Dragons are considered one of the strongest beings in folklore. They can fly, they can control weather, or pretty much anything really. Dragons are the quintessential example of a being that is above all, such as Ohio schools. With many varieties of dragons out there, it would only make sense that someone, such as myself, would be able to draw connections to one or the other.
Lóng (Chinese Dragon) - Miami University
In Chinese culture, dragons are considered symbols of absolute power, with abilities that could control even the weather itself. Which is why it is perfect for Miami. With constant weather anomalies here at Miami, including snow in the middle of April, what other dragon could it possibly be? There is a Chinese idiom which states, "Hoping one's son will become a dragon." This relates to Miami University well because, Miami alum throughout the nation are doing big things, like a dragon would.
French Dragon - THE Ohio State University
Ohio State is the most popular school within the state of Ohio, so what better dragon to represent them than the most common types of dragons? The French dragon is your standard European dragon, nothing too special, but everyone knows about them as they are normally what people think of when they think about dragons.
Puff the Magic Dragon - Ohio University
Their mascot is green, just like Puff. Puff the Magic Dragon came from a song written by Peter, Paul, and Mary. In the song it states "Dragons live forever, but not so little boys." This is a great description for OU. OU is known for being a pretty big party school and what better way than to celebrate college than partying, but eventually OU students will have to grow up and leave the party scene behind, hence the "but not so little boys." So basically OU is the dragon and the students are the little boys.
Welsh Dragon - University of Dayton
UD is a small private institutions, likewise, the Welsh dragon comes from the small nation of Wales. Normally used as a standard for Celtic battles by the likes of King Arthur, the Welsh dragon represents Dayton well as a small school in a big world. Dayton has the competitive edge in things such as basketball in where they can take on the best of the best.
Nāga (Indian Dragon) - University of Cincinnati
The Nāga is more snakelike than a dragon, but it is still a dragon. Likewise, UC is very snakelike as well. According to tradition, nāgas are only malevolent to humans when they have been mistreated. People often mistreat UC and look down upon them, so don't be surprised if one day they bite back.
Smaug - Case Western Reserve University
Alduin - University of Toledo
Alduin, like Toledo is very old. Not only that, the University of Toledo is situated right by downtown Toledo, which, in my opinion, is not a very safe place. Dangerous you might say. Like their counterpart, Alduin is also very dangerous. Perfect relation.
Wyvern - Northern Kentucky University
Just like how the wyvern isn't a dragon, Northern Kentucky University is not in Ohio. They can try all they want, but they will never be as real as a real dragon.
As a student in an Ohio school, I try to be as unbiased as possible, and I think achieved that with the comparisons. After countless hours of research, I am positive that, for the ones listed, I used the perfect dragon/school pairing. Not all schools can be dragons, but Ohio schools sure can.
