Are Dragons in Our DNA?

Painted by Friedrich Johann Justin Bertuch, 1806

by Catherine Giordano

I just finished reading An Instinct for Dragons by David E. Jones. He has a fascinating theory about the origins of dragons.   

Dragons are mythical creatures. They do not exist and they never have existed.  Why then, does every culture in the world have dragon mythology? 

The answer according to Jones lies deep in our DNA, and is based on an instinctive fear of the three main predators who preyed on early mammals, our simian ancestors, and humans. Individuals who instinctively fled these predators had a survival advantage which was passed on through their genes. 

The three predators are the snake, the large birds of prey (raptors, eagles) and the big cats (lions and tigers.) The dragon is a combination of these three animals—the reptilian body of the snake, the wings of the raptor, the jaws of the big cats. 

CLICK HERE
to see the book

 

If the theory is correct, we have the fear of dragons in our DNA.

The specific depiction of the dragon varies from cultures to culture, but the three elements of snake, raptor, and cat are always present.

 

Do you see these animals in the picture above?

 

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I discuss this in more detail
in The Dragon Files: Do Humans Have Dragon DNA?
  

Baby Dragon Loves Mama Dragon

by Catherine Giordano

My birthday is February 11 very close to Valentine's Day.  So my birthday and Valentine's Day are often celebrated together.

My son knows I like dragons so he made this combination birthday and Valentine's Day card
for me. 

It's probably not going to win any art show awards, but I still have it hanging on the living room wall.

CLICK HERE
TO LOOK INSIDE

I'm glad I bought him that dragon art book when he was little.

Once we could only put our children's art on the refrigerator, now we can put it online for the world to see.

If a Dragon Whispers in Your Ear ...

CLICK HERE
to see this dragon ear clip
and other dragon jewelry
 

by Catherine Giordano

If a dragon whispers in your ear, it may be a sign that good fortune is headed your way.  

In western folklore, the dragon is commonly depicted as an malevolent creature in need of slaying, but in China (and other Asian countries) the dragon is generally signifies good fortune.  

In ancient Chinese mythology dragons are the ultimate symbol of Chi (energy). The dragon symbolizes new beginnings, high achievement, prosperity, and success.