Humans and Dragons *contains spoilers for Liveship and Tawny Man books*

[redchild]

He also says that in our modern age, we have done the same when we invented these myths about space aliens. We live nowadays surrounded by technology which most of us can't begin to understand, and which is capable of destroying us and everything around us. Just like nature could be overwhelming to the primal man, so this technology stirs a fear in us so we have invented mythical beings who always have technology which is more advanced then our own, and who can judge and destroy us with it.

Interesting. It seems nature and technology both play very important roles in our development of ethics and morals. While in tribal society we fear the forces of nature (we still do, actually,) in a modern technological society we fear the potential of our own creations. This is why I love fantasy and sci-fi-- what more entertaining way to ask these big questions?

I have always wondered why cultures the world over have invented dragons, even without any contact between them whatsoever.

While humans did not come into contact with dinosaurs, early mammals certainly did-- as their prey. Their genetic memory probably passed on to us, hence our antagonism/fascination with reptiles. I suppose humans will never get over the fear of being eaten even if we are pretty much on top of the food chain.