Throughout history and from regions all over the globe there are mythologies of the dragon. Although the various descriptions may differ slightly, the basic concept is always the same: serpentine in body, raptor-like head with wings capable of navigating flight and huge curved talons jutting out of scaly feet. Just about every scholarly reference to dragons ponders the mystery associated with such an symbol being so widespread, reaching as far back into human history as can be imagined.

Each culture ascribes some deeper meaning to the beast, ranging from guardians of treasure to harbingers of evil. Many will relate the dragon with the story of King Arthur (Pendragon) whose shield touted the red dragon, always reminiscent of the struggle between good and evil. The symbol I prefer describes potential for personal power or the ability to overcome difficult situations (slaying or, with equal bravery; befriending the dragon).
But no matter what you may think of the dragon as a symbol, you're not likely to imagine that you mike run across one in real life. It may surprise you, however, to learn that there are real, live dragon-beasts flying freely, even today, about our skies.

I came to realize this fact for myself one summer afternoon not too long ago. It was one of those days that beg a person to be outdoors, soaking up the sun and reveling in nature.
With only a few clouds in the sky and nothing to deter an afternoon's adventure, I loaded my faithful four-legged companion Cysco into the car, and off we went to one of our favorite hiking haunts along Central Oregon's Crooked River.

The geology and landscape along the river is nothing less than fantastic. even on a dull day. Huge rocky cliff faces rise high above the riverbed on either side of the winding road, as it snakes gracefully along the canyon floor. Undulating rocky outcroppings jut out of the rimrock like imposing castle turrets from another century -- making this a most likely place to encounter a medieval creature.

This particular day I was fully engaged in enjoying the drive, catching sight of all variety of wildlife along the way. As we neared our hiking destination the most amazing sight filled the sky, drawing my attention upwards, away from the road. A number of large birds circled overhead in the bright blue sky, the brilliant sun cast their bodies in silhouette. The birds jutting about in the air as if agitated by something in their midst. Curious, I slowed down to get a better look. The object of all this agitation became immediately and amazingly apparent as something very unusual dawned on my vision. Unmistakably, it was a dragon.

Having seen more than a few dragon movies my brain readily registered 'dragon' -- and for all intent and purpose that is what floated on the air currents above that canyon. I stopped the car and peered, unbelieving yet awestruck at this strange beast. Long serpentine body, huge scaly talons glistening in the sun, raptor-like head twisted back and forth and wings like a massive bird of prey -- certainly this appeared to be a dragon in the midst of so many lesser birds. Just like in the movies, the body of the beast undulated back and forth in the sky, as if doing so somehow helped to keep the creature buoyant in the air.

Within a few seconds I came to my senses, realizing that this is real life and not some Hollywood production. Lacking a good pair of binoculars I strained once again to take a closer look. With no small amount of wonder, I realized that this must in fact be the exact same animal people have been seeing since time began, retelling the encounter over bonfires in glorifying detail. This is that same mythological creature seen by so many people, on so many continents all over the world.

The ‘beast’ turned out to be nothing less than a eagle, majestic in its own right. Clutched in its talons an immense snake struggled against its attacker, writhing back and forth in an unsuccessful attempt to gain some advantage, and in the process win back its freedom. What a vision the two of these primordial enemies made that early summer day! A sight I'll not soon forget and one that clarifies, at least for me, the mystery as to why there are dragon stories in every culture on the planet.

So, I recommend that you keep your eyes to the sky for sightings of the ordinary, and the not so ordinary. Remain attentive enough and perhaps you too will win a glimpse of rarest of rare creatures -- the Central Oregon Dragon.

Dhyana Kearly - Copyright 2008