CHINESE LOONG AND KOREAN YONG DRAGONS IN ANCIENT MYTHS

Drakenkind’s storm serpents have a lot in common with the Chinese Loong and Korean Yong Dragons from Asian mythology. Eastern dragons are usually long, snakelike creatures with four legs and no wings. They are often shown with features from various animals. These include a face like a camel, staglike antlers or horns, and a tiger’s feet tipped with eaglelike talons.

A dragon sculpture in the Forbidden City in Beijing, China

In Chinese myths, dragons are often godlike beings or messengers to the gods. Some are tiny. Some are very large. Dragons in these legends can often change their shape, size, or how they look. In one Chinese tale, some dragons turned themselves into the four major rivers of China.

Eastern dragons usually have other magical abilities as well. They can control weather and water. They can bring rain or cause floods. Although they don’t have wings, these dragons can use magic to fly. In some Korean legends, dragons hold round orbs or large pearls to use their magic.