Friday 24 May 2013

Vietnamese Dragons

The Vietnamese Dragon is found all over South-East Asia. The Vietnamese people are supposedly descended from a dragon and a fairy in an ancient creation legend. The Vietnamese dragon is much influenced by the Chinese Dragon due to Chinese control in Antiquity. There are some vital differences however. The features of its physical appearance vary from its Chinese counterpart, and their traits and personalities also differ slightly.
The Vietnamese dragon is constructed from nine animals that we have all heard of. These are the Chameleon, the Tiger, the Carp, the Giant Stag, the Eagle, the Hare, the Buffalo, the Snake, and the Clam. The head is of the chameleon, the scales are of the carp, the horns of a giant stag, the eyes of a hare, the neck of a snake, the belly of a clam, the feet of a tiger, and the talons of an eagle.
The Vietnamese dragon is a deity of the sky, guarding the heavens. However, it has the ability to live under water, in the tallest mountains, underground, and on our level. This is because they are immortal, never dying. It is believed that it has spittle that can turn an object or creature into fire or water. It only does this when seriously provoked by an aggressor.
It is because the dragon is a creature of power and majesty that the Vietnamese royal family made them a symbol of royalty and power, as well as wealth. It is the noblest of all creatures and the most important of the four Great Creatures of Vietnam. Unfortunately the dragon could also be the most dangerous of all creatures. Its body was designed to be a lethal weapon. Even if someone were able to hurt the dragon, they would be in for a great surprise. Fury would envelope the creature, and his wrath would be devastating. Crops would fail, and the rivers would become dry. Even the air became stale, and the plague spread like wild fire. The Vietnamese dragon was not an aggressive beast however. It was fierce and powerful, but never attacked unless provoked or hungry.
It is now thought that the Vietnamese dragon was greatly influenced by the Chinese dragon, but key characteristics are clearly linked to species of lizard found in Vietnam. This explanation appears to fit, and the modern community believe the creature is concocted from native creatures. Many locals however still believe that the Dragon is very real, and their minds will not be changed. Make up your own mind; is the Vietnamese dragon real?

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