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Here Be Dragons

From the depths of the oceans to Himalayan peaks, Mark Tully investigates the cultural power of the mythical beast and the many places that can boast ‘Here Be Dragons’.

Mark Tully investigates the fascinating power of dragons in Eastern and Western culture.

‘Here Be Dragons’ is the traditional description of any creature or place that remains unexplained. It conjures images of batwinged, eagle footed reptilian firebreathers destroying all before them. It also brings to mind extraordinary beauty and ethereal power.

In a programme that contrasts good and bad dragons, West and East, fact and fantasy, we hear from Seamus Heaney and Lam Sik Kwan, George Elgar and Margaret Toms, John Milton and Marianne Moore. A geographical and cultural feast in celebration of the greatest mystical animal of all.

The readers are Polly Frame, Peter Marinker and Francis Cadder.

Producer: Frank Stirling
A Unique Broadcasting Company production for BBC Radio 4

28 minutes

Last on

Sun 25 Apr 202123:30
BBC Radio 4

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Music Played

  • A Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble

    Jason and the Golden Fleece

    • Symphonia Fantastique.
    • Mark Records.

  • Howard Shore

    The Desolation of Smaug

    • The Hobbit Original Movie Soundtrack.
    • Decca.

  • Safet Isović

    Zmaj od Bosne

    • Iz bosanske sehare 10.
    • Extra Music.

  • Calan

    Tale of Two Dragons

    • Tale of Two Dragons / Chwedl y Ddwy Ddraig.
    • Sain.

  • Richard Hickox

    The Banner of St George

    • The Banner Of St. George etc.
    • EMI.

  • Lam Sik-Kwan

    Dragon Boat Festivity

    • Flowing Chinese Flutes.
    • Sunrise.

Readings


Title: Beowulf

Author: Seamus Heaney

Publisher: Faber & Faberaber


Title: Dragons

Author: Margaret Tom

Publisher: Harry Chambers/Peterloo Poets


Title: Paradise Lost

Author: John Milton

Publisher: Harry Chambers/Peterloo Poets


Title: Paradise Lost

Author: John Milton

Publisher: Cambridge University Press in Book 


Title: Oh, To Be A Dragon

Author: Marianne Moore

Publisher: Viking Books 


Title: The Kraken

Author: Alfred Lord Tennyson

Publisher: Faber & Faber in The Faber Book of Beasts


Title: Dragon World

Author: Gavin Bantock

Publisher: Anvil Poetry Press in Dragons 


Title: The Reluctant Dragon

Author: Kenneth Grahame

Publisher: Oxford University Press in The Oxford Book of Modern Fairy Tales 

Broadcasts

  • Sun 2 Aug 201506:05
    BBC Radio 4
  • Sun 2 Aug 201523:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Sun 25 Apr 202106:05
    BBC Radio 4
  • Sun 25 Apr 202123:30
    BBC Radio 4