Four Fantasy Dragons – In Four Fantasy Realms

When it comes to Fantasy Dragons, and their Realms of Fantasy, do I like the fact, that anything goes!  Here are four such Fantasy Dragons, that I quite like – but which, is my favourite Western Dragon?

Fantasy Dragon – Wood Dragon – Woodland Realm

Here do I find, a Western Dragon, of the Woodland Realms 🙂  I like the fact, that he appears to be a part of the Trees; whilst at the same time, being able to move his Head!  This Dragon’s focus, is on the Forest Girl, whose playing the Forest Flute; yet I do not feel, that this Dragon intends to eat her.  There’s all sorts of Fairy Glamour going on here, as the Forest Trees, that are growing upon the Dragon’s Neck, also appear to be in the same style/type, as those that are found upon the girl’s head; yet in-turn, do both remind me of Forest Stags!  Perhaps she, is the Sound of the Forest, whilst the Dragon, is the Guardian of the Forest?

Fantasy Dragon – Lava Dragon – Volcano Realm

Here is a Lava Dragon, who it seems, could be as Old as the Earth 🙂  His Dragon’s Armour, is hard and unyielding; as you would expect, of the Rocks of the Earth.  His Dragon’s Fire, is red-hot and glowing; as you would expect, of the Volcanoes of the Earth.  For this Dragon’s Realm, is the Chasms of the Earth, the Volcano Fires themselves.  I especially like, the contrast between the greys of the Dragon, and the Fires of the Fissure.  I feel as though, he’s a Guardian Dragon, that fly’s forth, to bar the Way!  Perhaps he Guards, the Secrets of the Earth?  Or perhaps instead, his Dragon’s Hoard, is the Lava itself?

Fantasy Dragon – Wind Dragon – Sky Realm

When Western Dragons soar, none soar higher, than the Wind Dragons!  For these Dragons, do I find command the Element of Air 🙂  Masters of the Clouds, and Masters of the Horizon, a Wind Dragon soared forth, to meet me!  I like the fact that this Dragons, most import Dragon Trait, are his Wings.  Held wide, he Commands the Sky.  It would also appear, that he Commands the Lightning of Storms [the bluish glow, within his mouth].  His Dragon Armour, is that of the Tallest Mountains in this World; yet Light, as a Feather.  I wonder, could that be a Dragon in the Clouds [on the lower-left], as well?

Fantasy Dragon – City Dragon – Urban Dragon

One of the most unusual Western Dragons, that I have seen, as he is at home, atop the roof, of a modern day skyscraper!  He certainly appears to be, one of the Old Ones; perhaps even of a Rock Dragon.  Yet his appearance, in a modern City skyline, makes me think, that he is a friend of his two [perhaps three] colleagues 🙂  Perhaps then, he is a Tattoo Dragon?  Although his Teeth, makes me think of a Battle Dragon.  And his yellow Eye, does not entirely look innocent, but Maleficent!  I wonder whose side, he would be on?

My Favourite Western Dragon?

From the contenders, I’m spoilt for choice!  Whilst I first liked the Woodland Dragon, I feel that he’d be a little restricted, to the Realm of the Woods.  Therefore, it falls to a choice, between the Lava Dragon, and the City Dragon.  The fact that they both, look somewhat similar, leans me towards the City Dragon 🙂  As he, could be your friend.  Or at the very least, your Guardian.

What Traits Should Every Fantasy Dragon Have?

My answer to this question, would depend upon whether your an Eastern Dragon, or a Western Dragon:

A Fire breathing Western Dragon – and a Water aligned Eastern Dragon

What of a Dragon’s Primary Trait?

If you was a Western Dragon, then I’d say that your most important trait – should be the ability to breath Fire!  How else would you rampage a Castle?  Or hold a Damsel in your Tower?  Without a breath of Fire, you’d not be able to chase away those “pesky” Knights 🙂  Without a breath of Fire, you’d not be able to roast a chicken or two!  Without a breath of fire, you’d not be able to find your way – in your darkest Treasure Hoard.

If you was an Eastern Dragon, then I’d say that your most important trait – should be the ability to interact with the element of Water!  Now, I don’t mean that your Dragon should feature a powerful water jet, that you could “blast” a Knight with [as that would seem more befitting of an Ice Dragon!].  More that your Dragon, should be connected with the fluidity of Water:  perhaps the ability to bring calmness to a raging Sea, or to be Guardian of an Ocean Treasure [such as the Wisdom of Atlantis, or a sunken Pirate Ship].

What of a Dragon’s secondary Traits?

It’s here that your Dragon, can gain a personality “all of his/her own”.  If your Western Dragon is covered in Talons and Barbs, then it’s suggestive,  that their a Fighting Dragon.  If your Eastern Dragon is covered in Barnacles and See Weed, then it’s suggestive, that their a Sleeping Coral Dragon.  If your Western Dragon is adorned in Medieval Armour, then everyone shall know, their a Battle Dragon.  If your Eastern Dragon is coloured in Gold, then everyone shall know, their an Imperial Dragon; perhaps even, of a Chinese Dynasty 🙂

What of a Dragon’s Traits in Realms of Art?

No matter what level your artists skills are at, through the use of basic shapes [such as lines and circles], is it possible for you to visualise your Dragon’s traits 🙂  Here’s a Dragon I drew some time ago.  He’s not the greatest Dragon, but we know that he’s a Western, he walks on all fours, and he has the ability to fly:

Basic Western Dragon – Emerald Green of Woodland Realms

My use of green tells us his associated with Nature, perhaps of the Woods, or the Deepest Forest.  My use of red tells us that this Dragon can breath Fire.  Thus, can I say that colour is an important Dragon’s trait.  There’s also something in my Dragon’s stance.  OK, his on four legs, but the line of his armoured chest, suggests that this Dragon is somewhat proud.  It’s as though his a Dragon, and he doesn’t care who knows it!  And in that stance, is it also not possible to say, that he is guarding the Heart of the Woods?  In any case, I can say that a Dragon’s stance is important – as it helps to refine their personality, and in doing so, can help you tell a story.

What of a Dragon’s tale/story-line?

It was upon a Path within these Springtime Woods, that lead my Steed upon a Path.  In Tangled Green, with Fires of Red, and Running Flight of Emerald Dream.  In Talons Red, with Spines in Sharp, with Muscled Stance, and Flick of Tale.  In Hardened Spine, with Wings held High.  In Scales of Green, and Shades of Red – a Western Dragon, Glint at Me.  In Look at Thee, with Balance Four.  In Thought of Me, and Elven Speak 🙂  Thy Woodland Dragon barred my way!  Thus can I say, that a Dragon’s traits, can also play directly into your story-line 🙂

What traits would your Fantasy Dragon have?

Number One Dragon – Number One Dragon’s Hoard

If there’s a Fantasy scene, that epitomises the power of a Western Dragon, and his Dragon’s Hoard, then for me – I find it  within The Hobbit – The Desolation of Smaug:

Of Smaug’s Western Dragon traits, there’s some that I really like.  The first is Smaug’s size.  He towers above Bilbo!  So much so, that Bilbo soon rues the phrase:  it’s best to let sleeping Dragons lie.  As when Smaug awakes, does Bilbo feel tiny and insignificant – as indeed he is!  It’s not just Smaug’s overall size that causes fear though (which here would be more than enough to level an entire Castle and it’s townspeople), but also his individual features; such as the opening of Smaug’s eye, which sends shivers down both Bilbo’s spine and mine (as it is hard for me not to draw a parallel with the Eye of Sauron).  The second is Smaug’s features/appearance.  Especially those upon his face:  rows of razor sharp teeth, together with barbs and talons, that adorn the “bony ridges” of his skull.  These may be computer-generated, but they are still capable of causing fear!  Their “jagged pattern”, makes me think both of Fire and of Rock.  Fire – as in the “licks of flame” and Smaug’s next lunch, licking his lips, as he looks at Bilbo.  Rock – as in “built to last” and weathering the elements, through out all time; which in-turn, plays right back into the size of Smaug 🙂  The third is Smaug’s “sense of self”.  He may have been asleep for a long time (or at least since he conquered the King under the Mountain), but in this time, he has lost “little sense” of himself.  For he awakens, and we immediately hear the malice in his voice.  Now, whilst I’m not saying that all Western Dragons are evil, Smaug most certainly is.  I hear it in his tongue – slow plus calculated.  I see it in his eyes – malevolent in fiery orange/red.  I know it in his language – thief!!! with a ring (aka a twist – as Smaug stole the Mountain in the first place).  In all of this, do I feel that it’s Smaug’s slowness/calmness that helps reinforce his maleficence, which in-turn, plays right back into, both his features and appearance 🙂  Of Smaug’s Western Dragon’s Hoard, do I find both irony and contrast.  The irony comes from the fact, that it was not his hoard (it belonged to the Dwarves/King of the Mountain).  Yet, Smaug used his size to take it!  The contrast (or should that be parallel?) comes from a realisation of a similarity between both Smaug and Thorin (the Dwarf King).  Smaug is evil, but I find myself asking an interesting question:  just how evil is Smaug, when contrasted with “just how far” Thorin’s character deviates from his “sense of self”.  When Thorin takes the Mountain’s Gold for himself – Thorin says:  “I will not part with a single coin.  Not one piece of it!”:

Thus, it seems to me, as though the curse on this Dragon’s Hoard, could have spread just as easily, to Smaug as well – as there was a word/line I seem to recall him muttering:  “mine!”.  For me, Smaug’s size, features/appearance, “sense of self” and ability to be swayed by a Dragon’s Hoard (as are Kings) – all combine to make Smaug, my favourite Evil Western Dragon 🙂

Fantasy – The Fires all in the Dragon!

When it comes to Fantasy Dragons, there’s two that I most associate with the Element of Fire – the Dragon from within Blue Moon Rising (a Fantasy Novel), and the Dragon from within Maleficent (a Fantasy Film):

My two favourite Fire Breathing Dragons – from within Blue Moon Rising and Maleficent

Whilst these are both Western Dragons, I have found it interesting to think about the similarities (and differences) in their characters.  First:  I found it ironic that the Dragon within Maleficent, just-so-happens to display an important characteristic that is usually associated with Eastern Dragons – the ability to shape change!  Whilst there is a twist to the storyline here (the Raven/Man Diaval changes into the Dragon), I feel that the idea is somewhat similar to that of the Chinese Dragon Kings – the Dragons Ao Guang, Ao Qin, Ao Run and Ao Shun; who each have the ability to change into a Man.  Similarly, the Dragon within Blue Moon Rising also displays several traits that are more likely to be associated with an Eastern Dragon – such as the ability to befriend humans and interact with them (by talking).  Thus, I feel that both Western Dragons, are really more – Eastern Western Dragons.  Second:  Both Dragons have the ability to breath Fire – yet it is only when we consider where the “Fire is Breathed” that we appreciate the versatility of this element.  Within Blue Moon Rising, the Dragon breathes Fire within the Darkwood – it is used as a weapon to fight the Demons, it is used as a method for lighting the Woods (bringing light to the dark), and it used as a method to clean the top-level canopy of the Woods (when Prince Rupert plus company travel to meet the Demon Prince).  Within Maleficent, the Dragon breaths Fire within the confines of King Stefan’s Castle – it is used as a method to fight the Kings Knights, and it is used as a method to protect Maleficent.  Yet here do the similarities end, as the Dragon within Maleficent is easily overpowered (by the Kings Knights), and in doing so, does the Dragons Fire seem to have assumed less importance (than it did in Blue Moon Rising).  There is also an important difference with regard to how the Element of Fire is portrayed.  Within Maleficent, Fire is rendered useless by the Wall of Thorns – where as in Blue Moon Rising, Fire is especially useful within the Darkwood (where even the Old Corrupted Wood can still take a Flame).  Thus, I feel that a Dragons ability to breath Fire is highly dependant upon the capabilities of the Enemy Characters, and that the effectiveness of that Fire is highly dependant upon the confines of the Fantasy Landscape (i.e. a Dragon needs plenty of space to Breath Fire!).  Third:  As any Fantasy enthusiast shall know, Western Dragons are huge and imposing Mythical Creatures – that command the attention of the reader/viewer.  Whilst this is so, there is an important twist within both Blue Moon Rising and Maleficent – the fact that both Dragons are only present for a small part of the story lines!  Within Blue Moon Rising, the Dragon spends much of his time asleep (although not because he is being lazy).  Similarly, within Maleficent, the Dragon is only present for a small part of the film – towards the end.  Despite this, I feel that there is no diminishment in the Dragons Powers – as the parts of the storyline (where they are present), become even more entertaining (especially in the case of Blue Moon Rising – where Dragon Humour is often mixed in as well!).  Fourth:  There are some interesting questions raised when you consider the life spans of the two Dragons – especially in contrast.  Within Blue Moon Rising, the Dragon appears to be long lived – born to a time before Man (when Dragons ruled the Land).  Being so long lived, I feel that the reader gains an insight into the personality of the Dragon – what it was like when he was younger, how he interacted with other Dragons, and what Dragons hoard (in this case – butterfly’s).  Yet, in stark contrast, the Dragon within Maleficent only appears when Maleficent commands it – and as such, there’s little time to gain an insight into his personality, which left me asking questions!  Does Diaval think like a Dragon?  Does Diaval have a desire to hoard like a Dragon?  Does Diaval know how to be a Dragon?  (And if so – where did such knowledge come from?).  Does Diaval know of other Dragon Kind?  Such questions seem almost endless – and are ideal for engrossing the reader/viewer, within many a Fantasy Land!  In conclusion:  Western Dragons have been used within these two story lines to help engage the reader/viewer.  I especially enjoyed the portrayal within Blue Moon Rising – where the Dragon is akin to Prince Rupert’s friend.  I also enjoyed the portrayal within Maleficent – where it seems that Dragons are primarily the friends of Fairies (whilst being the enemies of human Kings).  As a passing thought, who wouldn’t want to walk down a Woodland Path with a Dragon friend by their side?  Especially one who lights your Camp Fire at night!

Lands of Lore – Classic Fantasy RPG

If there’s one Fantasy game, that left an impression on me, more than any other, then it’s Lands of Lore – The Throne of Chaos:

Lands of Lore – These Lands be full of Mythical Creatures and Fantasy Realms.

You play the part of a Fantasy Hero, who’s on a Quest to save the King. I really love the fact, that your the only Hero in these Lands, who has enough “skills” to do this 🙂 When I first played this RPG, it took a while to decide which Fantasy Character I would be (you have a choice of four). After a fair amount of dilemma, I eventually chose Micheal – as I felt that his Might, matched my desires to “swing a sword”. But, as I was quickly to learn, it is not only Steel that you encounter within these Lands, for there’s also Magic as well! In the early stages of the game, my choice of Micheal felt “good enough”; but as I started to battle Magical foes (such as Rocklings and Wraiths), I was glad that Micheal, had a Magical companion – the Thomgog Baccata 🙂 As I played this RPG, I found myself becoming fully immersed, within it’s Fantasy storyline, and it’s range of Mythical Creatures. I was on a mission, to bring vengeance to the Evil Witch Scotia! Unfortunately, between this “vengeance”, and Scotia herself, does Scotia have an entire Dark Army! In the early stages, does this Dark Army consist mostly of Orcs and Great Orcs; but in the later stages, does this Dark Army consist mostly of Commanders, and Dark Commanders. In case your wondering what a Commander is, their really just Knights, but their not of the Round Table! It was here that I was glad that I’d picked Micheal, as equipped with a Great Sword, did it feel as though, he was unstoppable 🙂 When it comes to the Mythical Creatures of the Lands, I found one of the most memorable to be the Draracle. I believe he’s a Western Dragon, that has a few Eastern Dragon traits – such as Intellect and Wisdom. In fact it’s the Draracle, that tells your Fantasy Hero, the ingredients for the Elixir, which you use eventually, to save King Richard. I also enjoyed the amount of Fantasy locations, that’s available within this game. There’s Castles and Woods. There’s Dungeons and Mines. There’s Swamps and Villages. In all of these, did I find it easy to become lost! Thank goodness for your Magic Atlas 🙂  In conclusion: one of the best Fantasy games I’ve ever played. Now, just where did I leave my Great Sword?

Blue Moon Rising – Fantasy Dragon

When it comes to “Tales of Fantasy”, then one of my favourites has to be Blue Moon Rising:

A Fantasy Tale with a Dragon, a Unicorn, a Prince and a Princess.

Blue Moon Rising really stands out from the “Fantasy Crowd” for me!  I’ve read it five or six times now.  I love the story, especially the idea that you can have a Dragon as a friend 🙂  Whilst reading, I find it hard not to imagine myself as the King’s Champion!  The King’s Champion, is a Hero out of Legend really:  a massive “bulk of a man”, with rippling muscles (earned the hard way) and a Battle Axe that most other men, cannot even lift.  Added to this, comes the might of a Western Dragon, who breathes Fire and uses his Talons, to help defend the Realm.  But, all is “not well” within the Forest Kingdom, for even when an Army of Dark marches upon Forest Castle; are their factions within the Castle, that would rather “side with the dark – than the light”.  It is here that this Fantasy Tale, crosses over into the Realms of Conspiracy, and (in general) “darker dealings”.  It’s not too hard, to imagine yourself becoming “afraid of the dark”, if you feel that you connect with the character, of the Prince Rupert.  And if you say, “but the dark does not scare me”, then say it again:  when your in the Dark Wood, surrounded by Demons, and your Dragon is injured!  For a Fantasy Tale, there’s also a decent amount of “I know what you mean”, when for example – “know it alls” disrespect the Prince Rupert; which the Princess Julia, flat right refuses to put up with 🙂