To escape forest fires they enter a volcanic cavern 

Henry Darger created this watercolor, titled "To escape forest fires they enter a volcanic cavern," without a known date. Notice the cave, the haven from the fiery disaster. Caves, since the dawn of humanity, have been a refuge from the elements, a place of initiation, and a symbol of the subconscious. Here, the dragon, a creature of duality, guards the entrance, symbolizing both danger and protection. Dragons, across cultures, represent chaos and wisdom, destruction and creation, embodying the primordial forces that shape our world. We see this motif echoed in myths and legends, from the dragon guarding the golden fleece to the serpent in the Garden of Eden, forever entwined with our deepest fears and desires. The cave’s darkness and the dragon’s might may stir primal memories, triggering a subconscious recognition of our vulnerabilities and our potential to overcome them. The juxtaposition of the impending doom and a scene of domesticity evokes profound emotional states that resonate through time. Thus, Darger’s cave is not just a geological formation but a powerful symbol, a testament to the enduring human quest for safety, knowledge, and understanding in the face of overwhelming odds.