Western vs. Eastern style Dragons

[Eldryan]

In both Western and Eastern culture, dragons have been a symbolic representation of nature. It is the difference in mentality of the two cultures that have influence on the way dragons are perceived. Western culture generally view nature as something to overcome and conquer, which is apparent in the philosophy of our industries; while eastern culture generally view nature as something greater then man that cannot be overcome, but something that we must co-exist with and learn from.

Thus, the reason why dragons in western mythology are often depicted as hulking intimidating creatures that must be slain and subdued, while dragons in eastern mythology are often wise intelligent being with much to teach man kind.

[IndigoDarkwolf]

In both Western and Eastern culture, dragons have been a symbolic representation of nature. It is the difference in mentality of the two cultures that have influence on the way dragons are perceived. Western culture generally view nature as something to overcome and conquer, which is apparent in the philosophy of our industries; while eastern culture generally view nature as something greater then man that cannot be overcome, but something that we must co-exist with and learn from.

Thus, the reason why dragons in western mythology are often depicted as hulking intimidating creatures that must be slain and subdued, while dragons in eastern mythology are often wise intelligent being with much to teach man kind.

I wonder which of these Bahamut is supposed to be. Or maybe both?

[jwang]

Western dragons for slaying for loot, eastern dragons for quest givers and friendly NPCs.

[tymora]

The eastern dragon portrayed in "Ironman Animated Adventures" is actually pretty well done. Certainly don't mind that.

An Eastern dragon can be right at home in the right kind of dungeons.

[Pwnagraphic]

Western Dragons are actually originated in Europe. Which is East xD

[Shougun]

Western Dragons are actually originated in Europe. Which is East xD

Thats western.

[Pwnagraphic]

Thats western.

But Eastern of the US >_>

[Shougun]

But Eastern of the US >_>

Indeed :P but usually when people say western or westernization it includes Europe :P (or at least usually for me lol).

[Wilksha]

I think it all depends on the setting of where the dragon resides in the game and the lore behind it. In FF4 it had both styles of dragon but you only see one or two eastern style dragons. The one I can recall at least is the boss of the magnetic cave. Because I've been immersed into the western culture so long I prefer western style dragons, but eastern dragons are not bad. IMO I see western dragons as ferocious and strong, where eastern dragons come off agile and sneaky. Kinda how i see large lizards (western) versus snakes (eastern).

[IndigoDarkwolf]

But Eastern of the US >_>

My tax dollars and public school system at work. :P

I think it all depends on the setting of where the dragon resides in the game and the lore behind it. In FF4 it had both styles of dragon but you only see one or two eastern style dragons. The one I can recall at least is the boss of the magnetic cave. Because I've been immersed into the western culture so long I prefer western style dragons, but eastern dragons are not bad. IMO I see western dragons as ferocious and strong, where eastern dragons come off agile and sneaky. Kinda how i see large lizards (western) versus snakes (eastern).

The magnetic cave's boss wasn't a dragon at all, it was a Dark Elf! =^.^=