They are considered benevolent, the king of animals, as well as divinities that guarantee rainfall and control the oceans. Dragons in China don’t usually have wings, even if they’re believed to roam the skies. The Chinese dragon, long, is a serpent-like figure with four legs, covered in scales. In a tattoo, you can use Apopis and Ra to depict the battle of good and evil, order and chaos. It’s the origin of the European tradition to depict dragons as a malevolent force. It was one of the first representations of a dragon-like figure. It was the evil enemy of the sun god Ra, and it represented chaos. The god Apopis in ancient Egyptian mythology was a demon in snake form. You can look for inspiration for your design in movies or in ancient mythology, depending on the meaning you’re looking to give your tat. They can have horns or wings, or even tiny spikes on their heads. Dragons can look like snakes, have long necks, or be closer to flying, fire-breathing dinosaurs. That means you also have numerous different options for your tattoo.

There are so many cultures that have incorporated the dragon into their legends and traditions. For better or worse, dragons are always respected as the most powerful creatures. What is common to all of them is strength. Modern culture and movies offer different possibilities, from dragons as friends to terrible enemies, or unpredictable, volatile beasts. In China, it was actually associated with water and rain and was the emblem of the imperial family. In this sense, dragons can represent raw power and courage.Įastern cultures, however, usually view the dragon as a benevolent creature in the skies. Its fiery breath threatened humans and needed to be fought and beaten. Stories of dragons were common long before humans had any idea of the existence of dinosaurs.Įuropean legends and folktales used to focus on the dragon as an evil foe and destructive force.

Draken tattoo meaning