The Welsh Dragon

The Welsh word for dragon is 'draig' also meaning warrior or leader. It is seen to symbolise national independence and legends exist that the red dragon battled against the white dragon of the Saxon enemy.

'The symbol of the dragon seems to have emerged from a combination of folklore and Arthurian Legend. The ancient tales tell of how the wizard Merlin advised the 5th Century Welsh King - Vortigern - of two sleeping dragons, one red and one white, that lay beneath the spot he had chosen to build his fortress which was used to repel Anglo-Saxon invaders. The King ordered the beasts to be awoken and a ferocious battle lasting many years, ensued. The Red Dragon, suffering many injuries at first, triumphed over the white. Merlin or 'Myrddin' to the Welsh, interpreted this as a prophecy, showing that the Welsh would ultimately, after suffering for years (like the red dragon) overcome the Anglo-Saxon invaders and kept their land, their language, and their traditions.'

The dragon was used as a heraldic symbol of both England and Wales at one time but later used by Henry  VII (Tudor) in 1485 as he fought in the Battle of Bosworth against Richard III. Henry carried three standards and one of these was emblazoned with a 'Red ffyry dragon peynted upon white and grene'. It was this that was seen as his tribute to the Welsh for whom he was grateful for making his victory possible

The Welsh flag carries a red dragon facing towards the left and centrally positioned and covering in equal parts the upper  and lower horizontal white and green panels which were Tudor colours.
On St David's day the red dragon flag or pennant is flown and some people wear a dragon pin in their lapels to mark this special day.

From the internet they describe the heraldic dragon thus:-

'In heraldry a dragon varies greatly especially in the shape of its ears, however the wings are always those of a bat. The tongue and tail can often be barbed and breathes out fire, it is also a symbol of power, wisdom and one who has overcome an adversary. The heraldic dragon has a body covered with plates and scales and is of reptilian nature along with a row of formidable spines extending from head to tail. The fearsome creature also has a dangerous spike on his nose, a forked tongue and eagle's feet.

You can find the dragon in some English fairy-tales and church carvings. The Celtic dragon also represents sovereignty, power or as Pendragon, the Celtic word meaning 'chief'. The Welsh dragon was used in the Royal Arms in the sixteenth century. The Red Dragon of Cadwallader is the emblem of Wales; the Red Dragon Dreadful' and it was blazed on King Arthur's helmet in battle.'

Welsh National Flag

The Welsh Flag shows the red dragon has bat's wings, a scaly skin, he breathes fire and has a pointed tail.. On the flag his left front leg is