Dragon ATC (Folklore ATC #6)

Are you a fan of folklore? Would you like to create (and receive) ATCs of creatures from folklore from around the world? Then welcome to the Folklore ATC series!

ATC #6 features the dragon! Dragons are mythical serpentine creatures found around the world, though the earliest recorded dragons were from the Ancient Near East/Ancient Mesopotamia. Though their forms are many and their intentions are varied, they are always reptilian beasts and usually take on some spiritual or legendary role. Old or new, West or East, choose your dragon and depict it in a way that shows its splendor. Make a quick notation somewhere which culture's dragon yours is based on, if you know, and write a quick blurb if it's relevant. Just avoid characters from video games, movies, or TV shows.

Why are dragons so common? Well, humans seem to have a primal, instinctive fear of snakes and reptiles. In fact, it is believed many dragons were based on these real life creatures, though others are pure imaginings. Anthropologist David E. Jones points out that dragons are usually found in "dank caves, deep pools, wild mountain reaches, sea bottoms, haunted forests," which is where early humans would've encountered serpents. Other anthropologists postulate that they may be based on fossilized dinosaurs. Wild!

It is difficult to sum up just how many types of dragons there are, so here are some links to get you started:

• Very good list of dragons in folklore by culture

• General Wiki article

• New World Encyclopedia article

• Encyclopedia Britannica article

Swap rules!

• 1 ATC to one partner

• standard 2.5" x 3.5" size

• ATC can be any medium, please just put in effort. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE AN ARTIST. You just have to be willing to make art. The card you receive may reflect this.

• use a sturdy backing

• on the back, write your name, date, and the name of the swap. Make sure you include your username somewhere in the package (on the back of the card is fine).

• send the card in a protective sleeve -- you can buy trading card sleeves for cheap, or make one out of things like sticker cellophane, thin paper, etc

• open to newbies with full profiles, no unexplained 1's or 3's. Message me if you have any concern. I reserve the right to remove anyone for any reason. I will angel, but please give 8 weeks after send date for your ATC to arrive! If the time is coming near and you know you're going to flake for whatever reason, honestly just let me know so I can get it done sooner.

Don't be shy to ask me anything you're unsure about. Also, feel free to leave suggestions for future subjects for the series in the comments.

Past Folklore Swaps

#1 - Baba Yaga

#2 - Yōkai

#3 - Gremlins

#4 - Shadow People

#5 - Banshee

Upcoming Folklore Swaps

#7 - Anansi

#8 - Medusa

#9 - The Monster of Lake Tota

#10 - Wendigo

While it's not officially part of the series, you may enjoy sharing a bit of your own magic with Family Folklore Swap - ATC + Letter -- an international swap open to everyone.

While this ATC series will continue for the foreseeable future, join Monsters, Myths, & Legends -- US ATC Swappers! if you want more swaps, a wider array of subjects and themes, art challenges, and to get in on hosting! MM&L: we're not just ATCs, but SB won't let you change a group name!