INTRODUCTION
While I have proposed in a blog, Taming the Dragon Within Us, that the dragon is us, to my knowledge there are only two stories (that inspired the wisdom story below) that I know in which humans turn into dragons: the story of Eustace Clarence Scrubb in the “Voyage of the Dawn Treader” by C.S. Lewis, and "The Sun-Girl & Dragon-Prince," an Armenian dragon story. Otherwise, most stories illustrate the dragon as a creature that is not human: an "other." A type of being that is not like us. A scary monster that we do not become. Perhaps it is for this reason that a significant portion of western dragon myths is about a knight out to kill and vanquish a dragon. However, if we make the definition of a dragon more flexible, for instance, a human being that is overcome by primitive impulses (hunger, anger, pleasure, dominance, survival), then fictional/mythological characters of this nature are easier to find. To name a few: 1) Mr. Hyde in Jekyll and Hyde, 2) Gollum (aka Sméagol) in Lord of the Rings, 3) Te Kā (aka Te Fiti) in the film Moana, 4) Darth Vader (aka Anakin Skywalker) in Star Wars. These characters were good, but at some point lost their way in the dark. They are not irredeemable, of course. Someone has to remind and guide them to come back to the light.
While I have proposed in a blog, Taming the Dragon Within Us, that the dragon is us, to my knowledge there are only two stories (that inspired the wisdom story below) that I know in which humans turn into dragons: the story of Eustace Clarence Scrubb in the “Voyage of the Dawn Treader” by C.S. Lewis, and "The Sun-Girl & Dragon-Prince," an Armenian dragon story. Otherwise, most stories illustrate the dragon as a creature that is not human: an "other." A type of being that is not like us. A scary monster that we do not become. Perhaps it is for this reason that a significant portion of western dragon myths is about a knight out to kill and vanquish a dragon. However, if we make the definition of a dragon more flexible, for instance, a human being that is overcome by primitive impulses (hunger, anger, pleasure, dominance, survival), then fictional/mythological characters of this nature are easier to find. To name a few: 1) Mr. Hyde in Jekyll and Hyde, 2) Gollum (aka Sméagol) in Lord of the Rings, 3) Te Kā (aka Te Fiti) in the film Moana, 4) Darth Vader (aka Anakin Skywalker) in Star Wars. These characters were good, but at some point lost their way in the dark. They are not irredeemable, of course. Someone has to remind and guide them to come back to the light.
The Dragon & the Healer (by Chaplain Donnel)
In a small village, there was once a person whose inner song was to help others become who they truly are. He helped others, and did really well. After a series of painful and traumatic life struggles, he was lured by the treasure of power and control. The person’s obsession with power and control eventually led him into the dark caves where the treasure was located.
In the dark cave, he was able to have all of the gold he wanted, but little did he know that the cave had a dark spell in it. As soon as a person entered the cave of power and control, that person ended up becoming trapped, and he grew scales in his body and became a dragon.
In a small village, there was once a person whose inner song was to help others become who they truly are. He helped others, and did really well. After a series of painful and traumatic life struggles, he was lured by the treasure of power and control. The person’s obsession with power and control eventually led him into the dark caves where the treasure was located.
In the dark cave, he was able to have all of the gold he wanted, but little did he know that the cave had a dark spell in it. As soon as a person entered the cave of power and control, that person ended up becoming trapped, and he grew scales in his body and became a dragon.
This person who turned into a dragon became intoxicated with fear, anger and despair - an energy, which when released, came out as red fire. The fire of fear, anger and despair ignited when the dragon suspected that someone else was going to steal the gold from him. Fully obsessed with its golden treasure, this dragon, who used to be a person, has now forgotten who he used to be. He has forgotten his sacred song - the song of helping others become who they truly are.
Years passed, and in that very same village, there was a medicine woman who made medicine by growing medicinal plants. This woman was said to also have powers just like the dragon; but her power comes from a different source: from the warmth of the light of the sun - which creates peace, joy, hope and new life.
Years passed, and in that very same village, there was a medicine woman who made medicine by growing medicinal plants. This woman was said to also have powers just like the dragon; but her power comes from a different source: from the warmth of the light of the sun - which creates peace, joy, hope and new life.
The medicine woman of the village took it upon herself to find the lost person who had disappeared into the dark caves. She entered the dark cave, and saw the dragon guarding its treasure. Unsurprisingly, as she approached the dragon guarding its gold, the dragon started to breathe out fire - the fire of fear, anger and despair.
However, she stayed calm, and said: “I see your pain, your inner conflict. And I know who you truly are. I see the good in you. You are a beloved child of the creation. Your true song is to help people become who they truly are.”
However, she stayed calm, and said: “I see your pain, your inner conflict. And I know who you truly are. I see the good in you. You are a beloved child of the creation. Your true song is to help people become who they truly are.”
After saying these words, the medicine woman gave the dragon a kind embrace, and sang his sacred song to the dragon’s ear. And when the sacred song struck the ears of the dragon, tears started rolling from the dragon’s eyes. Then something miraculous happened: the tears melted away the dragon’s scales and he became a person once more.
With the dragon scales melted away by the tears, he started embracing his inner sacred song once more. Together with the medicine woman, they went back to their community to help others heal, and guide people to become who they truly are & remember their sacred song.
With the dragon scales melted away by the tears, he started embracing his inner sacred song once more. Together with the medicine woman, they went back to their community to help others heal, and guide people to become who they truly are & remember their sacred song.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What did you find to be the most important part of the story? What resonated with you?
- What experiences have you had that is close to this story?
- Where do you find yourself in this story? Which part of the story is about you?
- What dark caves have you ventured into?
- What is your sacred song?
Guide for Facilitators of Spiritual Care Groups
Practice Spirit Play storytelling:
- STORY MATERIALS
- VIDEO
- SCRIPT
