[One Thousand Characters a Day] The World Seen Through Symbols <3> - The Difference Between Yong and Dragon

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Today, we introduce a story about the imaginary 'dragon' from ＜The World Seen Through Symbols＞ by Dr. Kim Nang-ye (Humanitas College, Kyung Hee University). Since ancient times, dragons have been regarded as very important and sacred creatures in East Asian cultures, whereas in the West, they have mainly been perceived as evil beings to be defeated and driven away. Let’s explore what differentiated the dragon and the 'dragon' (deuraegon) and how this dichotomous symbolism has evolved over time. The text contains 929 characters.

In the West, dragons are evil beings that must be defeated. Therefore, in the Middle Ages, knights who defeated dragons were heroes. Saint George, the patron saint of England, is a representative example. In Greek mythology, the hero Perseus defeats a sea monster, which can be considered a prototype of a dragon, and rescues Princess Andromeda, who was offered as a sacrifice. In the story of Jason, who embarks on an adventure to reclaim his stolen throne, a fearsome dragon guarding the Golden Fleece without sleep also appears.

Thus, dragons in both the East and West are imaginary creatures, but their characteristics are very different. While Eastern dragons bring rain, Western dragons breathe fire. Eastern dragons live in the Dragon Palace deep under the sea, whereas Western dragons dwell in rocky crevices or dark caves. In the movie ＜The Hobbit＞, you can see a scene where a dragon greedily guards all kinds of treasures in a dark cave.

However, as culture changes, it has become impossible to view Eastern and Western dragons simply in a dichotomy of good and evil. In the West, the dragon appearing in the animation ＜Shrek＞ is a large creature but shows a pure side in the face of love. In ＜How to Train Your Dragon＞, the dragon is the protagonist’s inseparable best friend. These changes can be seen as positive.

In contrast, the symbolism of the Eastern dragon seems to have faded considerably. The proverb 'A dragon rises from a small stream'?which once gave hope even in difficult circumstances?is no longer valid. In the past, even in tough environments, one could become a 'dragon' through hard work, but nowadays, it has become a world where success is difficult without full support from family or parents.

No one is unaware that dragons are not real animals, but I hope the symbolism of dragons will be remembered. They are symbols of protection that guard our lives and symbols of hope that, after long hardships, grasp the Yeouiju (a mythical orb) and soar into the sky. I hope you too will rise powerfully like a dragon.

- Kim Nang-ye, ＜The World Seen Through Symbols＞, Changbi Education, 15,000 KRW