with two legs and two wings. Bignor Hill dragon, there is a brief mention of a dragon on Bignor Hill south of the village of Bignor near the famous Roman Villa, apparently "A large dragon had its den on Bignor Hill, and marks of its folds w |
| Longwitton dragon | Of Northumbrian legend. | |
| Worm hill dragon | 700 AD the Anglo-Saxons settled and called it "Wruenele" this translates as "Wruen" worm, reptile or dragon and "ele" hill. According to local folklore the hill at Knotlow (Derbyshire) was the lair of a dragon and the terraces around it were made by the coils of its tail. Knotlow is an ancient volcanic vent and this may explain the myth. | |
| Knucker | A kind of water dragon, living in knuckerholes in Sussex, England. | |
| St. Leonard's Forest dragons | Of Sussex folklore. | |
| Lindworm | Lindworms are serpent-like dragons with either two or no legs. In Germanic heraldry, the lindworm looks the same as a wyvern. Fafnir, a dragon slain by Sigurd in Nordic mythology. Jörmungandr, a sea serpent or dragon in Nordic mythology. Níðhöggr from Nordic mythology. Lagarfljótsormurinn, a lake monster or dragon living in the Lagarfljót, near | |
| Flogdrake | A Swedish wingless limbless serpentine dragon which flyes over the night sky like a streak of light, and lives in mountain tunnels it drills. | |
| Puk | Puk is a serpentine-bodied, four-footed dragon (with sometimes wings), sometimes with many heads, appearing in the legends of Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Germany. The name stems from the house spirit "schrat", which is variously called "puk" (also found in English as Puck), as such beings have been thought to transform into dragons in order to | |
| Greek dragons | Drákōn – δράκων | Cadmus fighting the Ismenian dragon (which guarded the sacred spring of Ares) is a legendary story from the Greek lore dating to before c. 560–550 B . Greek dragons commonly had a role of protecting important objects or places. For example, the Colchian dragon watched the Golden Fleece and the Nemean dragon guarded the sacred groves of Zeus. The |
| Agathodaemon | Agathodeamons numinous presence could be represented in art as a serpent in the classical Greek period. | |
| Amphisbaena | A mythological, ant-eating serpent with a head at each end. | |
| Jaculus | A small mythical serpent or dragon. It can be shown with wings and sometimes has front legs. | |
| Hungarian dragons | Fernyiges | A black dragon that is the lord of dragons. |
| Sárkány | A dragon in human form. Most are giants with more than one head, in which their strength resides. They become weaker as they lose them. In the contemporary Hungarian language, sárkány is used to mean any kind of dragon. | |
| Zomok | A giant winged snake. It often serves as flying mount of the garabonciás (a kind of magician). The sárkánykígyó rules over storms and bad weather. | |
| Italian dragons | Tarantasio | A dragon that lived in Gerundo Lake between Milan, Lodi and Cremona. |
| Irish Dragons | Oilliphéist | Freshwater serpents. |
| Cathach | ||
| Dabran | ||
| Farbagh | ||
| Muirdris | ||
| Ellén Trechend | ||
| Leonese and Asturian dragons | Cuélebre | In Asturian and Leonese mythology the Cuélebres are giant winged serpents, which live in caves where they guard treasures and kidnapped xanas. They can live for centuries and, when they grow really old, they use their wings to fly. Their breath is poisonous and they often kill cattle to eat. The Leonese term Cuelebre comes from Latin colŭbra, i ., |
| Lithuanian dragons | Slibinas | This dragon is more of a hydra with multiple heads, though sometimes it does appear with one head. |
| Aitvaras | Aitvaras is described as a bird with the appearance of a dragon outdoors. An aitvaras will lodge itself in a house and most often refuse to leave. It brings both good and bad luck to the inhabitants of the house, providing its adopted home with stolen gold and grain, often getting the household into trouble. | |
| Žaltys | A household spirit in Lithuanian mythology. Part of prussian, Baltic, Latvian and Lithuanian mythology. | |
| Polish dragons | Wawel Dragon | Also known as Smok Wawelski, from Polish folklore, a dragon that lived in a cave on Wawel Hill on the bank of Vistula River in Kraków and was killed by a clever shoemaker's apprentice. |
| Krepel | Also known as the Bytom Dragon; said to inhabit forests near Bytom. A young farmhand attempted to kill the creature for its treasure, but ended up befriending the dragon. | |
| Spanish / Hispanic dragons | Coca | A mythical ghost-monster, equivalent to the bogeyman, found in many Hispanic or Spanish speaking countries. The Cucuy is a male being while Cuca is a female version of the mythical monster. In Portuguese mythology coca is a female dragon that fights with Saint George. She loses her strength when Saint George cuts off one of her ears. The Tarasca/ C |
| Romanian dragons | Balaur, Zburator | Balaur are very similar to the Slavic zmey: very large, with fins and multiple heads. |
| Slavic dragons | Zmey, zmiy, żmij, змей, or zmaj, or drak, or smok | Similar to the conventional European dragon, but multi-headed. They breathe fire and/or leave fiery wakes as they fly. In Slavic and related tradition, dragons symbolize evil. Specific dragons are often given Turkic names (see Zilant), symbolizing the long-standing conflict between the Slavs and Turks. However, in Serbian and Bulgarian folklore, dr |
| Tatar dragons | Zilant | Similar to a wyvern or cockatrice, the Zilant is the symbol of the city of Kazan. Zilant itself is a Russian rendering of Tatar yılan, i ., snake. By the Tataro-Bulgarian mythology lived in present-day Kazan and is represented on the city's coat of arms. |
· Asian dragons › West Asian dragons
Ebren
Ebren
Anatolian dragons
Ebren
Illuyanka
The Turkish dragon secretes flames from its tail, and there is no mention in any legends of its having wings, or even legs.
Arabian dragons
Arabian dragons
Anatolian dragons
Arabian dragons
Illuyanka
Al Tinnin
Originating from Hittite mythology, a serpentine dragon slain by Tarḫunz.
It contains 31 stars. It became known to Arabs through translations Greek.
Falak
Falak
Anatolian dragons
Falak
Illuyanka
A dragon or serpent of Middle Eastern legend
Bahamut
Bahamut
Anatolian dragons
Bahamut
Illuyanka
A gigantic cosmic winged sea serpent and later became a dragon via borrowing characteristics from Judeo-Christian Leviathan and Bahamut from modern media.
Armenian dragons
Armenian dragons
Anatolian dragons
Armenian dragons
Illuyanka
Vishap
Originating from Hittite mythology, a serpentine dragon slain by Tarḫunz.
Related to European dragons, usually depicted as a winged snake or with a combination of elements from different animals.
Levantine dragons
Levantine dragons
Anatolian dragons
Levantine dragons
Illuyanka
Yam
Originating from Hittite mythology, a serpentine dragon slain by Tarḫunz.
The god of the sea in the Canaanite pantheon from Levantine mythology.
Lotan
Lotan
Anatolian dragons
Lotan
Illuyanka
A demonic dragon reigning the waters, a servant of the sea god Yam defeated by the storm god Hadad-Baʿal in the Ugaritic Baal Cycle. From Levantine mythology and Hebrew scriptures.
Leviathan
Leviathan
Anatolian dragons
Leviathan
Illuyanka
A creature with the form of a sea monster from Jewish belief and from Levantine mythology.
Mesopotamian dragons
Mesopotamian dragons
Anatolian dragons
Mesopotamian dragons
Illuyanka
Abzu
Originating from Hittite mythology, a serpentine dragon slain by Tarḫunz.
from Babylonian mythology, sometimes considered dragons. Would have been located in now present-day Iraq and Syria.
Mušḫuššu
Mušḫuššu
Anatolian dragons
Mušḫuššu
Illuyanka
A creature from ancient Mesopotamian mythology found on Ishtar Gate. A mythological hybrid, it is a scaly dragon with hind legs resembling the talons of an eagle, feline forelegs, a long neck and tail, a horned head, a snake-like tongue, and a crest. Name means "reddish snake", sometimes also translated as "fierce snake".
Tiamat
Tiamat
Anatolian dragons
Tiamat
Illuyanka
From Babylonian mythology, sometimes considered dragons. Would have been located in now present-day Iraq and Syria.
Kur
Kur
Anatolian dragons
Kur
Illuyanka
Kur, the first ever dragon from ancient Sumer, now present-day Southern Iraq.
Persian dragons
Persian dragons
Anatolian dragons
Persian dragons
Illuyanka
Azhdaha
Originating from Hittite mythology, a serpentine dragon slain by Tarḫunz.
A mythical reptilian creature that derives from Persian folklore, a gigantic snake or lizard-like creatures sometimes associated with rains and living in the air, in the sea, or on the earth. It is said that eating the heart of an Azhdaha brings courage and bravery.
Ur
Ur
Anatolian dragons
Ur
Illuyanka
The king of the World of Darkness in Mandaeism, portrayed as a dragon or snake.
Zahhak
Zahhak
Anatolian dragons
Zahhak
Illuyanka
A dragon or serpent described with three heads, and one of the heads is human. However, in later text Zahhak are described a human with two snakes growing off of each shoulder. Zahhak originate in old Persian and Zoroastrian mythology. In some translated versions of the book Alif Laylah (One Thousand and One Arabian Nights) Zahhak is described as a
Agorghan
Agorghan
Anatolian dragons
Agorghan
Illuyanka
A seven-headed dragon, possibly derived from the Gorgon.
Ashmog
Ashmog
Anatolian dragons
Ashmog
Illuyanka
A dragon from Zoroastrian mythology.
| Anatolian dragons | Illuyanka | Originating from Hittite mythology, a serpentine dragon slain by Tarḫunz. |
| Ebren | The Turkish dragon secretes flames from its tail, and there is no mention in any legends of its having wings, or even legs. | |
| Arabian dragons | Al Tinnin | It contains 31 stars. It became known to Arabs through translations Greek. |
| Falak | A dragon or serpent of Middle Eastern legend | |
| Bahamut | A gigantic cosmic winged sea serpent and later became a dragon via borrowing characteristics from Judeo-Christian Leviathan and Bahamut from modern media. | |
| Armenian dragons | Vishap | Related to European dragons, usually depicted as a winged snake or with a combination of elements from different animals. |
| Dragon of Hayk | Symbol of Hayk Nahapet and Haykaznuni dynasty in Armenia. Usually depicted as seven-headed serpent. | |
| Levantine dragons | Yam | The god of the sea in the Canaanite pantheon from Levantine mythology. |
| Lotan | A demonic dragon reigning the waters, a servant of the sea god Yam defeated by the storm god Hadad-Baʿal in the Ugaritic Baal Cycle. From Levantine mythology and Hebrew scriptures. | |
| Leviathan | A creature with the form of a sea monster from Jewish belief and from Levantine mythology. | |
| Mesopotamian dragons | Abzu | from Babylonian mythology, sometimes considered dragons. Would have been located in now present-day Iraq and Syria. |
| Mušḫuššu | A creature from ancient Mesopotamian mythology found on Ishtar Gate. A mythological hybrid, it is a scaly dragon with hind legs resembling the talons of an eagle, feline forelegs, a long neck and tail, a horned head, a snake-like tongue, and a crest. Name means "reddish snake", sometimes also translated as "fierce snake". | |
| Tiamat | From Babylonian mythology, sometimes considered dragons. Would have been located in now present-day Iraq and Syria. | |
| Kur | Kur, the first ever dragon from ancient Sumer, now present-day Southern Iraq. | |
| Persian dragons | Azhdaha | A mythical reptilian creature that derives from Persian folklore, a gigantic snake or lizard-like creatures sometimes associated with rains and living in the air, in the sea, or on the earth. It is said that eating the heart of an Azhdaha brings courage and bravery. |
| Ur | The king of the World of Darkness in Mandaeism, portrayed as a dragon or snake. | |
| Zahhak | A dragon or serpent described with three heads, and one of the heads is human. However, in later text Zahhak are described a human with two snakes growing off of each shoulder. Zahhak originate in old Persian and Zoroastrian mythology. In some translated versions of the book Alif Laylah (One Thousand and One Arabian Nights) Zahhak is described as a | |
| Agorghan | A seven-headed dragon, possibly derived from the Gorgon. | |
| Ashmog | A dragon from Zoroastrian mythology. |
· Asian dragons › South Asian dragons
| Indian dragons | Nāga | A serpentine dragon common to all cultures influenced by Hinduism. They are often cloaked like a mongoose and may have several heads depending on their rank. They usually have no arms or legs but those with limbs resemble the Chinese dragon. Many of the naga are more inclined towards larger snakes, not dragons. Apalāla also known as "Naga King", is |
| Mahoraga | The Mahoraga (Sanskrit: महोरग), also pronounced as Maha-Uraga ("Greater Reptilians") are a race of deities in Buddhism, and Jainism. They are the exalted ones among the Uragas, a race of primordial reptilian beings who are cousins to the nāga. Like the nāga, they are often depicted as anthropomorphic beings with reptilian bodies from the waist down | |
| Vritra | Vritra, also known as "Ahi", is a serpent or dragon and is a major asura in Vedic religion. He is the personification of drought, and adversary of Indra the thunder god and king of heaven. He appears as a dragon blocking the course of the rivers and is heroically slain by Indra. The term ahi is cognate with the Zoroastrian Azi Dahaka. | |
| Pakhangba | A Manipuri dragon, a giant serpent that relates to humans. | |
| Poubi Lai | Poubi Lai (also, Paubi Loi) was an ancient dragon python, who dwelled in the Loktak Lake of Manipur, in Meitei mythology and folklore. It is also referred to as "Loch Ness Monster of Manipur". | |
| Taoroinai | Taoroinai (Meitei: ꯇꯥꯎꯔꯣꯢꯅꯥꯢ, romanized: taau-roy-naay) is a snake-like dragon in Meitei mythology and religion. It lived in the land of the Moon. According to the Shakok Lamlen, the Kangla was constructed over the navel of Taoroinai. |
· Asian dragons › Southeast Asian dragons
Khmer dragons
Khmer dragons
Indonesian/Malay dragons
Khmer dragons
Naga or Nogo
Neak
Derived from the Indian nāga, belief in the Indo-Malay dragon spread throughout Maritime Southeast Asia with Hinduism. The word naga is still the common Malay/Indonesian term for dragon. Like its Indian counterpart, the naga is considered divine in nature, benevolent, and often associated with sacred mountains, forests, or certain parts of the sea.
The Khmer dragon, or neak is derived from the Indian nāga. Like its Indian counterpart, the neak is often depicted with cobra like characteristics such as a hood. The number of heads can be as high as nine, the higher the number the higher the rank. Odd-headed dragons are symbolic of male energy while even headed dragons symbolize female energy. Tr
Filipino dragons
Filipino dragons
Indonesian/Malay dragons
Filipino dragons
Naga or Nogo
Bakunawa
Derived from the Indian nāga, belief in the Indo-Malay dragon spread throughout Maritime Southeast Asia with Hinduism. The word naga is still the common Malay/Indonesian term for dragon. Like its Indian counterpart, the naga is considered divine in nature, benevolent, and often associated with sacred mountains, forests, or certain parts of the sea.
The Bakunawa, who was initially a beautiful goddess, appears as a gigantic serpent that lives in the sea. Ancient natives believed that the Bakunawa caused the moon or the sun to disappear during an eclipse. It is said that during certain times of the year, the Bakunawa arises from the ocean and proceeds to swallow the moon whole. To keep the Bakun
Láwû
Láwû
Indonesian/Malay dragons
Láwû
Naga or Nogo
A serpent from Kapampangan mythology which seeks to swallow the moon, and causes lunar eclipses.
Olimaw
Olimaw
Indonesian/Malay dragons
Olimaw
Naga or Nogo
A winged phantom dragon-serpent from Ilokano mythology. It seeks to swallow the moon.
Sawa
Sawa
Indonesian/Malay dragons
Sawa
Naga or Nogo
A huge serpent monster from Tagalog and Ati mythologies. It attempts to swallow the moon and sun. It is blocked by the god of the sun, Apolaki, and goddess of the moon, Mayari.
Samal Naga
Samal Naga
Indonesian/Malay dragons
Samal Naga
Naga or Nogo
A gigantic, trapped dragon in the milky way. It is said that it will be freed and devour all those not faithful to their respective deities in Samal mythology.
Kanlaon dragon
Kanlaon dragon
Indonesian/Malay dragons
Kanlaon dragon
Naga or Nogo
A mad dragon which used to live in Mount Kanlaon in Negros Island. According to Hiligaynon mythology, it was defeated by the epic heroes, Laon and Kan.
Vietnamese dragons
Vietnamese dragons
Indonesian/Malay dragons
Vietnamese dragons
Naga or Nogo
Rồng or Long
Derived from the Indian nāga, belief in the Indo-Malay dragon spread throughout Maritime Southeast Asia with Hinduism. The word naga is still the common Malay/Indonesian term for dragon. Like its Indian counterpart, the naga is considered divine in nature, benevolent, and often associated with sacred mountains, forests, or certain parts of the sea.
A dragon that is represented with a spiral tail and a long fiery sword-fin. Dragons were personified as a caring mother with her children or a pair of dragons. Much like the Chinese Dragon, The Vietnamese Dragon is a water deity responsible for bringing rain during times of drought. Images of the Dragon King have 5 claws, while images of lesser dra
| Indonesian/Malay dragons | Naga or Nogo | Derived from the Indian nāga, belief in the Indo-Malay dragon spread throughout Maritime Southeast Asia with Hinduism. The word naga is still the common Malay/Indonesian term for dragon. Like its Indian counterpart, the naga is considered divine in nature, benevolent, and often associated with sacred mountains, forests, or certain parts of the sea. |
| Khmer dragons | Neak | The Khmer dragon, or neak is derived from the Indian nāga. Like its Indian counterpart, the neak is often depicted with cobra like characteristics such as a hood. The number of heads can be as high as nine, the higher the number the higher the rank. Odd-headed dragons are symbolic of male energy while even headed dragons symbolize female energy. Tr |
| Filipino dragons | Bakunawa | The Bakunawa, who was initially a beautiful goddess, appears as a gigantic serpent that lives in the sea. Ancient natives believed that the Bakunawa caused the moon or the sun to disappear during an eclipse. It is said that during certain times of the year, the Bakunawa arises from the ocean and proceeds to swallow the moon whole. To keep the Bakun |
| Láwû | A serpent from Kapampangan mythology which seeks to swallow the moon, and causes lunar eclipses. | |
| Olimaw | A winged phantom dragon-serpent from Ilokano mythology. It seeks to swallow the moon. | |
| Sawa | A huge serpent monster from Tagalog and Ati mythologies. It attempts to swallow the moon and sun. It is blocked by the god of the sun, Apolaki, and goddess of the moon, Mayari. | |
| Samal Naga | A gigantic, trapped dragon in the milky way. It is said that it will be freed and devour all those not faithful to their respective deities in Samal mythology. | |
| Kanlaon dragon | A mad dragon which used to live in Mount Kanlaon in Negros Island. According to Hiligaynon mythology, it was defeated by the epic heroes, Laon and Kan. | |
| Vietnamese dragons | Rồng or Long | A dragon that is represented with a spiral tail and a long fiery sword-fin. Dragons were personified as a caring mother with her children or a pair of dragons. Much like the Chinese Dragon, The Vietnamese Dragon is a water deity responsible for bringing rain during times of drought. Images of the Dragon King have 5 claws, while images of lesser dra |
References
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- Drachen: Sage und Naturwissenschaft
- Discovery UKhttps://www.discoveryuk.com/mysteries/the-legend-of-mokele-mbembe-africas-hidden-dinosaur/
- Beasts and Men
- "Episode 002: The Mokele Mbembe and the Coelacanth | Strange Animals Podcast"https://strangeanimalspodcast.blubrry.net/2017/02/13/episode-002-the-mokele-mbembe-and-the-coelacanth/
- Ouest-Francehttp://web.archive.org/web/20231120145149/https://www.ouest-france.fr/leditiondusoir/2021-10-07/expedition-sur-les-traces-du-mysterieux-mokele-mbembe-le-dernier-dragon-dafrique-e221d239-bf18-4d89-8d56-59406930c4e3
- "The Great Dragon Facts Guide To Western And Eastern Dragons"https://onlydinosaurs.com/the-dragon-facts-of-western-and-eastern-dragons/
- Nyanga Tales
- The Mwindo Epic from the Banyanga (Zaire)https://books.google.com/books?id=J6PxbekQSY4C&q=kirimu+dragon+-final+-fantasy&pg=PA130