The idea of dragons coexisting with humans has long been a subject of fascination and debate. On a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan and his guest, wildlife biologist Forrest Galante, discussed the possibility that what we commonly think of as dragons might have been based on real, large reptiles such as crocodiles or giant lizards that lived alongside early humans.

Rogan, who often shares unconventional ideas with his audience, mentioned that the myth of dragons might have emerged from encounters with large, fearsome reptiles in ancient times. He speculated that these encounters, which may have included attacks by crocodiles or other giant reptiles, could have been misinterpreted as attacks by mythical creatures. Over time, artists and storytellers would have added fantastical elements, shaping these creatures into the dragons we know today. Rogan suggests that such creatures could have been more plausible in prehistoric times, where human beings might have had limited knowledge and understanding of the animals they encountered.

Forrest Galante, an experienced wildlife biologist, supports the notion that large reptiles, like crocodiles, could have been the source of many dragon legends. He emphasized that creatures such as crocodiles, which are capable of growing to enormous sizes and surviving for hundreds of years, could have been terrifying enough to leave lasting impressions on early human societies. These large reptiles might have been misidentified as dragons, especially by people who had never seen such creatures before.

One of the key points raised during the conversation was how early human encounters with these reptiles could have been influenced by the lack of advanced technology and understanding. Rogan pointed out that early explorers, upon encountering animals like crocodiles in regions they were unfamiliar with, might have been unable to accurately describe what they had seen. For example, the Bible’s story of Jonah and the whale may have actually been based on an encounter with a large crocodile. The ancient artists who depicted the whale in religious texts likely did not know what a whale truly looked like, so they created an image that reflected their limited knowledge, which could be why the creature was depicted in a way that resembled a monster or dragon.

Rogan’s musings also brought up the idea that many cultures may have had their own versions of these reptilian encounters. Legends of flying lizards, which resemble pterodactyls, were likely exaggerated versions of encounters with large flying reptiles. The concept of dragons might have been born out of these experiences, further compounded by artistic depictions and storytelling.

The discussion also touches on the idea of ancient creatures surviving much longer than scientists once believed. While the dinosaurs are long gone, many of the reptilian species from their era, such as crocodiles and Komodo dragons, have survived into modern times. These creatures, some of which grow to massive sizes, may have been the real-life inspirations for dragon myths. As Galante notes, crocodiles are remarkable for their longevity and ability to grow throughout their lives. Some crocodiles, especially those in remote areas like the Congo, have been reported to grow so large that they could dwarf even large boats.

This phenomenon of giant reptiles is not confined to myth. Explorers in the 19th century reported seeing crocodiles that were larger than their boats. These reptiles, which can live for centuries, continue to grow as long as they survive. Their intimidating size, combined with their predatory nature, could easily have led early humans to mistake them for dragons or other mythical creatures.

Rogan also critiques mainstream media for dismissing such ideas. He references a recent episode of The View, where a panelist mocked his belief in dragons, emphasizing the credibility of traditional news sources like ABC. He argues that this attitude undermines the credibility of the mainstream media when they dismiss alternative viewpoints without properly considering the facts or evidence. According to Rogan, such dismissals are typical of a media that is more concerned with maintaining its power and narrative than with open-minded discussions.

Despite the humorous nature of the discussion, Rogan’s point about media bias and the role of alternative perspectives is significant. He suggests that the mainstream media often labels ideas outside the norm, like the possibility of dragons or the existence of ancient creatures, as absurd. This can discourage people from considering new or alternative theories, even if they are based on scientific observations or historical records.

At the heart of the conversation is a larger question about how we interpret history and our place in it. Are we truly capable of understanding the full extent of ancient civilizations and their interactions with the natural world? Could the myths we have ab