DRAGON MYTHS AND LEGENDS: TALES OF ADVENTURE FROM AROUND THE WORLD

DRAGON MYTHS AND LEGENDS Retold by Samantha Newman. Illustrated by Katarzyna Doszla

GREEN LIGHT WITH CAUTION

AGES: 3RD - 6TH GRADES

Dragon stories are fascinating. I couldn't help but pick this book up and scan the Table of Contents in pure amazement of how many different countries around the world have dragon myths and legends in their culture. It's down right astounding. Personally, I believe that dragons were actually dinosaurs that once roamed the earth which would explain why we see so many stories of these stunning, but typically ferocious, creatures worldwide.

Dragon Myths and Legends is a compilation of fifteen stories. The stories span 5 different continents and cover everything from dragons that were destructive and horrible to ones that interceded and saved people.

There is no doubt that dragon stories can be very captivating, but there are elements to be aware of with just about all dragon stories. This is true with this collection as well. Dragon Myths and Legends does not play up gruesome details as much as other collections I have read.

HEADS UP -

DEATH - There is no escaping the fact that dragons in legends and mythology were typically deadly to humans. This book states what happens in the stories without going into lots of detail. Dragon cultural stories sometimes include elements such as a monthly animal or human sacrifices given in lieu of the dragon coming in, destroying a whole town or village, and eating everyone.

GODS- Some of the stories do refer to other gods. One Asian story, in particular, tells the story of dragons that stepped in to help humans in need of rain that were being ignored by their god.

MAGIC - Where dragons are concerned, you can bet that there is a bit of a magic hovering around. There is a witch in one story.

DEMONS - In one story Merlin is mentioned in passing as being the son of a demon.