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“The dragons of China and Japan are almost exclusively benevolent mythological creatures…Its benevolence signifies greatness, goodness and blessings. Instead of being feared and hated the Chinese dragons are highly respected creatures of good fortune that bring ultimate abundance, prosperity and good fortune…Everything connected with Eastern Dragons is blessed. The Year of the Dragon that takes place ever twelve years is lucky. Present-day Oriental astrologers claim that children born during Dragon Years enjoy health, wealth, and long life. Dragons are so wise that they have been royal advisors…”
Source: Dragons of China
…In contrast to Western mythology, Asian dragons are rarely depicted as malevolent. Although fearsome and powerful, dragons are equally considered just, benevolent, and the bringers of wealth and good fortune. The dragon is also considered a shape shifter who can assume human form and mate with people.
Dragons figure importantly in folk beliefs throughout Asia, and are dressed heavily in Buddhist garb. In India, the birthplace of Buddhism around 500 BC, pre-Buddhist snake or serpentine-like creatures known as the NAGA were incorporated early on into Buddhist mythology…
…In both China and Japan, the character for "dragon" (see orange-colored ideogram at top of page) is used often in temple names, and dragon carvings adorn many temple structures. Most Japanese Zen temples, moreover, have a dragon painted on the ceiling of their assembly halls.
Source: Onmark Productions
“The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” - Revelation 12:9
“He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.” - Revelation 20:2
“And Jehovah God said unto the woman, What is this thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.” –Genesis 3:13
My armour is like tenfold shields, my teeth are swords, my claws spears, the shock of my tail a thunderbolt, my wings a hurricane, and my breath death!”
–Smaug the Dragon, The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien
Originally posted by Partygirl
reply to post by SpartanKingLeonidas
Interesting, thanks.
So if I understand you correctly, you believe the difference is rooted in some kind of different relationship with animals? If I recall, it is technically a sin to eat meat in Buddhism (even though most do) for reasons of cruelty; meanwhile Judeo-Christianity is full of sacrifice and slaughtering of fatted calves and that sort of stuff. Hmmm.
Quote from : Wikipedia : Rikki Tikki Tavi
Rikki-Tikki-Tavi is a short story in The Jungle Book (1894) by Rudyard Kipling about the adventures of a valiant young mongoose.
The story is notable for its frightening and serious tone.
It has often been anthologised and has also been published more than once as a short book in its own right.
The story was also adapted into an animated TV special by American animator Chuck Jones in 1975.
That same year the story was adapted as a Russian animated short film.
Originally posted by Partygirl
Why this big difference? And is it split so cleanly along a geographic east-west divide?