Dragonair (Pokémon): Difference between revisions

Dragonair appears to be based on {{wp|sea serpent}}s or ''ryu'', traditional {{wp|Japanese dragon}}s or {{wp|Chinese dragon}}s who bring good luck. It also resembles a {{wp|snake}}, its tail even resembling that of a {{wp|rattlesnake}}. The wings on its head resemble those on the sandals and hat of the Greek god {{wp|Hermes}}, and its long, snakelike body may be a reference to the snakes on his scepter.

Dragonair may also be based on the ''{{wp|Korean dragon#Imugi|imugi}}'', a proto-dragon that resembles a snake and lives in water or caves, much like Dragonair. After an ''imugi'' lives a thousand years, a jewel (called a ''Yeouiju'') will fall from the sky. If the ''imugi'' catches it, it will become a true {{wp|dragon}}. The jewel on Dragonair's neck might also be a reference to the Japanese folktale ''{{wp|The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter}}'', in which the princess Kaguya-hime challenges her suitors to bring her back some items, including a colored jewel from a dragon's neck.