Dragons: One Of The Most Popular Mythical Creatures
Many times dragons breath fire, and their blood is poisonous. They often live in or are associated with water. They can control the weather, especially causing storms, or disasters. Usually they can fly, even if they do not have wings. They often guard something of value, like knowledge or some type of treasure, and of course, they usually have magical or supernatural powers.
Today, the most popular stories are either based on the Oriental Dragons, who are usually benevolent, and the European Dragons, who are malevolent.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rules.
(Image: "Saint George and the Dragon" - Paolo Uccello c. 1470)
Dragons In Early History
The oldest known depictions of mythical dragons were left by the Xinglongwa people who lived in northeastern China between 6000 and 5000 BC.
The oldest know writings about dragons date back to the Sumerian story of Anzu, also known as Zu and Anzud, around 3500 BC.
The written stories of the Egyptian dragon Apep, are believed to also date back to the 3rd millennium BC (approx. 3300-1200 BC).
Marduk Kills The Goddess Tiamat

In Ancient Assyria Merodach Does Battle with a Dragon Art Giclee Poster Print, 24x18
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Eastern Dragons
Unlike Western dragons, Eastern Dragons are ancient, divine creatures, usually considered beautiful, friendly, and wise.

Worshiped as gods of the waters, they were believed to control the rain, rivers, lakes, and seas. It was believed that they ascended to the skies each spring to make rain for the benefit of people who offered sacrifices and worship for favorable weather and good harvest They are majestic and not to be feared, but regarded with honor and respect.
Dragons are considered the highest of all creatures being able to live in the land, sea, and air. They represent celestial and terrestrial power, the ultimate force of nature, and greatest divine force on earth. They symbolize, good fortune, health, wealth, wisdom, and strength. They ward off evil spirits and protect the innocent. Regarded as the supreme spiritual power, Dragons personify the male Yang of the Yin and Yang, with the phoenix, or fenghuang being the Yin.
Eastern dragons are not always benevolent, they have their destructive and aggressive side. Just as water destroys, so can the dragons in the form of floods, tidal waves and storms. Some of the worst floods were believed to have been the result of a mortal upsetting a dragon. Dragons can also be the cause of drought by collecting all the water in baskets.
One of the oldest creatures in Eastern mythology, dragons are found in architecture, art, literature, poetry, and songs through out the Orient. Long associated with the Chinese rulers, some believed the Emperors could change into dragons, and some Emperors actually claimed dragon heritage. The dragon was the emblem of the Imperial family, and before the founding of the republic, an image of a dragon was on the Imperial flag of China.
The first Emperor of China, Huang Di used a snake for his coat of arms. Every time he conquered another tribe, he added his defeated enemy's emblem into his own. This explains why the Eastern dragon appears to have features of various animals. At the end of his reign, Emperor Huang Di was said to have been immortalized into a dragon that resembled his emblem, and ascended to Heaven. Since many Chinese people consider Huang Di as their ancestor, they sometimes refer to themselves as "Descendants of the Dragon".

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Yin YangFabric Poster
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Dragon - Ying Yang Fabric Poster
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Dragon Celebrations
The dragon is one of the twelve animals of Chinese astrology, and the next year of the Dragon will start in 2012.

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Dragon Festival, Chinatown, San Francisco, California Art Print
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Men Performing Dragon Dance, Macau, China Photographic Print
I'Anson, Richard
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Dragon Dance Performers, Sunday Morning Festival Celebrations, Shengmu Temple, Luerhmen Photographic Print
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Chinese Dragon Dance, Japanese Wood-Cut Print Giclee Print
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The (Chinese Zodiac) Dragon Giclee Print
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The 12 Creatures of the Chinese Zodiac Positioned in Opposing Pairs Framed Giclee Print
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Chinese New Year Dragon Dance
Pearls Of Wisdom

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Dragon Guards Pearl of Wisdom Giclee Print
Eastman, Ryan
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Legend of the Chinese Dragon (English and Mandarin Chinese Edition)
In ancient China, the different tribes lived under the protection of benevolent spirits that took the form of animals--fish, ox, bird, horse, and serpent. But, as often happens, the tribes grew envious of each other and began to fight amongst themselves in the names of their spirits.
The children decided to declare a war on war by creating a creature that combined the best of all the spirits and would protect all the people.
To this day, the dragon is a symbol of peace and plays an especially important role in the celebration of the Chinese New Year.
This timely message of cooperation and empowerment makes this book especially appealing to trade and institutional accounts.
Communities with significant Chinese populations will also have a special interest in this title. Catherine Louis' Liu and the Bird was a critical hit with review journals, teachers, and librarians.
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: North-South Books; Bilingual edition (August 31, 2007)
Language: English, Mandarin Chinese
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Chinese Dragons (Images of Asia)
This richly illustrated volume takes the reader on a journey through the complexities of dragon lore: the evolution of the Chinese dragon, the different types of dragons and their uses, the diverse art inspired by dragons, and dragon legends and sightings.
Author Roy Bates first became captivated by Chinese dragons when working in the country in the late 1970s, and has since written numerous articles on the dragon, the Forbidden City, and other aspects of Chinese culture and history.
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Journeys to the East - The River Dragon King (Learn Chinese for Children)
Journeys to the East is a Chinese language learning adventure for kids 3 and up!
Learn Chinese by going on an exciting adventure through ancient China. Journeys to the East weaves Chinese vocabulary, phrases and sentences seamlessly into the adventure so children learn Chinese as they follow Jason and Jenny in their quest to help the River Dragon King.
Your children will glimpse the rich history and culture of China through the characters and settings in the adventure. In this DVD, we introduce the mystical River Dragon King and cultural icons like Terracotta Warriors.
Features include:
- 50+ vocabulary words: greetings, numbers, fruits, body and face parts
- Six fun sing-along songs
- Optional subtitles with simplified Chinese characters and Pinyin
Great for kids who are just learning Chinese.
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Dragon: Chinese Feng Shui Music
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Graduation Father's Day Corporate Gift Idea for Him - Chinese Prosperity Dragon Statue w/ Gift Box
Cast resin & stone composite figure, the Tao Sea Dragon, clutching the proverbial pearl, beautifully detailed, ships in easy to wrap, sateen lined gift box.
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Popular Medieval Dragon Stories In Print

Beowulf and Dragon Giclee Print
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From the Volsunga saga, we get The Slaying of Fafnir in which the epic's hero, Sigurd, slays Fafnir the Dragon. In Beowulf, Beowulf's last battle is with an unnamed Dragon.
Both of these stories are believed to date back as far as the 7th century AD, and have had a strong influence on the modern western view of Dragons.
Loosely based on the Volsunga saga, Richard Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen, has Fanfer as the dragon and Siegfried is the hero.

Fafner Art Print
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Smaug, the dragon in J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit is a mix of the dragons from the Volsunga saga and Beowulf

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Sunsout Smaug Dragon 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
Own Your Own Copies Of These Classic Dragon Stories
The Saga of the Volsungs (Penguin Classics)
One of the great books of world literature--an unforgettable tale of jealousy, unrequited love, greed, and vengeance.
Based on Viking Age poems and composed in thirteenth-century Iceland, The Saga of the Volsungs combines mythology, legend, and sheer human drama in telling of the heroic deeds of Sigurd the dragon slayer, who acquires runic knowledge from one of Odin's Valkyries.
Yet the saga is set in a very human world, incorporating oral memories of the fourth and fifth centuries, when Attila the Hun and other warriors fought on the northern frontiers of the Roman empire.
In his illuminating Introduction Jesse L. Byock links the historical Huns, Burgundians, and Goths with the extraordinary events of this Icelandic saga.
With its ill-fated Rhinegold, the sword reforged, and the magic ring of power, the saga resembles the Nibelungenlied and has been a primary source for such fantasy writers as J. R. R. Tolkien and for Richard Wagner's Ring cycle.
Translated with an Introduction, Notes, and Glossary by Jesse L. Byock.
Beowulf: A Dual-Language Edition
The first major poem in English literature, Beowulf tells the story of the life and death of the legendary hero Beowulf in his three great battles with supernatural monsters.
The ideal Anglo-Saxon warrior-aristocrat, Beowulf is an example of the heroic spirit at its finest.
Leading Beowulf scholar Howell D. Chickering, Jr.'s, fresh and lively translation, featuring the Old English on facing pages, allows the reader to encounter Beowulf as poetry.
This edition incorporates recent scholarship and provides historical and literary context for the modern reader. It includes the following:
- An introduction
- A guide to reading aloud
- A chart of royal genealogies
- Notes on the background of the poem
- Critical commentary
- Glosses on the eight most famous passages, for the student who wishes to translate from the original
- A extensive bibliography
Wagner's Ring of the Nibelung
The full German text with a new translation and commentaries.
There has long been a need for a modern English translation of Wagner's Ring--a version that is reliable and readable yet at the same time is a true reflection of the literary quality of the German libretto.
Stewart Spencer's well-reviewed translation, which follows the verse form of the original exactly, has filled that niche. It reads smoothly and idiomatically yet is the result of prolonged thought and deep background knowledge.
The translation is accompanied by Spencer's introductory essay on the libretto and a series of specially commissioned texts by Barry Millington, Roger Hollinrake, Elizabeth Magee, and Warren Darcy that discuss the cycle's musical structure, philosophical implications, medieval sources, and Wagner's own changing attitude to its meaning.
With a glossary of names, a review of audio and video recordings, and a select bibliography, the book serves as an essential complement to Wagner's great epic.
16 b/w illustrations.
Dragon Calendars
TOM WOOD The Dragons 2010 WALL CALENDAR
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Dragons by Ciruelo 2010 Wall Calendar (Calendar)
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Dungeons and Dragons 2010 Wall Calendar
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Dragons by Ciruelo 2010 Mini Wall Calendar (Calendar)
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Dragons by Ciruelo 2010 Daily Boxed Calendar (Calendar)
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Children's Dragon Stories

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Her stories were also strong influences on other popular children's story authors such as P. L. Travers (author of Mary Poppins), C. S. Lewis, and J. K. Rowling (I think I identify with E Nesbit more than any other writer - J.K. Rowling).
Before he wrote The Lord Of The Rings, J. R. R. Tolkien wrote The Hobbit, or There and Back Again mainly for the enjoyment of his own children. The object of the quest was to defeat a treasure hoarding dragon named Smaug.
In 2007, Puff the Magic Dragon was adapted into a Children's book. It had been made into a popular 30 minute animated film in 1978.
There are also a few dragons in J. K. Rowling's series of Harry Potter books.
Dragon Books For Children
The Seven Dragons and Other Stories
Most of the eleven stories in this collection were originally published in The Strand Magazine in 1899.
Like Nesbit's other works, these tales are charming and will delight children of all ages.
Included are such memorable stories as "The Book of Beasts," (where young Lionel is crowned king, but accidentally releases a dangerous fire dragon on his kingdom and must find a way to return the dragon to the magic book from whence it came), "The Island of the Nine Whirlpools" (featuring a princess and her true love, Nigel, who find the way -- via love and mathematics -- to free her from the curse her wicked father wished upon her), and "The Last of the Dragons" (about a princess who, not wanting to uphold the tradition that all royal maidens must be rescued from the dragon by their prince, insists that she be allowed to fight the dragon herself -- only to discover that this particular dragon is not at all interested in eating Princesses . . . nor in being killed by one).
The Hobbit: 70th Anniversary Edition
A new edition of The Hobbit with a short introduction by Christopher Tolkien, a reset text incorporating the most up-to-date corrections, and all of Tolkien's own drawings and color illustrations, including the rare "Mirkwood" piece.
The Dragons of Tarnack
With the evil queen Lucivia defeated, King Venus and Queen Grimelda assume the throne of Acadia, but their adventures are far from over when Carrina magically transports everyone to a kingdom once ruled by dragons.
The Dragons of Tarnack, is the third exciting magical adventure in the Princess Carrina series for Young Readers.
The Kingfisher Treasury of Dragon Stories (The Kingfisher Treasury of Stories)
Fifteen dragon stories from around the world make up this fantastic collection, including contributions from such favorite authors as Kathryn Cave, Jamila Gavin, and Robin Klein.
Featuring evil dragons, cheerful dragons, depressed dragons, and even a shrinking dragon, this lively book will entertain dragon hunters everywhere.
Puff, the Magic Dragon
With Yarrow's and Lipton's blessing, Puff, Jackie Paper, and the land of Honalee finally live on the page.
The exquisite package includes a cloth case with a tipped-in illustration and an embossed jacket with foil touches, as well as an exclusive CD featuring not only Puff, but several other songs performed by Yarrow, his daughter Bethany, and cellist Rufus Cappadocia.
More Dragon Books For Children
Drawing Dragons: Learn How to Create Fantastic Fire-Breathing Dragons
T-Rex may be king of the dinosaurs and the lion may be king of the jungle, but the undisputed, hands-down ruler of mythical creatures is the dragon.
Now, anyone with an interest in drawing these amazing creatures can follow the program in this book and learn to do it.
Avoiding the "copy-it-yourself" approach found in other books, Sandra Staple teaches readers all the skills they need to create their own dragon menagerie. Every step is presented with ease and clarity, taking the bewilderment out of the drawing process and showing that great complexity begins with utmost simplicity.
For beginners, there's a special primer section, while more experienced artists can dive right in to drawing the mythical creatures that fill their imaginations.
Dragon Rider
It's a fantasy, it's long, and it's got dragons in it. Dragon Rider is bound to be another hit book from Cornelia Funke!
Ever since the popularity of bestselling fantasies The Thief Lord and Inkheart went global a few years ago, legions of fans have demanded more books from the German author than she can reasonably hope to write each year.
So, re-discovering this hefty, earlier novel from 1997 was a logical development--and her keenest readers will devour it as before.
Aimed at slightly younger readers than her previous novels, despite its massive five hundred pages, Dragon Rider is about a brave young dragon called Firedrake who embarks upon a dangerous journey to the Rim of Heaven in the Himalayas--a magical place where silver dragons can rest easy, free from the threat of destruction by mankind and their only hope of sanctuary. The key to its location is a map rendered by a rat who is a master cartographer.
Firedrake is joined on his quest by Ben, an orphaned boy, and Sorrell--a wise-cracking Brownie that is an odd, but ingenious, grumpy kind of fairy.
Their journey is not a straightforward one by any means. Created by an alchemist called Petrosius Henbane in 1424, Nettlebrand (a malevolent creature covered in impenetrable gold plates) is their biggest threat--he is intent on destroying them.
Nettlebrand is aided by Twigleg, a homunculus who has stowed away in Ben's bag and who is feeding reports on their progress back to his master.
Their exciting encounters are many... It is easy to forgive the narrative's excessive length when readers are gorging on such a wonderfully inventive and readable story from an author who has her readers in the palm of her hand on every page.
(Age 9 and over) --John McLay
The Dragonology Handbook: A Practical Course in Dragons (Ologies)
Do you want to make dragons your life's work?
Do you want to dedicate yourself to protecting and conserving the earth's remaining dragons?
If so, Dr. Drake needs you!
The indispensable DRAGONOLOGY HANDBOOK: A Practical Course in Dragons is your path to becoming a certified Dragonologist and a member of the S.A.S.D. (Secret and Ancient Society of Dragonologists).
This comprehensive curriculum includes: * Invisibility spells to memorize * Charts to complete * Maps to shade in * Matching exercises * Room for journal entries and personal observations * Experiments to conduct * Instructions for making a dragon "attractor" * And a detachable "Certificate of Dragonological Achievement" suitable for framing upon completion of the coursework.
Special items also included in this course book: * A copy of Dr. Drake's own school report card! * A pullout official ID card from the S.A.S.D. * Four sheets of stickers featuring dragons and memorabilia from Dr. Drake's own archives (vintage ads and posters)
How many classic riddles do you know that could help you survive a dragon encounter? What dragon species attacks its victims with a "frosty blast" instead of a jet of flame? Which historical questions should you ask a dragon to determine its age? Can you write your name using only dragon runes?
Learn the answers as Dr. Drake guides you through twenty-one lessons that promise to make you an undisputed expert in Dragonology!
Ages 9-12
How to Raise and Keep a Dragon
Why keep a dragon?
There are many reasons.
What else can protect your treasure . . . impress your friends . . . make diamonds out of coal . . . work as a model for coats of arms . . . heat your home?
Kids who enjoy whimsy will be delighted by this beautifully illustrated owner's manual for dragon fanciers. It tells about the wide range of different dragons available, the characteristics of each, and the equipment and supplies that every dragon owner should have on hand. (For instance, a fire extinguisher.)
The book is a fanciful blend of dragon lore and colorful art, the latter including diagrams of parts of winged and non-winged dragons, portraits of sea serpents, depictions of Asian dragons, and many others.
More than 250 color illustrations in all. Here's a book that's fun from first page to last.
Plush Dragon
Plush Jade Blue Dragon 15"
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This plush blue dragon toy is perfect for defending castles, or playing with a young child!
Jade is made with quality materials so it can be loved and treasured for a life time. This plush dragon is made with polyester fibers, is surface washable, and has sparkling wings.
Approximately 7 inches tall, and 15 inches long, and is intended for children 18 months and older.
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Dragonriders Of Pern

Pern, The Amazing World Of Anne McCaffrey
In October, 1967, Analog magazine brought us a whole new type of dragon story when they published Anne McCaffrey's Weyr Search which started her very popular and long running Dragonriders of Pern series. (Weyr Search and the second story, Dragonrider, were latter released together as the series' first full novel, Dragonflight).
In 1968, Weyr Search tied with Philip José Farmer's Riders of the Purple Wage for Best Novella (Hugo Awards). In the same year, Dragonrider received a Nebula Award for Best Novella.
Dragonriders of Pern novels to be nominated for a Hugo Award for Best Novel, but didn't win were Dragonquest in 1972, The White Dragon in 1979, Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern in 1984 and All the Weyrs of Pern in 1992.
Check out more about the Dragonriders of Pern stories:
Anne McCaffrey's The Dragonriders Of Pern
Eragon And The Inheritance Cycle
The 3rd book in this series, Brisingr (Inheritance, Book 3), was released in September 2008. At that time, all three books (now known as the >Inheritance Cycle) were released as a boxed set. A fourth book is now in the works.

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The IInheritance Cycle Books
Inheritance 3-Book Hardcover Boxed Set (Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr)
WITH THE HIGHLY anticipated publication of Book Three in the Inheritance cycle, the hardcover editions of all three books will be available in a handsome boxed set!
Eragon (Inheritance)
When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself. Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power.
With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds.
Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands. . . . --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Eldest (Inheritance)
Darkness falls%u2026despair abounds%u2026evil reigns%u2026
Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire.
Now Eragon must travel to Ellesmera, land of the elves, for further training in the skills of the Dragon Rider: magic and swordsmanship. Soon he is on the journey of a lifetime, his eyes open to awe-inspring new places and people, his days filled with fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and nothing is what it seems. Before long, Eragon doesn't know whom he can trust.
Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle-one that might put Eragon in even graver danger.
Will the king's dark hand strangle all resistance? Eragon may not escape with even his life. . . .
Inheritance Cycle Omnibus: Eragon and Eldest (The Inheritance Cycle)
Enjoy every word of the first two books in the Inheritance cycle in one convenient volume. Featuring brand new cover art and never before seen original manuscript pages!
Brisingr (Inheritance, Book 3)
OATHS SWORN . . . loyalties tested . . . forces collide.
Following the colossal battle against the Empire's warriors on the Burning Plains, Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have narrowly escaped with their lives. Still there is more at hand for the Rider and his dragon, as Eragon finds himself bound by a tangle of promises he may not be able to keep.
First is Eragon's oath to his cousin Roran: to help rescue Roran's beloved, Katrina, from King Galbatorix's clutches. But Eragon owes his loyalty to others, too. The Varden are in desperate need of his talents and strength-as are the elves and dwarves.
When unrest claims the rebels and danger strikes from every corner, Eragon must make choices- choices that take him across the Empire and beyond, choices that may lead to unimagined sacrifice.
Eragon is the greatest hope to rid the land of tyranny. Can this once-simple farm boy unite the rebel forces and defeat the king?
Favorite Dragon Books
Favorite Dragon-related books. Vote them up, or down. Did I miss any? Feel free to add to the list!
Dragons In Movies And On TV
Sure these were meant for kids, and they are still fun to watch today, but with the special effects they have today the dragons can really come to life.
Pete's Dragon (Disney Gold Classic Collection)
Pete, a young orphan, runs away to a Maine fishing town with his best friend--a lovable, sometimes invisible dragon named Elliott!
When they are taken in by a kind lighthouse keeper, Nora (Helen Reddy), and her father (Mickey Rooney), Elliott's prank playing lands them in big trouble. Then, when crooked salesmen try to capture Elliott for their own gain, Pete must attempt a daring rescue.
H.R. Pufnstuf - The Complete Series
Take a "trip" back in time to a place that made Saturday mornings come alive! HR Pufnstuf, one of the most popular and beloved television series, is presented this deluxe DVD package featuring every episode ever made!
Travel to Living Island with Jimmy and Freddie, his talking flute, as they battle the evil Witchiepoo with the help of HR Pufnstuf and his colorful collection of friends.
Puff the Magic Dragon
Based on the hit song by Peter, Paul & Mary.A shy boy learns the value of courage from his companion, Puff the Magic Dragon
J.R.R. Tolkien Animated Films Set (The Hobbit/The Lord of the Rings/The Return of the King)
The Hobbit
The J.R.R. Tolkien fantasy classic set in Middle-earth was adapted into this excellent 1978 animated feature first broadcast on television. Codirectors Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr., working from a script by Romeo Muller, are faithful to Tolkien's story and for that alone they get big points.
The vocal cast can't be improved upon: Orson Bean is perfect as Bilbo Baggins, the timorous hobbit who grows brave on his adventure with the wizard Gandalf (John Huston). Otto Preminger is the voice of Elvenking, Richard Boone is Smaug, Hans Conried is Thorin, and Brother Theodore is very effective as the weird Gollum.
Terrific for kids and adults alike. --Tom Keogh>
The Lord of the Rings:
Although it was ultimately overshadowed by Peter Jackson's live-action Lord of the Rings trilogy, Ralph Bakshi's animated adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy classic is not without charms of its own.
A target of derision from intolerant fans, this ambitious 1978 production is nevertheless a respectably loyal attempt to animate the first half of Tolkien's trilogy, beginning with the hobbit Frodo's inheritance of the One Ring of power from Bilbo Baggins, and ending with the wizard Gandalf's triumph over the evil army of Orcs.
While the dialogue is literate and superbly voiced by a prestigious cast (including John Hurt as Aragorn), Leonard Roseman's accomplished score effectively matches the ominous atmosphere that Bakshi's animation creates and sustains.
Bakshi's lamentable decision to combine traditional cel animation with "rotoscoped" (i.e., meticulously traced) live-action footage is jarringly distracting and aesthetically disastrous, but when judged by its narrative content, this Lord of the Rings deserves more credit than it typically receives. --Jeff Shannon
The Return of the King:
The creative team behind 1978's impressive animation feature based on J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit returns with this 1980 entry drawn from Tolkien's famous Lord of the Rings trilogy. It's good work all around, and not at all the kind of feature-length cartoon that reduces good books to treacle.
Orson Bean returns as the voice of Bilbo Baggins as well as that of the trilogy's hero, Frodo. John Huston is commanding again as the voice of the wizard Gandalf, and also in the vocal cast are William Conrad, Paul Frees, and Roddy McDowall. --Tom Keogh
Dragonslayer
The technique uses a combination of computers and stop motion, it was used successfully in blockbuster movies like The Empire Strikes Back and E.T., but it was eventually replaced by Computer-generated imagery (CGI).
Although it didn't do well at the box office, it has done very well on home video, and is now considered a cult classic.

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Dragonslayer
Despite its box-office failure in 1981, Dragonslayer was gradually recognized as one of the finest fantasies to emerge from the post-Star Wars boom in special effects.
It's still one of the best adventures of its kind, featuring one of the most fearsome fire-breathing serpents in movie history.
Ominously named Vermithrax Pejorative, this ill-tempered monster terrorizes the peasantry of sixth-century England, feeding on maidens sacrificed by a duplicitous king until a sorcerer's apprentice named Galen (Peter MacNicol, long before Ally McBeal) is recruited as a reluctant hero. Aided by a tenacious beauty (Caitlin Clarke) and his resurrected mentor (Ralph Richardson), Galen confronts the soaring beast in a breathtaking climax.
Employing a then-innovative technique called Go-Motion to animate the dragon, the special effects are still dazzling, and stunning locations in Scotland and Wales allow director Matthew Robbins (cowriter of Steven Spielberg's feature debut, The Sugarland Express) to maintain a vivid atmosphere for the wealth of movie magic. --Jeff Shannon
Dragonheart, Reign of Fire & George and the Dragon
In 2002, Reign of Fire brought some of the most ambitious special effects for a dragon film with very life like movements and the most realistic looking dragons seen on film yet.
Although not a groundbreaking movie, George and the Dragon from 2004 is a very fun retelling of the familiar legend.
Dragonheart - Collector's Edition
In the closing paragraph of his 1996 review of Dragonheart, noted critic Roger Ebert summed up this adventurous fantasy quite nicely: "While no reasonable person over the age of 12 would presumably be able to take it seriously, there is nevertheless a lighthearted joy to it, a cheerfulness, an insouciance, that recalls the days when movies were content to be fun."
That's precisely the quality that makes Dragonheart so appealing, despite the fact that it didn't exactly take flight and breathe fire at the box office.
The movie takes itself seriously without sacrificing the wit and cleverness that make it so entertaining.
It's about the last of the great dragon slayers, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), who teams up with the last of the great dragons, Draco (and voiced by Sean Connery), after they realize that killing each other would put them both out of business!
So they devise a bogus dragon-slaying act that's a huge hit as they tour from village to village. Later, they must rouse the peasantry against the loutish Prince Einon (David Thewlis), whose life was once saved by Draco, but who now violates the "Old Code" of honor with a ruthless reign of terror.
As Ebert rightly noted, Dragonheart is no masterpiece, and its story (which was originally conceived as a darker, more serious drama) isn't likely to capture everyone's heart (dragon or otherwise). But it's full of exciting action, witty dialogue, and gallant heroism, and in the presentation of a realistic talking dragon it's a milestone in computer-generated special effects, far surpassing the breakthroughs of Jurassic Park three years earlier. --Jeff Shannon.
Reign of Fire
The Road Warrior meets Dragonslayer in the briskly entertaining post-apocalyptic action thriller Reign of Fire. Reign of Fire exists primarily to give us a bigger and better dragon than the Vermithrax Pejorative of 1981's classic Dragonslayer, and in that regard, the special effects are mightily impressive; the reptilian fire-breathers are stupendously convincing.
While the earlier film offers a richer, more whimsical medieval adventure, Reign of Fire is a fast-moving tale of man versus dragon that takes place in the charred England of 2020, after Earth has been scorched by rapidly multiplying dragons and the aftermath of a futile nuclear counterstrike.
Mixing high-tech gadgetry with primitive survivalism, X-Files alumnus Rob Bowman makes the most of his midlevel budget, establishing a lavish castle base for the rugged, adversarial teaming of Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey as dragonslayers on the brink of extinction.
With a steady supply of crowd-pleasing highlights, Reign of Fire is a pyrotechnical treat. --Jeff Shannon

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Reign Of Fire Poster
26.75 in. x 38.5 in.
Buy at AllPosters.com
George and the Dragon
The first crusade to free the Holy Land has ended. A mass of weary knights, squires, soldiers of fortune and priests are making their way home across a Europe that has changed forever. An age of legends and mystery is about to unfold.
George, a handsome English knight, unsettled by the horrendous bloodletting he witnessed in Palestine, desires to hang up his sword and settle down to a quiet, peaceful life. On returning to England, George heads north where he's heard the land is good and the population sparse and of a kindly King named Edgaar.
He finds King Edgaar in a terrible state. His beautiful daughter, Lunna has recently disappeared. In return for a small plot of land, George agrees to search for Princess Lunna. With Edgaar's faithful servant, Elmendorf, George sets out.
George discovers both the princess and the truth behind her strange disappearance. The quest now set before them ends in a love, a lie and a legend that has lasted a thousand years.
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Favorite Dragon Videos
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Dragon Resources Links
Besides the links already listed, the following sites assisted in the research of this Lens.
- Chinese dragon - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- The Chinese dragon or Oriental dragon%uFF0Cor Loong is a mythical creature in East Asian culture with a Chinese origin. It is visualized these days as a long, scaled, snake-like creature with four legs and five claws on each (though it did not always have five claws). In contrast to the European dragon which stands on four legs and which is usually portrayed as evil, the Chinese dragon has long been a potent symbol of auspicious power in Chinese folklore and art. The Chinese dragon is traditionally also the embodiment of the concept of yang (male) and associated with the weather as the bringer of rain and water in an agriculturally water-driven nation. Its female counterpart is the Fenghuang (usually translated as a phoenix).
- The Circle of the Dragon - unlock the mystery that is the dragon
- The Circle of the Dragon unlocks the mystery of the dragon and the realism of dragon existance. Here you can find research on dragons and serpents in history, cryptozoology, mythology, legend, folktakes, alchemy, symbolism, and more...
- Myths & Legends of China: General Prosperity presented by ReedFloren.com
- General Prosperity
All the people were loud in praise of the beauty and strength of the newly built city. - Dragons of China - Nine Dragon Baguazhang.
- Nine Dragon Baguazhang - An Ancient Art for Modern Times. A Complete Health and Martial Arts System!
- The Dragon Stone - Dragons of Mythology and Fantasy
- A large collection of information about dragons including dragon mythology, alchemy, modern fantasy, sea serpents and links.
- Accio Quote!
- The Largest Archive of J.K. Rowling quotes on the web
Dragons In The News
- Dragon Age's Striking Similarities To Final Fantasy XII - PS3 News
- I was playing FFXII...only in a Dungeons & Dragons environment. I'm certainly not accusing Bioware of ripping anything off; that's just absurd. ...
- BioWare's 'Dragon Age' a fiery epic
- It could take you that long to tackle Dragon Age: Origins, a new fantasy role-playing game with roughly 100 hours of game play ? not to mention optional ...
- Final Fantasy XIII Announcement Coming
- Henchmen who guard tents tended to live in ancient times which is commonly where fantasy stories featuring dragons are set. Dragons breath fire and, ...
- Defense also key in fantasy play
- The Steel Dragons, Express and PT Express are 4-5 with Takin Care of Business and Barrow Whalers both at 2-7. The top isn't sewn up yet, but the bottom ...
Dragon Designs On CafePress
More Dragons On Squidoo
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Apep, The Egyptian Dragon of Chaos
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Throughout the ancient mythological texts of Egypt, the theme of resurrection and rebirth can be found time and again. In one such myth, we are introduced to the mighty and dangerous dragon, Apep. A mysterious creature bearing many names, Apep was al...
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D Is For Dragon
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Dragons are mythological creatures which some people say were inspired by the reality of dinosaurs.
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Dragon Gifts, Toys & Collectibles
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Love to collect dragons? Know someone that does? We have pulled together some of our favorite dragon items.
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The Australian Rainbow Serpent
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The Australian Aboriginal people believe the universe has two aspects - the physical world in which we live and another connected world from which it is derived called the Dreamtime. One of the most important dragons of creation mythology is the Austr...
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Tiamat, Babylonian Dragon Goddess
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The dragon Tiamat is regarded as the mystery of Chaos, primal and uncontrollable, passionate in her unchecked creative energy. She is the frightening Unknown of "formless primordial matter" sacrificially recreated as the very beauty of Eart...
Harry Potter Books - Complete Set
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Harry Potter Books - Complete Set
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Now that J. K. Rowling has finished writing the Harry Potter series, the complete collection of 7 books is now available as a boxed set. Follow Harry from his first days at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, through his many adventures wit...
Comments? Do You Love Dragons?
BevsPaper wrote...
Great dragon lens! Having been born in the year of the dragon I'm a little fond of them myself. Reading a fun book about one now...His Majesty's Dragon.
jptanabe wrote...
Wow, great dragon lens! 5* (and of course lensroll to my dragon and dragon-related lenses!)
Light-in-me wrote...
This is a great lens, dragons are cool ! I have always been fascinated by them.
Great job !
LizMac60 wrote...
Great lens. I remember hearing someone on the radio talking about how dragons could really have existed and explaining how their flying and breathing out fire could be scientifically explained. It was fascinating ,as is this lens. 5 stars
24websurf wrote...
I was born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon. I love dragon stories! The female dragon from Shrek is the coolest ever! Great lens!
EditorDave wrote...
Beautiful lens! I've studied the still-living dragons... Komodo Dragons and Their Cousins when I was a biology major in grad school on the island of Guam. These critters are bad enough when they race up to you on foot... but the awesome pics you show in this fantastic lens makes me think that I'd prefer running from something on foot than something in the air breathing fire! Definitely 5*... and lensrolled to my lenses on Komodo Dragons and Venomous Lizards ... and favorited, as well. (I'll be coming back frequently to enjoy more of your presentation!
Wysiwigs wrote...
I always thought dragons were totally cool! Nicely done lens :o)
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