Tracing the Dragon: A Study of the Origin and Evolution of the Dragon Myth in the History and Literature of the British Isles

Abstract

Humans have invented such a variety of monsters to populate tales and nightmares that a comprehensive study of them all would be the work of a lifetime. And even if one were to pin down one particular breed, as I have done in this study with the dragon, the manifestations of the myth are so varied that a single dissertation is hardly enough to cover them all. There is an enormous quantity of dragon-related tales and traditions and this is a myth that is found in most cultures in the world, as well as in practically all periods of history. This study analyzes some of the most relevant examples found in the geographical context of the British Isles. A thorough examination of literary texts, legends and traditions provides the researcher with a series of elements that are common to the majority of the stories, and which help to understand the creative process of the myth and its impact on the social context where it is produced. Therefore, it is apparent that the myth of the dragon must first have appeared as an agent of fertility, as well as a symbol of the passage to the underworld and, as such, it developed a number of features that enhanced this symbolism: the serpent-like appearance, the subterranean realm, the presence of water or the hoard of gold are but four characteristics that feature prominently in most dragon tales and which may be explained on these terms. During the Middle Ages, the customary episode including the dragon was the conflict in which a hero had to save a maiden, a community, or both, from the threat of the monster. During this period, the usual traditional elements were still present, but the focus of the story had shifted to the hero and his plight, whereas the dragon became the necessary agent for the hero to vanquish and achieve his glory. This heroic agenda continued well until the 19th century and some 20th-century works still resort to this well-known structure. However, the 20th century, especially the second half of the century, was witness to a revolution in the treatment of the myth and some of the most striking variations started to take place: heroes became extremely reluctant to fight their dragons, maidens spoke up and stepped into heroic roles and some dragons developed a pacifistic streak not at all in accord with what tradition dictates. This, as it also happens in other periods of history, is but a reflection of the needs and values of the social community that creates these stories. In conclusion, it is possible to trace the dragon in practically any historical period and there are a series of elements that will always feature in these tales. However, while these elements usually stay the same, their meaning changes, and so does the value of these stories in the particular social context in which they are produced. And yet, even in spite of all the changes that each human era has brought about, one feature has never varied, and that is the endless fascination that these creatures inspire. This is in itself sufficient reason to study the dragon.