Spanning centuries, the mythical dragon occupies a significant role in a wide range of religious texts, from the ancient Indian Rigveda to the sacred book of the Maya. In such texts, various figures are called upon to slay these dragons. The Child-god Mithras, for instance, kills a dragon, sacrifices himself in the shape of a bull and ascends to heaven, a story comparable to that of Jesus, who also sacrificed himself and ascended to his father's side.
In Dragon Slayers, filmmaker Petrus van der Let explores the parallels between ancient religions and Christianity. Drawing on both religious texts and modern-day reenactments, this film examines the roots of religious symbols and figures, particularly the image of the dragon and what this creature represents.
Along with Gods with Pointed Caps, Punch and Prophecy, and Journey to the Cradle of Europe, Dragon Slayers forms a 4-part series on the origin of myths and religions in infant perception.
Film locations: Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Guatemala.
English Subtitles.
