What is the ancient Greek word for dragon?

Dragon ultimately comes from the ancient Greek δράκων (drakon), which names a ‘dragon’ and, more generally, a ‘serpent. ‘ This word, in turn, derives from a verb, δέρκεσθαι, ‘to see clearly’. As etymologist Walter Skeat glosses it, δράκων literally means ‘sharp-sighted.

What are Greek dragons called?

The four types of dragon-like creatures known to the Greeks were the Dracones, Cetea, Chimaera and Dracaenae.

Who is the Greek god of fire?

Hephaestus
Hephaestus, Greek Hephaistos, in Greek mythology, the god of fire. Originally a deity of Asia Minor and the adjoining islands (in particular Lemnos), Hephaestus had an important place of worship at the Lycian Olympus.

What are synonyms for dragon?

synonyms for dragon

• basilisk.
• hydra.
• tarragon.
• wyvern.

What is the origin of the word dragon?

The word dragon derives from the Greek δράκων (drakōn) and its Latin cognate draco. Ancient Greeks applied the term to large, constricting snakes. The Greek drakōn was far more associated with poisonous spit or breath than the modern Western dragon, though fiery breath is still attested in a few myths.

What is a dragon in ancient Greece?

Ancient Greek mosaic from Caulonia, Italy, depicting a cetus or sea-dragon. In the stories, they were generally treated as violent monsters who must be slain by heroes and saints. European dragons could have four legs, two legs, or none, and often had wings. Illustration of a winged, fire-breathing dragon by Friedrich Justin Bertuch from 1806.

What does Drakon mean in Greek?

Strong’s Concordance drakón: a dragon (a mythical monster) Original Word: δράκων, οντος, ὁ Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: drakón Phonetic Spelling: (drak’-own) Definition: a dragon (a mythical monster)

What is the Dragon of Thebes in Greek mythology?

Dragon of Thebes In Greek mythology, the dragon of Thebes, also called the Ismeian dragon, was a giant snake that guarded the sacred spring of Ares near the city of Thebes. According to Theban legend, the hero Cadmos, after triumphing over the dragon, became the founder and first king of Thebes.