This is an amazing dragon slayer tattoo. Here is what I love about this tattoo: it takes up the full back; it’s in one colour only which gives it a unique style; the drawing is very dynamic look at how the swirls are picked up in the design.
This pic was taken by a photographer in Hong Kong – the guy supposedly was shy about getting his photo taken.
They significance of a dragon slayer is different according to your culture.
In Asia, the dragon is often revered. They are representative of the primal forces of nature and the universe, and are are associated with wisdom and longevity.
In Christianity, the dragon slayer motif is represented by St. George, and symbolizes the triumph of god over the devil, or light over darkness.
The Devil is often associated with serpents in Christian iconography. He is called “That old serpent” and the “Father of Lies”, “who forever deceiveth the world.”
There is actually a fascinating history behind the snake hatred. The snake was actually revered by early revisions – because the snake shed it’s skin, it symbolized the circle of life – rebirth, death, rebirth. When officials wanted people to stop believing in the old religions, and adopt Christianity, they started calling their symbol the devil and the mythology of the older religions, lies. In other words, don’t believe those lies, only Christianity tells the truth.
Not many people know this, but it’s well documented, and explained in the book The Chalice and the Blade by Riane Eisler.
photo credit: istolethetv
