Question: My two year old son Matthew loves to watch Dragon Tales on PBS. I have an uneasy feeling about the cartoon but since it is sponsored by the board of education I have given it a chance. Yesterday the episode had spells and magic in the plot. Please shed some light on the situation. Do you have any information at all on these cartoons?
Answer from David C. Mosher, Founder CTTC (Christ to the Cults Ministry)
David updated his answer on November 29 (previous information follows the new part):
AN UPDATE ON THE DRAGON TALE CHARACTER QUETZAL: We were reviewing the PBS web site for Dragon Tales, and noticed there has been a change of great concern. Namely, the description of the dragon character Quetzal, the leader of the four dragons, at: http://www.pbs.org/dragontales/caregivers/characters/index.html
Here is what the PBS web site currently says about Quetzal: “Quetzal is an adult dragon and wise teacher, whom the children and dragons turn to when they need grown-up help. Although he never provides solutions, he gives helpful hints to guide the group in their problem-solving efforts.”
Sounds nice enough – except that awhile back, the PBS had the following description of Quetzal, which it has now replaced with the above description: “Quetzal is a member of the Quetzalcoatl culture (same as Mexican culture).”
Why did PBS remove their original description of Quetzal? Perhaps it was in response to negative feedback from viewers. We are very concerned that PBS has become even more deceptive about the origin of the Quetzal character; now they don’t even mention that the concept came from the Quetzalcoatl culture.
Following is what we had written in a previous review of Dragon Tales, in regards to the original PBS description of Quetzal: The Dragon Tales web site is being very deceptive here. The Quetzalcoatl culture is NOT the same as the nice-sounding term “Mexican culture.” The following description reveals the true occult meaning of the term Quetzalcoatl (this description is from the following web site): http://www.quetzalcoatl.com/serpent.html
“Quetzalcoatl, represented by the plumed serpent, was a legendary Toltec and Aztec ruling deity of ancient Mexico. He was much revered as creator and as the god of civilization, encompassing learning, culture, philosophy, fertility, holiness and gentility. … After many years of wandering he reached his homeland on the east coast of Mexico where he was consumed by divine fire. His ashes were turned into birds and his heart into the morning star. He set sail over the ocean, promising his devoted followers that he would return again from over the sea. … There are many ancient temples dedicated to Quetzalcoatl in Mexico” [the web site provides photos of these temples].
If you will recall, the terms “serpent” and “morning star” above are also used for Lucifer in the Bible. So this Mexican god Quetzalcoatl – AS WELL AS the dragon character Quetzal in Dragon Tales – can be viewed as a representation of Lucifer!
Concerning our critique of “Dragon Tales,” we have gotten some negative feedback from individuals who have gone beyond role playing dragons. They believe they actually are dragons who existed long before we Christians were born, and who will exist long after we Christians have “gone on the other side.” It is not our point here to refute these adult individuals. Rather, we are concerned that the cartoon “Dragon Tales”, like Dungeons and Dragons, the Harry Potter books, etc., are being used by New Agers to purposely introduce school age children to occult New Age concepts.
We welcome any feedback (positive or negative) you might have, either directly to us or through Berit Kjos. God bless you.
David C. Mosher, 11/29/00
http://members.aol.com/fishwares/private/NAMLinks.htm
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David’s original answer: THE “SUPPOSED” AGENDA OF DRAGON TALES
Once parents and children have familiarized themselves with occult symbols, they can easily see the New Age agenda of Dragon Tales.
First let us look at what the Dragon Tales web site says about the show. It gives the following summary:
“In Dragon Tales, an animated adventure series for preschoolers, children join six-year-old Emmy and her four-year-old brother Max as they explore Dragon Land — a magical place with Stickleback Mountains, Singing Springs, and Whispering Woods.
“In their adventures, Emmy, Max and four dragon friends help each other face fears and find ways to cope with every day problems, like making friend and learning new skills.”
The source code for the web site states:
“The DRAGON TALES Web site on PBS Online introduces visitors to six-year-old Emmy and her four-year-old brother Max on their visits to Dragon Land. In the course of their adventures, the children and their young dragon friends help each other face fears, build confidence, and learn new ways to deal with problems they encounter. DRAGON TALES’ unique format and characters are designed to help preschoolers handle everyday challenges such as making friends, coping with fear of the dark, and learning new skills. This Web site offers materials to complement the PBS children’s television program including character and place descriptions, games, printable coloring pages, information for parents and other.”
Following are the metatag words for the web site:
<meta name=”keywords” content=”dragon, dragons, dragon land, television, preschoolers, preschool, school, learning skills, thinking skills, cognitive challenges, physical challenges, making friends, fear of dark, problem solving, problem solve, singing, dancing, music, fear, rejection, anger, happy, challenges, childhood challenges, adventures, courage, brave, bravery, Emmy, Max, Ord, Cassie, Wheezie, Zak, Quetzal, childhood, imagination, childhood fears, child development, children’s, television, childrens television, kids television, PBS kids shows, PBS children’s shows, PBS childrens shows, PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, television, PBS Online, public television, neighborhoods, Childrens Television Workshop, CTW, Sesame Street
Sounds acceptable for Christian families, right? Wrong. We are very concerned about the use of occult themes and symbols in this children’s show. For example:
DRAGON CHARACTERS
Look at two of the four dragon characters:
1) Quetzal, the “leader” of the four dragons – The following Dragon Tales web page says that this dragon “is a member of the Quetzalcoatl culture (same as Mexican culture)”: http://www.pbs.org/dragontales/characters/0,4278,quetzal,00.html
The Dragon Tales web site is being very deceptive here. The Quetzalcoatl culture is NOT the same as the nice-sounding term “Mexican culture.” The following description reveals the true occult meaning of the term Quetzalcoatl. See http://www.quetzalcoatl.com/serpent.html
“Quetzalcoatl, represented by the plumed serpent, was a legendary Toltec and Aztec ruling deity of ancient Mexico. He was much revered as creator and as the god of civilization, encompassing learning, culture, philosophy, fertility, holiness and gentility. … After many years of wandering he reached his homeland on the east coast of Mexico where he was consumed by divine fire. His ashes were turned into birds and his heart into the morning star. He set sail over the ocean, promising his devoted followers that he would return again from over the sea. … There are many ancient temples dedicated to Quetzalcoatl in Mexico [the web site provides photos of these temples].
If you will recall, the terms “serpent” and “morning star” above are also used for Lucifer in the Bible. So this Mexican god Quetzalcoatl – AS WELL AS the dragon character Quetzal in Dragon Tales – can be viewed as a representation of Lucifer!
Zak and Wheezie, the two headed dragon, can be seen as portraying the New Age principle of yin and yang. The description of this dragon, with its opposite personalities, is found at: http://www.pbs.org/dragontales/characters/0,4278,zak,00.html
OTHER OCCULT CONCEPTS IN DRAGON TALES
Dragon Tails also includes numerous references to astral travel (out-of-body experiences). At the top of one Dragon Tales web page is the following lyric:
Wish I wish with all my heart
To fly with dragons in a land apart.
Now that’s a scary thought, that children are encouraged to wish they can fly (take part in astral travel) with dragons (“friendly” demons) in a land apart (a supernatural realm apart from this physical world).
Also consider the following limerick (click here)
Dragon Land is a wondrous place
Where dragons and kids fly through space.
From Rainbow Canyon to Dragoon Lagoon,
Discover a world beyond the moon.
Again, a not-so-hidden reference to astral travel, as well as to rainbows and a supernatural realm. New Agers use these kinds of TV shows and lyrics to indoctrinate their children (and the children of other parents) into the politically correct global spirituality through images that clash with Biblical truth. [See Establishing a Global Spirituality]
Another New Age concept, found here, brings children to Turtle Rock where kids and dragons rule! The turtle-shaped rocks are really cool. In spite of the fact that PBS addresses parents on this web site, the lyrics here illustrate that kids and dragons (i.e. occult spirits) rule, NOT parents. This is the same message New Age and liberal teachers convey in our public schools. Namely, that children are “little adults” capable of making their own decisions, independently and in spite of their parents’ guidelines.
Also note that Dragon Tales (like Teletubbies, Barney, and some other preschool shows) do not include the characters of parents in their TV shows. Rather, odd-looking, fantasy oriented (i.e. occult) characters are the children’s teachers and role models.
Let’s take a look at occult references in various episodes of Dragon Tales, as listed here:
Please note that there are most certainly more occult symbols in the episodes than what are described in the following summaries.
1) ‘To Fly with Dragons’/’The Forest of Darkness’ Air Dates: 02/17/00
“Max and Emmy aren’t sure how they feel about their new home until they discover the playroom with dragon wallpaper — and a secret drawer! Inside is a shiny dragon scale, and a poem whose words transport them magically to Dragon Land. Max is a little nervous at first, but soon he and Emmy fly on Ord’s and Cassie’s backs to see this wondrous new place. In the second adventure, Quetzal opens his Big Storybook and gives Ord a very special assignment — to locate the Star Tree in the Forest of Darkness and bring back one of its Star Seeds. There’s only one problem: Ord is afraid of the dark! With a little help from his friends, Ord learns some creative new ways to cope with his fear.”
Occult references: 1) “a poem whose words transport them magically to Dragon Land” – similar to mantras and other verbal tools used in visualization, which children are taught by New Agers; 2) “he and Emmy fly on Ord’s and Cassie’s backs” – astral travel, 3) “bring back one of its Star Seeds” – an Internet search on the term “star seed” shows it to be a common term among New Agers.
2) ‘To Kingdom Come’/’Goodbye Little Caterpoozle’ Air Dates: 2/17/00
“Emmy and Max are excited to attend the beach bash in Dragon Land. Ord uses the rare Wish Shell he’s found to transport himself to Kingdom Come, so he won’t have to share his wishes or anything else with the others. In the second story, everyone loves to play with Cassie’s fuzzy pet caterpoozle, especially Cassie. When Cassie discovers a transparent cocoon in the cage, they all believe that Poozie has died. To help Cassie feel better, the friends share favorite memories of Poozie and offer to help find another pet. None will do, until a caterpoozle a lot like Poozie crawls up Cassie’s arm, nuzzles her neck and smiles up at her.”
Occult references: 1) The title of one episode is “To Kingdom Come”; this could perhaps be considered a mockery of the phrase in the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy Kingdom come”; 2) “Ord uses the rare Wish Shell he’s found to transport himself to Kingdom Come” – a common tool in visualization and astral travel is to “make a wish” and then to become “transported.” Picture Samantha twitching her nose in the TV Show “Bewitched.”
6) ‘Snow Dragons’/’The Fury is Out on This One’ Air Dates: 02/24/00
“Cassie is sick with a cold, so Emmy keeps her company while Quetzal [Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec ”Feathered Serpent,” god of creation and destruction] leads Max and Ord on an adventure to find the giant Snow Dragon slide. Quetzal says they must stay together at Snowy Summit, but the boys spot a hollowed-out log and hop in for a ride. When they land, they’ve lost Quetzal. Searching high and low, they encounter a Burping Rock who points them in the right direction for the Snow Dragon. In the second story, Max is ‘It’ in a competitive game of Dragon Tag. He races around in hot pursuit of the others, but they delight in remaining just out of reach. In anger, he hurls a pinecone-like pod and out pops Fury, an intimidating little man with steam rising from his head. The madder Max gets, the bigger (and happier) Fury becomes until eventually he even towers over Ord! Quetzal explains that Furies love to see people mad and that only Max, by controlling his anger, has the power to send Fury back into his pod.”
Occult reference: “In anger, he hurls a pinecone-like pod and out pops Fury, an intimidating little man with steam rising from his head.” – Fury, or “Furies”, is an obviously occult term. Carol Rose writes in her book _Spirits, Leprechauns, and Goblins: An Encyclopedia_(pp. 121-122) that the Furies is a collective name given to the avenging spirits in Roman and Greek mythology. The name “Furies” means the Angry Ones. These evil spirits “avenge the unpunished wrongs committed by humans with horrible zeal, to exact revenge even after death.”
7) ‘The Giant of Nod’/’The Big Sleepover’ Air Dates: 02/25/00
“Zak and Wheezie are starring in tonight’s concert at Singing Springs Amphitheater, but they can’t stop bickering over which song to perform. Zak votes for something slow and melodic, while Wheezie likes it loud and rockin’. In their dueling attempts to outsing and outplay each other, they awaken the napping Giant of Nod who actually turns out to be a tiny gnome (but with extraordinary strength)! In the second story, everyone is invited to a big sleepover at Zak and Wheezie’s. Cassie, who’s never spent the night away from home before, is a little scared. At Emmy’s suggestion, she brings along a favorite family photo as a reminder of home. Although she has lots of fun popping dragon corn, playing games, waging pillow fights and making shadow puppets, she misses her parents.”
Occult references: 1) “Zak votes for something slow and melodic, while Wheezie likes it loud and rockin'” – the conflicting sides of this two-headed dragon illustrate the New Age concept of yin and yang. 2) Giant of Nod – In the Old Testament, the Philistines and other giants were superhuman and supernatural, the descendants of the demonic “sons of god” who married the daughters of men. The term “Nod” is seen in Genesis 4:16: “And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.” “Land of Nod” is a common term among New Agers today.
8) ‘A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words’/’The Talent Pool’ Air Dates: 02/28/00
“In anticipation of his mother’s birthday celebration, Ord sets off on an adventure with his friends to find some ‘giggle flowers,’ his mom’s favorite. While searching high and low, the gang encounters a tiny ‘doodle fairy’ who holds talent show takes place tonight. All the dragons are fine-tuning their acts, but Cassie fears she doesn’t have any special talent to contribute. At Quetzal’s suggestion, Cassie consults the Talent Pool, a magical talking pond that awards talents to all who seek them.”
Occult reference: “encounters a tiny ‘doodle fairy'” – Carol Rose (pp. 107-112) gives a detailed discussion of fairies as spirit beings, appearing as tiny creatures and using mystical powers.
9) ‘Emmy’s Dream House’/’Dragon Sails’ Air Dates: 02/29/00
“Emmy and Max decide to enlist their dragon friends’ help in building the treehouse of their dreams. Bubbling with excitement, the group unites in a race against the clock to finish their project as purple goo stormclouds loom on the horizon. When self-appointed boss Emmy focuses only on her own plans, ignoring the others’ needs and ideas, her friends march off in protest. In part 2, the group sets sail for Rainbow Canyon in search of a special rainbow-colored crystal to complete Cassie’s shimmering crystal set. When Ord’s heavy weight rocks their little boat and they all fall into the water, he’s sad because he fears they’ll have to continue on their adventure without him. The gang solves the dilemma by crafting a bigger, Ord-size boat and off they go again.”
Occult references: “The group sets sail for Rainbow Canyon in search of a special rainbow-colored crystal to complete Cassie’s shimmering crystal set” – Note the three New Age terms in this one sentence: rainbow, color (as in color therapy), and crystal.
12) Follow the Dots/Wheezie’s Hairball Air Dates: 02/19/00
“During a badminton-like game of ‘Whack-It-Back,’ Ord hits the whistling birdie so hard that it disappears over the trees. Norm the Number Gnome presents a challenge: number and connect the 10 black dots that he scatters across the land and they’ll find the birdie. Using what Max remembers from his puzzle book at home, they track down dots represented by various numbers of cactuses and watermelons, chili peppers and Dandylions, Do-Re-Mi birds and Stinky Dink bugs. When they connect all 10 in the correct order, the lines form an arrow pointing to Ord’s whistler in a tree! Emmy and Max are greeted in Dragon Land by a strange orange fur ball, Zak and Wheezie’s new pet, Slurpy. They’re learning how to take care of him, and it isn’t easy! Since he can’t talk, Slurpy tries to communicate by bouncing twice and spinning around.”
Occult references: 1) “Norm the Number Gnome presents a challenge” – Carol Rose (p. 128) defines gnomes as nature spirits or elementals (terms common in Wicca i.e. witchcraft). Some gnomes are able to shapeshift or morph into giants. 2) “Emmy and Max are greeted in Dragon Land by a strange orange fur ball” – this fur ball appears to be a “cute” demonic creature, like the “good” demons in the movie “Gremlins.”
16) Do Not Pass Gnome/Treasure Hunt Air Dates: 02/3/00
“Emmy tells Max not to play with her yo-yo, but he doesn’t listen and accidentally breaks it. In Dragon Land, an elfin fellow named Simon says he can fix it if they reach the end of a checkered gameboard path while playing his version of Simon Says. But it won’t be easy because to move forward, they must follow his instructions only when they begin with the words Simon says. -Emmy reads about dragon treasures and can’t wait to discover them. In Dragon Land, Quetzal shows everybody pictures of Treasure Trove and explains that it can be entered only by inserting special jewels into its magic door. He gives them the jewels along with an important instruction: be sure to bring them inside because they are also needed to unlock the exit door. But when they arrive, they’re so awestruck by the beautiful sight, they forget and leave the jewels outside.”
Occult references: 1) One of the two segments in this episode is called “Do Not Pass Gnome” – “gnome” is a spirit creature; 2) “an elfin fellow named Simon” – Carol Rose (p. 99) defines elves as “tiny human-shaped supernaturals who can shape shift at will.”
19) The Greatest Show in Dragon Land/Prepare According to Instructions Air Dates: 02/8/00
“The kids and dragons are really excited about flying to Wonder World amusement park. When they find out Zak and Wheezie have a broken wing and are unable to fly, however, they agree to accommodate their friends by walking there instead. Quetzal sends the gang to see one of the most special sights in all of Dragon Land: the dancing crystals at Crystal Cave! He gives them precise instructions for things they must collect along the way. In a rush to make it there before sundown, Emmy dismisses the need for a map and a first aid kit. After they complete the first two instructions (with the help of the first aid supplies that Zak and Wheezie grabbed just in case), they head for Turtle Rock … but they don’t know know how to get there. As Cassie gets ready to fly home to retrieve the map, Emmy begins to understand the importance of thinking ahead and suggests she bring back one more item as well.”
Occult references: 1) “flying to Wonder World amusement park” – flying, another reference to astral travel; 2) “the dancing crystals at Crystal Cave” – crystals are a favorite New Age tool
22) Quetzal’s Magic Pop-up Book/My Way or Snow Way Air Dates: 02/11/00
“Quetzal [Remember, Quetzalcoatl, Aztec god of creation and destruction] pulls out his special magic book that allows the kids and dragons to go inside its blank pages, where they can create and become part of tales that come to life just by thinking about them. Once inside, however, all start thinking different thoughts at once and chaos ensues. They recognize the need for taking turns and appoint Cassie director of one big story in which each will tell a small part. Now the storytelling is fun. And everyone lives happily ever after when they save the Doodle Fairy Princess from Mungus the Giant. The gang meets Chilly, a snowman who’s frantically searching for his pet snow-puppy. Wheezie suggests using one of her special whistles to call Nippy because dogs can hear certain sounds that kids and dragons can’t. Her friends insist her idea will never work, but Chilly encourages Wheezie not to give up — after all, she knows more about whistles than they do. When her friends’ strategies don’t work, Wheezie blows her whistle in spite of their disapproval.”
Occult references: This episode is full of occult concepts. 1) “Quetzal pulls out his special magic book that allows the kids and dragons to go inside its blank pages, where they can create and become part of tales that come to life just by thinking about them” – this phrase involves several major occult concepts: a book of spells and incantations, astral travel, and visualization/guided imagery….
REFERENCES TO “DRAGON” IN THE BIBLE
What does the Bible say about dragons? In the KJV translation, “dragon” is a term used almost exclusively for Satan and his demon helpers. Children in a Christian home could easily be confused when reading the Bible and seeing dragons portrayed as demonic, then viewing Dragon Tales on TV and seeing dragons as friendly supernatural beings.
Following are the KJV verses which appear to use the term “dragon” for Satan and the demons:
Psalms 91:13 – Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Isaiah 27:1 – In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.
Isaiah 51:9 – Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon?
Jeremiah 51:34 – Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon hath devoured me, he hath crushed me, he hath made me an empty vessel, he hath swallowed me up like a dragon, he hath filled his belly with my delicates, he hath cast me out.
Ezekiel 29:3 – Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself.
Revelation 12:3 – And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
Revelation 12:4 – And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
Revelation 12:7 – And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
Revelation 12:9 – And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Revelation 12:13 – And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
Revelation 12:16 – And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.
Revelation 12:17 – And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 13:2 – And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
Revelation 13:4 – And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
Revelation 13:11 – And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
Revelation 16:13 – And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
Revelation 20:2 – And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years.
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David C. Mosher, Founder
CTTC (Christ to the Cults Ministry)
2224 9th St. SW, Canton, OH 44706
Verbal: 330-454-4603, Email: dcmosher@jbic.com
http://members.aol.com/fishwares/private/NAMLinks.htm *****************************************************
From Sara: Thank you [David] for the information on Dragon Tales. I had an uneasy feeling about the show. I had a real uneasy feeling about Quetza. He seems to be the dragon that cast most of the spells and makes magic remedies for the other dragons. Please forward my appreciation’s to Dave Mosher for his research.
“But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness how great is that darkness.” Matthew 6:23
“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
