China: One of the dragons from 'The Nine Dragons' handscroll, painted by the Song Dynasty artist Chen Rong in 1244, Museum of Fine Art, Boston

In Chinese mythology and folklore, the dragon is one of the most sacred and legendary of creatures. They can take on many forms, resembling turtles, fish, horses and other imaginary cratures, but the most common depiction is of a snake-like creature with for arms and a fish-like tail.

In Chinese mythology, unlike in Western mythology, the dragon is usually seen as an auspicious and benevolent sign, with their control over water, rain, floods and the seas resulting in the farmlands worshipping them and relying on their aid and help. Dragons are also symbols of power, strength and good luck for those who are worthy of it, and thus the Chinese dragon is often used as a symbol of imperial power and divinty by the Chinese emperors.

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