PARHELIA Art
Dragons of the World
REGIONS
COMPLETED DESIGNS ARE AVAILABLE ON MY ONLINE SHOP
Click the underlined text to travel to each continental region. Some regions are divided into multiple parts.
ILLUSTRATIONS COMPLETED: 5
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ABOUT
Short version: I made dragons inspired by heritage, encompassing the whole world! Each dragon name (there are a couple exceptions due to aesthetic or logistical constraints) is alliterative with a color that features predominantly in the dragon's design. Short descriptions below each dragon explore how they came to be and why they're designed the way they are. The dragon illustrations shown below will be available as stickers and acrylic charms on my online shop as they are completed, so anyone can enjoy their own heritage dragon.
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I've always loved the concept of dragons and their connection to world mythology. My heritage is also very important to me - I'm Spanish on my dad's side (half-Cuban, but my ancestors traveled from Spain to Cuba, and then to the states), and a mixture of different Western European countries on my mom's side. At some point I thought about how I could translate my pride for my heritage into something fantastical, and dragons immediately came to mind. Except I didn't stop with my heritage - something as vast as human ancestral dragons deserves proper attention. From that point on I started designing the Dragons of the World, researching the geography and culture of dozens of nationalities and translating that information into the creatures of legend.
Each dragon is a mixture of the geography and culture of the region they call home, and I designed these dragons with the idea that, if they existed in an alternate world, their traits informed the culture of their homeland. Each design below has a short paragraph explaining this, but one example is the Ukrainian Umber, whose vivid cobalt and yellow accent colors helped inspire the colors of the modern Ukrainian flag. This isn't true in our world, of course - I used the Ukrainian flag as a cultural inspiration - but in an alternate world filled with these dragons, their colors inspired the flag.
Egyptian Ebony
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
Horned Hazel
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
Mali Maroon
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
Central Chestnut
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
Savannah Sunrise
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
AFRICA
South America
Amazonian Aquamarine
The Caribbean Cerulean'’s range covers the Caribbean Sea, its coastlines, and the islands within. Its wings resemble those of pterosaurs, and just like the ancient species, These dragons use ocean currents to power their flight. Similar to other aquatic dragons, this species has been observed diving into the sea to catch fish, using their wings to propel themselves through the water.
Andean Amethyst
The Andean Amethyst makes itself at home in and around the Andean mountain range of South America. Their massive wings, the largest of any dragon, let them soar for hours on end at high altitudes without flapping once, similar to the condors they share the land with. Archaeologists suspect that the Andean Amethyst was worshipped by the Inca people for their mastery of the skies, but this theory remains unproven.
Pampas Platinum
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
AMERICAS
North America
Arctic Alabaster
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
Appalachian Apple
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
Southern Screamer
The Southern Screamer, also known as Southern Sand or Southern Scorch, has a wider territory than most dragons. This species occupies as far south as Mexico and the Southwestern U.S. and as far north as the Great Plains of North America. Many thick scales protrude from their bodies like spines, and the males possess three large horns on their heads. Interestingly, their most common name refers to their vocal ability rather than their burnt orange and brown coloration. These dragons can let out a screech that rings for miles, reaching distant dragons and deafening any nearby creatures.
Central America
Caribbean Cerulean
The Caribbean Cerulean’s range covers the Caribbean Sea, its coastlines, and the islands within. Its wings resemble those of pterosaurs, and just like the ancient species, Caribbeans use ocean currents to power their flight. Similar to other aquatic dragons, this species has been observed diving into the sea to catch fish, using their wings to propel themselves through the water.
Nicaraguan Navy
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
Quetzalcoatl Quartz
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
ASIA
East Asia
Chinese Crimson
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
Korean Silver
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
Japanese Jade/Jasmine
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
South Asia
Indian Ivory
The Indian Ivory bears a strong resemblance to the tigers, elephants, cows, and peacocks of its homeland. Its rounded wings and heavyset body make it more of a terrestrial dragon than one that takes to the skies. This dragon’s strength and ferocity makes it a valuable ally, and many Indian ethnic groups view this dragon as a symbol of strength.
Tibetan Topaz
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
Pakistani Peridot
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
Southeast Asia (SEA)
Bakunawa Blue
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
Burmese Bronze
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
Cambodian Cobalt
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
Indonesian Iridescent
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
Laos Lavender
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
Thai Teal
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
Vietnamese Violet
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
West Asia (Middle East)
Arabian Apricot
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
Ottoman Olive
Ottoman Olives are theorized to be a younger species, hailing from the land that is now modern-day Turkey. Elegantly curved horns adorn their heads, complete with protrusions that resemble the leaves of an olive bough. Ancient inhabitants of the region viewed the dragons as symbols of peace and prosperity, just like the trees that they closely resemble. Writings recovered from archaeological digs that date back up to 1000 years also suggest that the ancient people planted olive trees to attract their revered dragons, which then led to the production and distribution of olive oil.
Persian Plum
Persian Plums used to inhabit the full range of the Persian Empire, but when the Ottoman Olive and Arabian Apricot dragons evolved, their range shrank to cover modern-day Iran in order to accommodate these new species. These dragons are on the larger size, with unique wing fingertips that might provide an extra bit of lift or dexterity during flight. The other Middle Eastern dragons also have these fingertips, but the Persian’s are the most dramatic, and may have inspired ancient craftsmen in the creation of Persian rugs.
Western Europe
English Emerald
The English Emerald calls the English Isles its home, inhabiting England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Their strong, broad wings and wide tail membrane provide it plenty of lift when flying over mountains and oceanside cliffs alike. Some say that their single horn contributed to the myth of the unicorn, and may also be the origin of the unicorn as Scotland’s national animal.
French Fuchsia
At first glance, the French Fuchsia’s bright coloration seems like a detriment to its survival, but this species has no need for camouflage. Instead, their vivid color and patterns help them during courtship displays, and also manage to disorient their prey long enough for a dragon to succeed in a hunt. They also sport elegant frills on their bodies, and the tips of their tails may have inspired the shape of the French Fleur-de-lis. Furthermore, their coloration likely inspired the synthesis of the French fuchsia pigment.
Germanic Green
The Germanic Green covers a large amount of land in Central Europe. These dragons are on the smaller side and have round, blunt wings, but this helps boost their agility, especially when navigating through thick European forests. This species is rather elusive, and as a result, accurate depictions in Germanic cultures are few and far between. Although their exact image is very rarely seen in Germany itself, these green dragons may have popularized the concept of the poisonous wyvern in greater European mythology.
Iberian Golden/Indigo
The Iberian Golden hails from the Iberian Peninsula, encompassing Spain and Portugal. This dragon, hunted to near extinction during the Spanish Inquisition, is remarkably rare, but their numbers are slowly recovering. Tapered wings allow for high speed flight and tight turns, which are useful in hunting birds on the wing. Despite their usual golden color, their true name is the Iberian Indigo; when exposed to water or the night sky, the Iberian’s scales turn into a brilliant indigo hue, camouflaging them against their prey.
Mediterranean Mist
The Mediterranean Mist inhabits the area around the Mediterranean Sea, notably Italy and Greece. These dragons have the most elaborate wings and frills of any species, making them incredibly agile in the air. Their pale-tinted scales, ranging from pale blues and purples to faint pinks, reflect the fog that often drapes the Mediterranean Sea and its surrounding lands on cold mornings.
Scandinavian Sapphire
Scandinavian Sapphires bear the closest resemblance to the sea monsters of old. Their short wings, broad tails, and long, thin snouts make them expert fishers in the waters and fjords of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. These dragons are very elusive, and not much is known about them outside of drawings by sailors who claim to have caught a glimpse of the beast.
Eastern Europe
Carpathian Carmine
The Carpathian Carmine species calls the Carpathian Mountain range and Carpathian Basin its home. The region’s notable nationalities include Hungary and Romania, and coincidentally, both countries feature a bright red hue on each of their flags. The dragons of this region share some morphological similarities with other Slavic dragons, such as the Ukrainian Umber and Slavic Scarlet, but the Carpathian Carmines are their own distinct species. Carpathian dragons are very rarely seen, but when they grace the sky with their red hides, onlookers view their presence as a symbol of strength.
Russian Rouge
One of the largest dragon species, the Russian Rouge occupies the forests and mountains of northern Asia. It’s one of the only dragon species that has both scales and hair, the latter of which grows from its belly to protect it from ice-cold temperatures from the snow it rests on. This dragon, similar to the people that respect it, is well adapted to harsh winters.
Slavic Scarlet
The Iberian Golden hails from the Iberian Peninsula, encompassing Spain and Portugal. This dragon, hunted to near extinction during the Spanish Inquisition, is remarkably rare, but their numbers are slowly recovering. Tapered wings allow for high speed flight and tight turns, which are useful in hunting birds on the wing. Despite their usual golden color, their true name is the Iberian Indigo; when exposed to water or the night sky, the Iberian’s scales turn into a brilliant indigo hue, camouflaging them against their prey.
Ukrainian Umber
The Ukrainian Umber is perfectly built for the rugged, mountainous region of its homeland. Thick, plated scales adorn its hide, and broad, rounded wings provide a great deal of stamina for soaring over rolling hills and vast mountain ranges. Their dark brown hides help them blend in with their environment, but many species are adorned with brilliant cobalt blue and golden yellow patterns that sit atop their umber scales. These stunning colors may be the reason why blues and yellows are significant in Ukrainian culture, as evidenced by the nation'’s own flag.
EUROPE
Australian Amber
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
Oceanic Opal
The Chinese Crimson bears a strong resemblance to the Chinese dragons of myth. Their deep red coloration contributes cultural significance to Chinese history, their heads resemble Chinese alligators, and their horns and claws may have inspired their mythical depictions. These dragons rarely utilize their fire breath, but onlookers often believed that rare northern light events were the fires of Chinese dragons battling each other in the night.
Pacific Prismatic
Pacific Prismatic dragons are no stranger to a maritime lifestyle. Occupying the many small islands of the Pacific Ocean, these dragons live similarly to the wandering albatross, spending months on wing and water during their long travels between different islands. It’s rumored that this nomadic way of life is what inspired the people of the Pacific Ocean to do the same.
OCEANIA