Dragon Topics

Etymology of 'dragon'

• Greek and Latin
• Norse
• British Isles
• Footnotes

As a matter of fact, the Greek dragons were mainly serpent in shape. For instance, Python and Boa were both serpent-shaped dragons.

Latin had perhaps the more-well known word "draco". This, too, is translated to mean "serpent."⁵ The Romans saw dragons as winged serpents; however, since much of Greek and Roman mythology is related, it is hard to differentiate between Greek dragons and Roman dragons. Still, they share the common attributes as a serpent-like creature, usually with wings.

The reason for the word not quite meaning "dragon" can be found in the dragons of the Norse. Jormungand, perhaps the most famous Norse dragon, was simple a huge serpent. Nidhogg, one of the only creatures referred to as a dragon in Norse mythology, was also described to be serpent-like.

In Welsh, the word for dragon is "Ddraig", which also refers to the Red Dragon of Wales.⁹ The best-known dragon of Wales is Y Ddraig Goch, or the Red Dragon, which can be found on Wales' flag.¹⁰

It is also interesting to note that, in Welsh, the word "dreigiaw" meant "silent meteors."¹¹ In a way, the connection between these two words suggests that dragons were seen as a destructive force; however, Y Ddraig Goch was used for the flag because of its symbol of authority.

1. Wonder Beasts by Joe Nigg
2. Wonder Beasts by Joe Nigg
3. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose
4. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose
5. Wonder Beasts by Joe Nigg
6. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose
7. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose
8. Myths, Gods And Fantasy by Pamala Allardice
9. Wales (United Kingdom)
10. Wales (United Kingdom)
11. Myths, Gods And Fantasy by Pamala Allardice

For more information on footnotes and references, please see the bibliography.