Ancient myths and legends are full of dragons. These beasts walk or swim, but many of them fly as well. The stories about flying dragons and serpents come from every corner of the glob. This article covers four popular flying dragons from myth and legend.
Amphipteres
With dragon-like heads holding multiple tongues and razor sharp fangs, these winged serpents flew through Britain's skies throughout history. Sightings were reported all the way through the 1600s. They were often said to prey on sheep and people.
The same type of winged dragons were reported in India. These sky serpents only came out at night and used urine as a defense mechanism. The urine was said to be like acid and could melt the skin of any person unfortunate enough to pass below.
The ancient Middle East also had winged sky dragons. Crops and herds of livestock would be devastated, according to legend, by these small snake-like beasts. The stories say that ibis birds ate the snakes and thus they became lucky to have around in Arabia and Egypt.
Egyptian Gods and Goddesses
Sky serpents and winged dragons were well represented in the Egyptian pantheon of gods and goddesses. Mertseger, a serpent with wwings, Apep, who battled the sun god Ra nightly, and Bulto, a crowned cobra, were all representations of dragons in mythology. Some were associated with death, and some were said to protect the pharoah.
Quetzalcoatl
This feathered serpent is a god from ancient Mexico. This dragon existed throughout the Mayan and Aztec worlds and was the god of wind, life, and wisdom. The modern day quetzal bird, with its elaborate feathers, gets its name from this famous dragon of lore.
Deities of China
Nothing like the western counterparts, Chinese dragons do not usually have wings. Instead, they fly through the air by using magic. They have long snake-like bodies with short legs, long tails, and giant heads complete with horns and beards.
These Asian style sky serpents were said to be both negative and positive creatures. Some bring rain, some keep jewels and treasures, and some inspire bad behavior.
