China

• The Chinese dragon serves as the archetype for dragons throughout the region, with its distinctively serpentine body, under the name of "lung" or "long." In China, the Imperial Dragon is the only one with five claws on each foot. Below him is any dragon having four or fewer claws. The Imperial Dragon could only be used to decorate imperial garments and property. To wear its likeness above your station was grounds for execution.
  
  The dragon's relationship with humans in China was more benevolent than aggressive. Yellow dragons are credited with bringing writing to humanity and being the ones to convey prayers up into the heavens.
  
  There are four Dragon Kings: Ao Chin, Ao Kuang, Ao Shun, and Ao Jun. These dragons were responsible for large areas and the waters within them, capable of calling down storms and floods on the populace as commanded by the Gods.
  
  

Japan

• Like the Chinese dragon, Japanese dragons are very serpentine in shape. The Japanese use the name "ryu" or "tatso." However, while Chinese dragons are benevolent toward humans, Japanese dragons are more antagonistic. Some of the stories from Japan bear a great resemblance to Western stories involving dragons, including the tale of Izumo, an eight-headed dragon terrorizing a town. After killing the creature, the hero discovers an enchanted sword in its tail. The story shares similarities with the story of the Hydra, though Hercules does not get the beast drunk in order to kill it.
  
  

Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia

• The dragon continues its march across the continent, appearing in Indonesia and Thailand as Nagas. Naga is also the name used in Indian mythology for a race of half serpent people who live under the sea. In Indonesia, dragons have five heads and are often temple guardians.
  
  Malayan people also use the word naga to denote a type of dragon. Theirs are gigantic sea serpents who terrify the fishermen.
  
  

India

• From India comes the story of the dragon, Vitra, who took away the rain. He was eventually slain by the god, Indra, so that the drought he brought would end. Vitra is usually portrayed as a huge, three-headed serpent, though he has also been described as a spider.
  
  

Russia

• Ancient Serbians believed in a gigantic dragon with wings that could blacken the entire sky. Alklha (Alicha or Arakho are its other names) was famous for attempting to eat the sun and the moon, though it was never able to keep either celestial sphere down. Eventually, the gods cut Alklha in half so that even if it did manage to swallow, the orbs would come out of the hole in the middle. According to legend, the marks visible on the moon were made by Alklha's fangs in his many failed attempts.