Get stuck into some mythic magic

Saturday 03 January 2015

Some old myths are being sent out in the New Year.

Jersey Post's new stamps feature some famous fire breathers and well as some lesser-known dragons that have been brought to life using a special print technique.

Jersey Post’s Philatelic Marketing Executive Rachel MacKenzie said: “Tales of dragons have existed for thousands of years and thanks to the work of artists and authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, they continue to fascinate people the world over. In recent years we have seen dragons feature in television series such as Game of Thrones as well as cult films such as the Harry Potter series and the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit Trilogies, placing them at the forefront of popular culture.

“For our ‘Dragons’ issue, we have explored a collection of different dragon myths, from the easily recognisable Saint George and the Dragon to the lesser known Philippine Bakunawa dragon which is said to cause eclipses by swallowing the moon. The stamps make fantastic collectables and we’re sure they’ll be a big hit.”

The company’s new release coincides with the release of the third instalment of The Hobbit movies. “The Battle of the Five Armies” is in cinemas now and features the fearsome Smaug – similar to the one breathing fire all over the 46p stamp and based on the dragon from the epic Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf.

The Colchian Dragon from the ancient Greek myth Jason and the Golden Fleece, the gracious Chinese Dragons and the celebrated Welsh Dragon also feature in the set and have all been illustrated by Adrian Chesterman and printed with a special double spot varnish to add an extra dimension to them.

They go on sale at all branches of Jersey Post on 6 January but you can pre-order them now at www.jerseystamps.com