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Except that they are, at least in the literal sense in any case. Dragons are always epic and ferocious and perhaps that’s why so many writers and artists enjoy creating their own version of this mythical beast. (You might have noticed my obsession.)

But are dragons monsters?

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So yes, there is the argument that in their literal form a dragon is a monster. I mean, they’re in the D&D monster manual and they tick off three of the four listed requirements (but dragons are too majestic to be ugly!) And that’s what it comes down to I think, whether a dragon is deadly intelligent or just deadly these creatures are too magnificent to confine under the label of a generic monster.

Consider the intelligence of Draco in the film Dragonheart or that of Saphira in Paolini’s Eldest series: How can a creature so wise and compassionate be considered a monster?

So why did I start my monster discussion with what I’m labeling as a non-monster? Because dragons are so iconic that I couldn’t just leave them out!

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Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that dragons are not dangerous creatures, there are also several examples of dragons who are simply evil, intelligence aside. Tolkien’s Smaug for example,could be described as monstrous. He is malicious and his intelligence only heightens his fear factor.

“I kill where I wish and none dare resist.”

― SMAUG J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

I like to find a common ground somewhere between Smaug and Toothless but I don’t think there’s any wrong or right way to create a dragon.

What do you think? Do you consider dragons to be monsters? Tell me your thoughts in the comments below!

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