Ancient Origins of the Red Dragon
The red dragon has been a symbol of Wales for centuries. The earliest reference to the red dragon in Welsh tradition is found in the Historia Brittonum, a 9th-century historical text that describes a battle between two dragons. According to the story, the two dragons—one red and one white—fought under the ground in the area that would later become Britain. The red dragon was victorious, symbolizing the triumph of the Welsh over the Saxons.
This story is believed to have connections to ancient Celtic mythology, where dragons were often seen as powerful and mythical creatures. In Welsh mythology, the red dragon is a symbol of strength, unity, and the land of Wales itself. The connection to the land and its people is one of the most enduring aspects of the dragon's symbolism.
The Battle of the Red and White Dragons
One of the most famous accounts of the red dragon comes from the Historia Brittonum, where the legendary figure of King Arthur is said to have defeated the Saxons with the aid of the red dragon. The red dragon was believed to be a prophecy of a great Welsh leader who would rise to challenge foreign invaders. In this myth, the red dragon's victory over the white dragon became a symbol of hope and resilience for the Welsh people, linking the dragon to national identity. shutdown123