Go deep: The Legend of Naga in Asia.
The Legend of the Nāga : The Serpent Deity That Shaped Asian Beliefs The legends of the Nāga — revered serpent beings — have long influenced the way of life across many Asian cultures, including those of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Whether or not they are connected to the Chinese dragon, countless stories continue to be told, keeping the faith in Nāgas alive for thousands of years. Who exactly is the Nāga? Where did the Nāga originate from? Is the Nāga a mythical creature, a giant serpent, or an entity that exists in a dimension overlapping our own? Many beliefs offer different explanations. Buddhist legends tell of the Nāga’s connection to the past lives of the Buddha himself, while Hindu mythology describes their creation alongside Garuda, the celestial bird. Born from the same egg, Nāgas and Garudas became sworn enemies due to the deception of their mothers — destined to fight each other whenever they meet. Local folklore also abounds with tales of Nāgas: Nāgas who buil...