Dragons are like mermaids in that they're not real. And that's about where the comparison ends. Learn all about dragons today.
AI Summary
# Episode Summary
In this episode, Josh and Chuck tackle the myth of dragons across Western and Asian cultures, exploring how these legendary creatures became so universally recognizable despite their wildly different origins and characteristics. They dive into the fascinating theory that the word "dragon" itself came from ancient Greek descriptions of snakes, and how mistranslations and exaggerations over centuries transformed simple serpents into the fire-breathing, treasure-hoarding beasts we know today. Along the way, they discover that some legendary dragon slayings might have roots in real events, like Saint George possibly battling an actual crocodile, and they contrast the menacing Western dragon with the more benevolent, rain-bringing Asian dragons that have been revered for thousands of years.
Aunty Donna's Dungeons and Dragons
2023
"Dungeons and Dragons in the 70s was a very big sort of, you know, how much dragons had fallen out of the sort of pop culture eye, but it really brought it back — Discussed as reviving dragon interest in pop culture with different colored dragons having different temperaments."
— Chuck
Dragon Ball Z
1989
TV-14
★ 8.4
"I think our younger listeners would be really mad if we didn't mention Dragon Ball Z. — Referenced as a notable dragon-themed show younger listeners would expect to be mentioned."
— Chuck
Game of Thrones
2011
★ 8.5
"I didn't watch Game of Thrones, but I know there were little trained dragons in that one. Yeah. That grew. — Mentioned as having dragons that grow in size throughout the series."
— Josh
Ghost of Tsushima Legends
"I've been playing a game lately called Ghost of Tsushima, which is a, you play a samurai warrior that's sort of traveling through Japan and ancient times. — Discussed as comparison to Western games like Red Dead Redemption, noting its peaceful design and honoring of Japanese traditions."
— Chuck
Pacific Rim
2013
PG-13
2h 11m
★ 6.9
"So it's kind of like the Pacific Rim of dragon movies? — Used as a comparison to Reign of Fire as an over-the-top, fun spectacle film."
— Chuck
Pete's Dragon
2016
PG
1h 43m
★ 6.4
"My friend Toby was a producer on Pete's dragon. Yeah, for the remake, obviously. Yes, which was really, really good in touching and in tear jerking a little bit. — Mentioned as a modern remake of the dragon film that Josh had personal connection to through a producer friend."
— Josh
Puff, the Magic Dragon
1978
30m
★ 7.0
"There's also Puff the Magic Dragon. Don't forget him. God, the saddest song of all time. — Mentioned as a famous dragon character, noting it's actually a sad song not related to marijuana."
— Josh
Red Dragon
2002
R
2h 4m
★ 7.0
"I'm just familiar with it from that movie Red Dragon. Okay. About the Silence of the Lambs prequel, I think. — Referenced as a prequel to Silence of the Lambs while discussing Paradise Lost and metaphorical depictions of good versus evil."
— Josh
Reign of Fire
2002
PG-13
1h 41m
★ 6.2
"if you haven't seen the movie Rain of Fire, just stop what you're doing and watch that because that is the King Daddy of all dragon movies. — Recommended as the best dragon movie featuring McConaughey and Christian Bale."
— Josh
Starship Troopers
1997
2h 9m
★ 7.1
"Or Starship Troopers of dragon movies? Oh man, that's another great movie. — Referenced as another example of a fun, over-the-top spectacle film similar to Reign of Fire."
— Chuck
"I also realized it just went on Ned Flanders with the Breaker Rooney. I've never said that before in my life. — Referenced Ned Flanders character and his depiction, mentioning 'Stupid sexy Flanders' scene."
— Josh
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