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Why the Dragon is Central to Chinese Culture

Season 4 Episode 3

We explore why the Chinese Dragon is central figure in Chinese culture.

The Chinese dragon is one of the world’s most globally recognized monsters. Playing a major role throughout Chinese history, they were both creators and destroyers and controlled the elements. They've influenced everything from politics to religion—what is it about the Chinese Dragon that makes it such a central figure in Chinese culture?

AIR DATE 3/22/22

Videos

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    S4 E16
    Is Siren Head the Ultimate Modern Monster? (ASL)
  • Can All Monsters Be Traced Back to Tiamat?
    S4 E15
    Can All Monsters Be Traced Back to Tiamat?
  • Egyptian Mummies: From Sacred Vessels to Scary Undead
    S4 E14
    Egyptian Mummies: From Sacred Vessels to Scary Undead
  • The Golden Age of Movie Monsters
    S4 E13
    The Golden Age of Movie Monsters
  • Tikbálang: The Filipino Nightmare Shapeshifter
    S4 E12
    Tikbálang: The Filipino Nightmare Shapeshifter
  • Monster Plants and the Humans who Invent Them
    S4 E11
    Monster Plants and the Humans who Invent Them
  • How Cthulhu Transcended its Creator, H.P. Lovecraft
    S4 E10
    How Cthulhu Transcended its Creator, H.P. Lovecraft
  • Is Siren Head the Ultimate Modern Monster?
    S4 E9
    Is Siren Head the Ultimate Modern Monster?
  • What Hellhounds Reveal about Humans' Oldest Companion
    S4 E8
    What Hellhounds Reveal about Humans' Oldest Companion
  • Alien Abduction and UFOs: Why Are Grays So Common?
    S4 E7
    Alien Abduction and UFOs: Why Are Grays So Common?
  • Mapinguari: Fearsome Beast and Protector of the Amazon
    S4 E6
    Mapinguari: Fearsome Beast and Protector of the Amazon
  • Why Has the Majestic Griffin Been Forgotten?
    S4 E5
    Why Has the Majestic Griffin Been Forgotten?
  • Have Humans Always Feared Sharks?
    S4 E4
    Have Humans Always Feared Sharks?
  • Why the Dragon is Central to Chinese Culture
    S4 E3
    Now Playing
    Why the Dragon is Central to Chinese Culture
  • Adze: the Shapeshifting Firefly from West Africa
    S4 E2
    Adze: the Shapeshifting Firefly from West Africa
  • The Enchanting Fairies of Celtic Lore
    S4 E1
    The Enchanting Fairies of Celtic Lore
    • About Monstrum

    The world is full of monsters, myths, and legends and Monstrum isn’t afraid to take a closer look. The show, hosted by Emily Zarka, Ph.D., takes us on a journey to discover a new monster for each new episode. Monstrum looks at humans unique drive to create and shape monster mythology through oral storytelling, literature and film.

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