Imagery of the dragon appears in various mythologies, often symbolizing different cultural values or fears. In Western narratives, dragons typically embody chaos, evil, and destruction, requiring heroes to confront or slay them. Conversely, Eastern traditions often depict dragons as symbols of wisdom, power, and good fortune. They often serve as protectors, associated with water and agriculture. This duality reflects the complexity of human experience, illustrating how societies project their values onto mythical creatures. Thus, dragons become meaningful symbols within the broader context of mythological narratives.