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Are dragons real? ARE DRAGONS REAL?
All around the world, people have been telling stories about dragons for thousands of years. But where did these stories come from? Did dragons ever exist? Explore the history behind dragons and the creatures that helped create the dragon myths we still know today.
An information book collins.co.uk/collinsbigcat
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Are dragons real? Isabel Thomas 27/10/2021 16:49
Are dragons real? Contents 1 Here be dragons
2
2 Dragons in stories
6
3 Fact or fiction?
14
4 Dragonlike animals
24
5 Are dragons possible?
34
6 Are dragons real?
42
Glossary
44
Index
45
Here be dragons
46
Written by Isabel Thomas
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1 Here be dragons Close your eyes and imagine a dragon. How many of these features does your dragon have? Even though we haven’t seen a dragon in real life, we know what they look like!
fiery breath
sharp teeth
wings
s earsome claw
f
scales
four legs
large nostrils
sticking-up ears es
r spik o s n r o h
rd
eyes like a liza
long t
ail
2
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People have been telling stories about dragons for a long time. The dragons that we see in books, films and TV shows are based on old stories about dragons. But where did those old stories come from? Have you heard the saying: “Here be dragons”? It’s an old-fashioned way to say, “Dragons live here”. It was first written on a map that is 500 years old. 3
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On this map, the words “Here be dragons” are written in an ancient language called Latin. This map was one of the very first globes ever made in Europe. The person who made it was trying to show facts about the world. 4
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Other old maps also include pictures of dragons. Does this mean that dragons were once animals that could be seen in real life, and not just in stories? To find out, we need to go back in time and look at the very first stories about dragons. We need to ask questions: ●
How did these stories begin?
●
Is there any evidence that dragons once existed?
●
Is there any evidence that they still do? 5
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2 Dragons in stories Myths and legends are stories that have been told for a very long time. They are told as if they really happened, but they are unproven. Dragons appear in myths and legends from many different times and places. In one Ancient Greek myth, a hero called Jason goes on a quest to find a golden fleece. A dragon guards the fleece. Greek myths also tell of a king who grew new armies by planting dragon teeth in the soil, instead of seeds! The word dragon comes from the Ancient Greek word drakon. It means monster with eyes that watch, or monster with evil eyes.
What is the difference between myths and legends? x Myths are well-known stories that often feature magical creatures or events. People know that myths are not true, but they carry important messages. x Legends are stories that some people think may be based on facts. But no one has yet proven they are true. 6
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7
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Dragons also star in Ancient Chinese myths and legends. These stories tell of dragons that are powerful, but not as fierce as the dragons in Ancient Greek myths. Dragons were said to puff out storm clouds, bringing rain.
Instead, they have the power to control the weather, water and seasons. They may even be kind and helpful, and bring good luck. In these stories, the dragons are the heroes! 8
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Plus
Lime Plus Band 11+
Are dragons real? ARE DRAGONS REAL?
All around the world, people have been telling stories about dragons for thousands of years. But where did these stories come from? Did dragons ever exist? Explore the history behind dragons and the creatures that helped create the dragon myths we still know today.
An information book collins.co.uk/collinsbigcat
85641 Cover.indd 1
Are dragons real? Isabel Thomas 27/10/2021 16:49