DRAGONS AND THEIR VARIETIES IN ANCIENT CHINESE MYTHOLOGY

Аннотация

In the cultures of the peoples of the Great Silk Road, the image of the Dragon is not as widespread as in Chinese mythology. The image was widely used in Chinese culture and lifestyle. The article attempted to study Chinese dragons (longs) much more deeply, in comparative terms. As it turned out, longs were understood in Chinese literature mainly as positive mythological creatures. Therefore, the Chinese people elevated this image to the rank of a totem, and in some cases elevated it to the rank of a cult. These factors also play an important role in making the Dragon a powerful symbol of modern China. The article briefly describes this process.