Dragon Kings

The basic idea of a Dragon King is a dragon guardian that rules an area of water. Angering the dragon could cause bad things to happen such as floods. Making sure the dragon is happy, such as giving them offerings, is the way to ensure this does not happen. The idea of dragon kings is said to come from China, though it is now widespread in the countries of this region.

In China there are four high Dragon King and there are many local ones. The local Dragon Kings are much more respected. Every well and watercourse has its own Dragon King. In northern China beside every well is the Dragon King's tiny temple with a statue of it. Dragon Kings are resorted to when there is too much or too little rain. The Dragon King is approached with the request, and if it is not granted within a certain time action is taken. For example, the statue of the Dragon King may be left by the side of the road, to cause it discomfort so that it grants the request. If a request is granted then there is a celebration to honour the Dragon King.

These notes are from a website called The Dragon Stone. Click the name of the website for more information on dragons.