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 ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 4
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Music Played
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A Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble
Jason and the Golden Fleece
- Symphonia Fantastique.
- Mark Records.
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Howard Shore
The Desolation of Smaug
- The Hobbit Original Movie Soundtrack.
- Decca.
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Safet Isović
Zmaj od Bosne
- Iz bosanske sehare 10.
- Extra Music.
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Calan
Tale of Two Dragons
- Tale of Two Dragons / Chwedl y Ddwy Ddraig.
- Sain.
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Richard Hickox
The Banner of St George
- The Banner Of St. George etc.
- EMI.
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Lam Sik-Kwan
Dragon Boat Festivity
- Flowing Chinese Flutes.
- Sunrise.
Readings
Title: Beowulf ÌýÌýÌý
Author: Seamus Heaney
Publisher: Faber & Faberaber
Title: Dragons Ìý
Author: Margaret Tom Ìý Ìý
Publisher: Harry Chambers/Peterloo Poets
ÌýTitle: Paradise LostÌýÌý
Author: John Milton ÌýÌý
Publisher: Harry Chambers/Peterloo PoetsTitle: Paradise LostÌýÌý
Author: John MiltonÌýÌýÌý
Publisher: Cambridge University Press in BookÌý
Title: Oh, To Be A DragonÌýÌýÌý
Author: Marianne Moore
Publisher: Viking BooksÌý
Title: The Kraken ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
Author: Alfred Lord Tennyson
Publisher: Faber & Faber in The Faber Book of Beasts
Title: Dragon World ÌýÌýÌýÌý
Author: Gavin Bantock Ìý
Publisher: Anvil Poetry Press in DragonsÌý
Title: The Reluctant Dragon
Author: Kenneth Grahame
Publisher: Oxford University Press in The Oxford Book of Modern Fairy TalesÌý
Broadcasts
- Sun 2 Aug 2015 06:05´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 4
- Sun 2 Aug 2015 23:30´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 4
- Sun 25 Apr 2021 06:05´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 4
- Sun 25 Apr 2021 23:30´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 4