‘Around the globe,
dragons are known
as large, serpent-like
or other reptilian beasts,
mostly with four legs.
But their meaning varies
from time to time
and place to place.’
“Animals are good to think with’,
wrote the anthropologist Claude Levi-Strauss.
The associations they carry
give them profound meaning and
power in the belief
systems of people
around the world.’
‘Sightings or relics of unusual animals
can give rise to belief
in fantastic creatures.
With the world so full of wondrous
diversity,
who can be sure that even
the most unlikely
creature
does not exist somewhere?’
‘People have often imagined
weird and wonderful
creatures living beyond the borders
of the known world.
They are a sign
of our fascination
with the dangers that lurk
just over the horizon.
Even today,
with every corner of the globe
known and explored,
we continue to speculate
about
the aliens of outer space.’
‘Fantastic beings are often a source
of fear. But people can harness
this fear
for their own protection.
To ward off evil,
scary creatures are placed on roofs,
at entrances or crossroads,
or suspended above cradles
and placed into tombs,
or are worn as jewelry
or as a pattern on clothing.’
‘People have often explained
and tried to influence
the dangerous and unpredictable
environment
by linking it with the supernatural beings.
Mermaids, the kraken and other mythical marine creatures
dramatically express the power
of water
and the dangers
of sea travel.’
7 comments
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February 26, 2012 at 9:16+00:00Feb
broadsideblog
I have no doubt there are monsters within the NYC subway system…
February 28, 2012 at 9:16+00:00Feb
Mark William Jackson
Here be monsters…
February 28, 2012 at 9:16+00:00Feb
Nigel Featherstone
Cat and Mark: I love the fact that your eyes are peeled for urban monsters!
March 1, 2012 at 9:16+00:00Mar
Agnes
How are things up your way Nigel? Heard your town mentioned on the news today. Hope your place is safe and dry!
March 2, 2012 at 9:16+00:00Mar
Nigel Featherstone
Hi Agnes, lovely to hear from you and thanks so much for your concern.
All okay at my place, because I’m up high on a hill, but about 200 people nearer the river were forced to evacuate, and I think they’re still evacuated tonight, due to predictions of more heavy rain tomorrow.
We really do live in a wild country, don’t we. At least, she can be wild when she feels like it.
I hope all is well with you.
March 3, 2012 at 9:16+00:00Mar
Agnes
All ok where I am thank you but lots of flooding in nearby towns which is pretty awful. Another 100 mls expected tonight apparently which is pretty concerning.
Glad to hear your place is ok but very worrying for those lower down.
March 4, 2012 at 9:16+00:00Mar
Nigel Featherstone
I hope you’re dry and safe, Agnes.