The Western Dragon
This work is a short story that explores the concept of time and its relationship to human perception. It follows a protagonist who discovers a way to travel through time, but finds himself stuck in an infinite loop, reliving the same moment over and over. The narrative is presented as a series of fragmented memories, which are revealed through the protagonist's interactions with various characters. These characters serve as catalysts for his journey, pushing him to confront the nature of time and its effects on human experience. Throughout the story, the author employs philosophical and metaphysical themes, questioning the notion of free will and the consequences of altering the timeline. The narrative is characterized by a sense of claustrophobia and disorientation, reflecting the protagonist's growing unease with his situation. Ultimately, the story raises questions about the nature of reality and the human condition, leaving the reader to ponder the implications of time travel and its effects on individual existence.
By Jorge Luis Borges · First published 1947 · Genre: Mythology, Fantasy, Folklore · 840 words
First lines
A tall-standing, heavy serpent with claws and wings is perhaps the description that best fits the Dragon. It may be black, but it is essential that it also be shining; equally essential is that it belch forth fire and smoke. The above description refers, of course, to its present image; the Greeks seem to have applied the name Dragon to any considerable reptile. Pliny informs us that in summer the Dragon craves elephant blood, which is notably cool. It will make a sudden foray on the elephant, coil round it, and plunge its teeth into it. The bloodless elephant rolls on the ground and dies; so does the Dragon, crushed under the weight of its victim. We also read that Ethiopian Dragons, in search of better pasturage, regularly cross the Red Sea and migrate to Arabia. To accomplish this, four or five Dragons coil together and form a kind of craft, with their heads lifted out of the water. In Pliny there is also a chapter devoted to remedies derived from the Dragon. Here we read that its eyes, dried and then stirred with honey, make a liniment that is effective against nightmares. The fat of the Dragon's heart stored in the hide of a gazelle and tied to the arm with the sinews of a stag assures success in litigation; Dragon teeth, also bound to the body, ensure the indulgence of masters and the mercy of kings. With some scepticism Pliny cites a preparation that renders men invincible. It is concocted of the skin of a lion, a lion's marrow, the froth of a horse which has just won a race, the nails of a dog, and the tail and head of a Dragon.
What this Textopian page supports
The Western Dragon is listed on Textopian as a short story by Jorge Luis Borges, dated 1947 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Jorge Luis Borges
- Date: 1947 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mythology, Fantasy, Folklore, History, Literary Criticism
- Length: 840 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Western Dragon by Jorge Luis Borges
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Western Dragon?
- How does this short story by Jorge Luis Borges fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mythology first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Mythology — The text explores various mythological representations and stories of dragons across different cultures and historical periods.
- Fantasy — The depiction of dragons as fantastical creatures with supernatural abilities aligns with the fantasy genre.
- Folklore — The narrative includes traditional beliefs and tales about dragons, reflecting elements of folklore.
- History — The text references historical accounts and interpretations of dragons, such as those by Pliny and in the Historia Animalium.
Tags
Fantasy · Mythology · Philosophy · Literary Fiction · Short Story · Symbolism · Metaphysics · Existentialism · Mystery · Adventure · Quest · Dragon Mythology