Dragons: A Look at Legendary Fantasy Creatures

American War Casualties | Fantasy

Dragon's Story
Dragons are found throughout the entire world in myths and legends. In eastern asian, the oriental style dragon was often reguarded as a positive creature symbolizing strength and good fortune. Western style dragons are prevalent in ancient stories as well as modern fantasy movies and books. Beowulf fights a dragon in that ancient epic. St. George is a famous dragon killer. Even the Bible mentions dragons. Dragons in modern books and movies include Smaug, from Tolkien's The Hobbit, Draco from the movie Dragonheart, and the Hungarian Horntail from Harry Potter. Dragons are popular magical creatures in role-playing games as well such as Dungeons & Dragons.

One must remember, when learning about dragons, that they were once believed to be real creatures. Some believe that the finding of dinosaur bones gave rise to stories of dragons. Some even report sightings of them to this very day. Of course, since I have Louie living in my basement, I believe completely in their existance. Dragons come in many different shapes and sizes, from massive firedrakes to tiny fairy dragons, both winged and wingless, and in a rainbow of colors and temperments. The classic image of a fantasy dragon is of a large beast with four clawed feet, large bat-like wings, a spike tail, and sharp teeth. Sea Serpents, wyrms, wyverns, and drakes are all included in the types of dragons.

There is so much information about dragons, so many types and stories surrounding them, that it is impossible to put it all on one page. Visit the links on our Dragon Links Page to learn more.