The celestial dragon will shine on top of the white mountain, and the one in whose body will reincarnate all the evil of the universe, will be born rumbling from the bowels of the earth.
When human beings stop dreaming, an ice storm will settle over the Lake of Miracles. Molthar’s creatures will freeze in time leaving behind any trace of their existence.
The celestial dragon will shine one last time, when the last guardian ascends to the eternal throne. The empire of darkness will perpetuate its presence and the human race will disappear forever.
Prophecy of the Lake of Miracles
Legend has it (or at least one of its versions) that in Cappadocia lived a soldier named George, who managed with his sword to kill a dragon and save a princess from being devoured. From the dragon’s blood a rose was born and George offered it to his damsel in distress. Eventually George would be proclaimed a saint. He died on April 23, 303 (same date in which centuries later, although somewhat debatable, two great literature icons would die: Shakespeare and Cervantes) reason why this date was chosen as Saint George’s day and he would be forever the patron of the writers.
This is just one of the thousands of legends that mention this mythological figure, important in several popular traditions, that historically has acquired several figures and whose characteristics differ from culture to culture. Once, while doing research to create Lothar, the dragon star of my book The Lake of Miracles, I came across the story of St. George and I took it as a sweet coincidence. On another occasion someone asked me why I wrote about dragons if in Latin America there was no mythological reference to them. At that moment I did not know how to defend myself well. But today I am prepared to answer back at this premise that in the first place, is false. However, before telling you what I found out about dragons and their connection to Latin American mythology, I must say that being born in Colombia does not limit my writing topics. No ladies and gentlemen. A writer or any artist can create whatever he or she wants, because that is precisely the beauty of art. We are influenced by diverse cultures, narratives, and currents regardless of languages or borders, thus we are also capable of creating our own artistic expressions under the light of those who inspire us.
That being said, let me continue. Although I learned this long after I had created the legion of the guardian dragons in my story and to the surprise of many, I found out that the Incas and the Muiscas for example, talked about the existence of large snakes that have been considered species of dragons, and who were revered and feared creatures. I invite you to investigate the legends of Chiminigagua, their offspring and their connection with fire snakes, (after all there was a dragon in Colombia, who knew?)
To me, dragons are fascinating creatures, which do not necessarily have to be evil although I understand why they are linked to the forces of evil in most cases. They represent power, wisdom and its magnificence has no comparison with another mythological figure in my concept. In the mythology of The Lake of Miracles, there are two important dragons, Guleth and Lothar (Yes. Lothar Matthäus influenced the name). They belong to the legion of treasure guards dragons or golden dragons, the last species of dragons in the kingdom of Molthar. They are intuitive creatures, with telepathic powers, but extremely noble, capable of doing anything to defend the treasure they care for. When a guardian dragon dies, it has a reserved and privileged place among the stars, from where they shine when the sky wants to announce something important, creating the celestial dragon constellation. Of course, you have to read the book to know what is going to happen with them and why Guleth and Lothar are so important to the protagonists.
I want to leave you with the 7 dragons of recent popular culture that for me have been the most fascinating ones, and from which I have taken something, whether for the creation of my stories or even on a personal level.
- Maleficent.
I like the original story where is Maleficent who becomes a dragon, so as Susan Sarandon in Enchanted.
- Mushu.
Before Eddie Murphy was immortalized as Shrek’s donkey, he gave voice to this fun little dragon that would captivate the cartoon audience. It is a kind of mythological Jiminy Cricket, don’t you think?
- Elliot.
The nobility of this dragon is incomparable. He is a dragon who knows perfectly the value of friendship and family.
4.Draco.
A dragon with Sean Connery’s voice. Need I say more?
- Smaug.
An absolutely terrifying and powerful creature. Egocentric, manipulative and narcissistic. It feels almost like I am describing a certain “politician” whose name I do not want to remember …
- Drogon.
Drogon is ahead of Rhaegal and Viserion. Way more ahead! In a secret fantasy, I would love for my children or even my dog to respond to the word Dracarys in any dangerous situation.
- Falkor.
I had already stated, this is the first dragon I fell in love with, and who started my fascination for these creatures. An optimistic creature who taught me to dream about other worlds.
What did you think of my list? Which dragon have influenced you and why? I will keep you posted on when I will release the English version of my book. I can’t wait to introduce you properly to Lothar and the treasure guards dragons! Here is the trailer just for now…
