Final answer:
In Arthurian legends, the white dragon shared by Merlin in his vision with Vortigern often symbolizes power and leadership, and in some interpretations, it represents the Saxons. Dragons hold significant symbolic meanings across various cultures, which adds depth to the narratives and allows for multiple interpretations.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Merlin shares his vision with Vortigern in the legends of Arthurian lore, the white dragon symbolizes various things depending on the interpretation of the myth. In many stories, dragons often represent power, sovereignty, and leadership. The imagery of dragons has been used historically to convey these themes across different cultures. For example, in Chinese culture, dragons depicted imperial power, and the emperor's omnipotence, often shown in red and gold, a visual expression of the emperor. Similarly, Anglo-Saxon artifacts showcase mythical creatures, such as dragons, which held significant symbolic meanings, though their exact interpretations may elude modern understanding.
Turning to the Arthurian context, the white dragon could be seen as a representation of the Saxons, whom Merlin prophesied would be overcome by the red dragon, symbolizing the Britons. This prophecy is embedded in tales that relate to the struggle between these two cultures during that historical period. The appearance of a white dragon could also suggest themes of purity, death, or transition, drawing upon the broader symbolic usage of white creatures like unicorns or symbolic figures in historical inscriptions, as in the Jelling Stones or the themes depicted in the Temeraire series.
Such multifaceted symbolism provides depth to legendary narratives and is often left open to interpretation by readers or scholars, making the study of these tales a rich and enduring part of literary exploration.