by voif1d

Dragons – fire breathing, armored tanks that fly in the sky. They can burn down villages or put an army of thousands at a severe disadvantage. It can't be denied that these majestic creatures take the crown when it comes to animals of the fantasy realm. And how could they not? Dragons are, after all, one of the few creatures that can display a beautiful grace while being utterly terrifying.

But where did the idea of these noble creatures originate from?

It is quite possible that that image of large dragons come from exaggerated myths of reptiles, such as the Komodo Dragon. However, one cannot be certain. Throughout history, dragons have been prevalent in folklore and fairy-tales. In fact, the use of dragons in stories can be traced all the way back to around 4000 B.C.! The Greeks used dragons in their tales of the gods of Olympus, such as the battle between Perseus and Poseidon's dragon. Even during Christopher Columbus' time, the stories of dragons at the edge of the oceans kept many explores from venturing too far.

What is a dragon?

I'm glad you asked! There are over twelve species of dragons known. To mention only a few, we have the Wyvern (not to be confused with the Wyrm), Eastern Dragon, Sea Serpent, Drake, Dragon Beast, Western dragon, and Fairy Dragon. Head hurting yet? While all these species are different in appearance, character and size, they all share a few common traits. That is, they are reptile, dangerous, and are usually intelligent to some extent.

What is a dragon's roles in story?

Traditionally, dragons fall into the part of a hoarder of some treasure of kidnapper of a damsel in distress. They are the villain the main character would have to face and eventually conquer. Usually they would be found in caves, on top of mountains, or within the depths of the oceans. However, more recently, dragons have risen from living nightmare to possible best friend. Modern literature and movies have taken great delight in making this creature tamable. A few examples include Game of Thrones, The Hobbit, Dragonriders of Pern and the more recent How to Train a Dragon. Thus, one could say that dragons have graduated from living nightmare to partner in crime. However, no matter their rule change, one thing has always remained the same – dragons are a symbol of power.

What does one need to write a story on dragons?

The basic requirement is, but is not limited to, a fantasy setting. From there, selecting the species and then characteristics to fall in line with the creature. The latter is one where you can let your imagination run wild. Will you have a dragon going through what is very much the equivalent of a human's puberty years? Or will you stick with the wiser beyond years image? Will it be a talking dragon? There are no boundaries set to character and that is one of the reasons I personally love the dragon so much.

Dragons are timeless. Their presence can be seen on shields used by the knights, the blades of swords crafted by blacksmiths and crests in households around the world. They still grace every form of storytelling today. Even when they have the role of antagonist, somehow, they manage to take the spotlight.

I'll be honest and say I never used to be the biggest fan of dragons. In fact, the only reason I began a story involving them was to write down a part of a dream I'd had. However, I found that once I began, it was too exciting having these noble creatures come alive in my imagination. Thus, a four-book series was born and I fell in love with the idea of dragons and humans co-existing.

I'll leave you with a quote that gives you a glimpse of the power of dragons. As said by Smaug, from Lord of The Rings, and my favorite dragon of all time: "You will take NOTHING from me, dwarf. I laid low your warriors of old. I instilled terror in the hearts of men. I AM KING UNDER THE MOUNTAIN!" (Tolkien).

Example of Dragon Fantasy on Wattpad:
Dragon of Legend: Destiny by voif1d

Synopsis:

For over a thousand years, the Lands have been under the mercy of a ruthless rider Haiden and his ferocious black dragon. They rule with an iron fist, promising riches only to those who swear blind loyalty to them...but certain death to those who dare defy their orders. As their greed grows, the bitter end draws closer for the last Dragon Rider Academy that remains free from their clutches.

Hope, however, remains as every one-hundred year a Rider and Dragon of Legend emerge to challenge Haiden and his dragon. While none have succeeded, the period of wait is over and the next pair of Legend are here.

This time, Akira, an untrained and inexperienced girl of sixteen, is chosen by the new Dragon of Legend. Together, they find themselves thrust into a destiny many see as a lost cause – challenging the most powerful rider and dragon in the realm. Her inexperience and her dragon's ego only add to the unfavorable circumstances. Though not many believe in them, dragon and girl are determined to set out and succeed in what none have before.

Excerpt:

A majestic male dragon landed but a few feet away from the girl. His feet sank into the ground, crushing the grass and soil beneath his weight. His scales, an eerie silver, which verged on becoming white, glittered as the sun's rays bounced off them. He gracefully arched his neck, folding his wings as his eyes came to rest on the figure lying on the grass.

Parting his lips, he revealed rows of razor sharp teeth. Tail swishing, he advanced. The ground trembled with every step as he approached the girl who still had not moved an inch. The butterfly on her hand quivered slightly, as though ready to flee. Yet, it stayed bravely with the girl it had decided to use as its perch

The dragon was upon them. As he came to a stop, his yellow eyes gleamed as they stared down at his prey. Mouth opening to make use of his arsenal of teeth, he lowered his head.

Akira... his voice echoed almost hauntingly in the girl's mind.

He was inches from her face when Akira's nose wrinkled in obvious disgust.

"Scales!"

The dragon froze.

"What did you eat?" Akira lifted a hand to pinch her nose. "That smells like a rotting carcass!"

The dragon withdrew his head, lips falling to cover his teeth. Disappointment filled his eyes at the obvious lack of surprise. His tail dropped and he sat on his haunches with a heavy thud.

Inspirations:

Setting

Source

Source

Characters

Source

Source

Source

Music

https://youtu.be/6gtAZIZQCuw