Shimmering snake-like scales, leathery wings, fiery breath and a penchant for hoarding gold and consuming humans- for many of us, this evokes the image of a 'traditional' dragon. However, dragons and other creatures appear in myths all over the world, taking on a different form in each culture. Even the wolf we are all familiar with has different connotations in each culture it appears in. Each of these creatures may be compared to others of its ilk, but each holds a unique place in the tales of its respective culture.
I would like to compare the forms and meanings a certain creature takes in different cultures. The status and associated meanings of each animal, mythical or not, reflects the ideals of each culture. The same beast hailed as a hero in one place may very easily be viewed as a monster in another. The treatment and actions of a creature in myth may reveal a culture's belief system and relationship to the world around it.
Comparing the symbols of the animals was a very good idea to see the differences in human culture. It would be very hilarious to see a tie between them and modern day stereotypes of cultures. I'm curious to know how a certain connotation of an animal helped a certain culture survive. Because all of the myths and beliefs we have are just a way of explaining the world, and having a certain view of an animal could define the very framework of a cultures substance. You could also look at how art evolved from those cultures perspectives.
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