Dragons are very common mythical creatures in almost every part of the world, but no other civilizations paid closer attention to them than East Asia and Western Christendom. While these serpentine creatures are worshiped in Oriental countries, dragons in Christendom are feared to a point of revulsion.
In fact, a popular Christian myth that perpetuated the fear of dragons is found in the narratives of the early pre-Catholic era. The 3rd Century AD Roman martyr named St. George was believed to have slain a dragon who feeds on sheep and virgin women during his adventures in Libya. This legend also justified the some of the many chronicles of Christian conversion in Africa.
The legend of St. George slaying a dragon has cemented the serpentine creature's evil reputation. In fact, it only strengthened the stigma inspired by the preceding Judeo-Christian creation myth describing how a serpent caused mankind to fall from God's grace. Several dragon statues in Europe pay tribute to the fear of dragons in Christendom.
London, United Kingdom. This statue sits atop the Temple Bar Monument which serves as the main ceremonial entrance to the City of London. This effigy was inspired by a children's book titled "Stoneheart" by Charlie Fletcher.
Versailles, France. The Dragon Fountain at the Palace of Versailles was built in 1667. The mouth of the dragon shoots water vertically up to 90 feet in the air.
Berlin, Germany. The dragon statue in Berlin captures the scene depicted in a painting created by the Renaissance master Raphael - the same genius who painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.
Krakow, Poland. What is so interesting about the Dragon statue in Krakow is that it is the only draconic monument in the world that literally breathes fire.
Ljubljana, Slovenia. The Dragon Bridge in the capital city of Slovenia commemorates the victory of ancient Greek hero Jason and his fellow Argonauts in their battle against a dragon.
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