Recently, I listened to a couple of podcast episodes about dragons, which I thought was interesting because none of these podcasts are dragon-specific. So I thought about sharing a small reading and podcast list for fun!
Podcast Episodes about Dragons
The episode that inspired this post is BBC’s In Our Time podcast, which did an episode on dragons. It’s a fascinating podcast that compares how both the East and West saw dragons (and whether the Chinese Loong can even be a dragon) and is a great introduction to the topic. There is also a very long reading list in the podcast show notes, but I’ve chosen a few that I like and shared them below.
If you’re looking for podcasts on the Chinese loong, I thought of Hanfugirl’s podcast. One of her earliest (I think the first?) episode was on dragon sightings and she and her guest, Chloe, go into detail about an alleged dragon sighting in 1943.
And for a look at dragons in yet more cultural contexts, check out Byzantine and Friend’s episode of Dragons with Scott Bruce. Scott Bruce is actually one of the authors cited in the BBC’s reading list on dragon so that makes me even more interested in his book, The Penguin Book of Dragons.
Books about Dragons
Books I’ve read
As I look back on the books that I’ve reviewed, I noticed that I haven’t read that much about dragons. But two that I did enjoy were:
Hollow Places by Christopher Hadley – this is a book that investigates the folktale of Piers Shonks, who allegedly defeated a dragon. While not about dragons, it is a great book that goes deep into one particular folk tale and how it evolved. (My review)
Creatures Real and Imaginary in Chinese and Japanese Art by Walter G. Von Krenner – again, dragons are just one small part of this book but it is a great cultural comparison of Chinese and Japanese art that shows how each has influenced the other, and also been influenced by other cultures. Hmm… I kind of want to reread it now. (My review)
On my TBR
The Penguin Book of Dragons by Scott G Bruce – It was mentioned in two podcasts, so obviously I have to read it.
A Maid with a Dragon: The Cult of St Margaret of Antioch in Medieval England by Juliana Dresvina – I have not heard of St Margaret of Antioch but she sounds fascinating and I am always ready for some history.
The Monsters and the Critics by J.R.R Tolkien – I think I might have read this before and I would actually want to read this essay with Chesterton’s essay “On Fairytales” to see what the similarities and differences are.
And there you have it! My short little list on dragon-themed podcasts and books to listen and read to, should you ever find yourself in the mood.