You are here:

1. » Home
2. » Areas
3. » Mythology
4. » Asia
5. » Chinese mythology
6. » Long

Cite/print/rate article
Send comment    References

by Micha F. Lindemans

A dragon in Chinese mythology. There are five types known: the celestial dragons who guard the abodes of the gods; dragon spirits, who rule over wind and rain but can also cause flooding; earth dragons, who cleanse the rivers and deepen the oceans; treasure guarding dragons; and the imperial dragons, who have five claws instead of the usual four.

In Taoism, the dragon represents the yang principle and is often portrayed surrounded by water or clouds.