Dragons and Other Mythical Creatures

A few weeks ago after one of the lessons we were working on, went off on a tangent, we spent time meeting real dragons. A couple of days ago, after the kids were done playing dragon games, they started wondering about the source of the word ‘dragon’. I love such question and immediately looked it up. The word Dragon has its roots in the ancient Greek work draconta which means ‘to watch’. In most dragon mythology, dragons watch over a treasure, which can be won by vanquishing the dragon. In some Chinese communities, dragons are said to watch over people and so are revered.

As I was reading about mythical dragons, I decided to talk to the kids about other mythical creature. I started with my favorite:

Elves

Elves whistling while they work by Jason Epplink

These have fascinated me ever since I first heard the story of the elves which helped the shoemaker. Who wouldn’t like elves? I wanted one of these pointed ear creatures, to help me with all my homework and chores as a child, and now as a grown up I want one to help me out magically with all my chores. Interestingly some elves are capable of hindering everyday lives of people too. All I can say is – I wouldn’t want to meet one of those!

Pegasus

  

"The-Winged-Horse" by Mary Hamilton Frye - Mabie, Hamilton Wright (Ed.): “Myths Every Child Should Know” (1914). Licensed under Public Domain via Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The-Winged-Horse.jpg#/media/File:The-Winged-Horse.jpg

This mythical flying horse with wings from Greek mythology would be a great friend to have on days when one is stuck in thick traffic. Pegasus is supposed to be white all over or white with golden wings. There is even a constellation named after him. Pegasus is one of the commonest icons found on ancient Greek pottery and other artwork from later periods of time.

Phoenix

"Phoenix-Fabelwesen" by Bertuch-fabelwesen.JPG: Friedrich Johann Justin Bertuch (1747-1822)derivative work: Tsaag Valren (talk) - Bertuch-fabelwesen.JPG. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Phoenix-Fabelwesen.jpg#/media/File:Phoenix-Fabelwesen.jpg

This bird with bright colored plumage is a mythical bird representing death and rebirth. After a long life, it is reduced to ashes and then rises to be a new bird. References to this mythical bird can be found in Egyptian, Persian, Greek and other civilizations and cultures too. 

We stopped at just three. Cultures across the world have many more, but that was for another day and time. In the meantime, let me go check if the elves have done the dishes!