25 Famous Dragons in Mythology, Literature and Cinema

25 Famous Dragons in Mythology, Literature and Cinema

A dragon is a legendary creature that is often depicted in folklore of many cultures around the world. The creature has often captivated audiences, readers of spanning mythology, literature, and movies.

They are often portrayed with beautiful wings, terrible scales, and scorching breath. Dragons have continued to be both interesting and formidable beings in the realms of myth, literature, and film. Authors have in an artistic way depicted these creatures as being both heroes and villains, embodiments of wisdom and chaos, guardians of treasures and symbols of the wild like swords.

They represent the power of imagination, the ability to transcend the limits of reality and create something new and wonderful. Here are 25 famous dragons in mythology, Literature and movies.

1.Toothless-How to Train Your Dragon

Toothless is one of the main dragon characters that is featured on the franchise, How to Train Your Dragon. This film draws its inspiration from a children’s book by Cressida Cowell. The film follows the life of a young boy who end up becoming a courageous expert on all thing’s dragons.

Some of the voices featured in the film include Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Freguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-plasse and Kristen Wiig. At the end of the film, Toothless becomes the Alpha of all the dragons on the Hidde world.

2.Fido–The Last of the Dragons

Fido is a famous dragon that is featured in Edith Nesbit’s work. Edith’s work is one of the classic short story films that feature a dragon. Unlike what people perceive, Edith features this character as being tame and humble.

This English author portrays the dragon as being very humble and even ends up comparing it with a dog. Fido just wants people to care about her, so she can love them in return. The Last of the Dragons is a tale that mixes comedy and imagination to teach young readers about resilience in everything they do.

3.Adelaid-Smith

Adelaid Smith is featured in the 2004 film titled, George and the Dragon. The top casts featured in the film include James Purefoy, Piper Perado, Patrick Swayze, Michael Clarke, Bill Treacher, Jean-Pierre Castaldi and Rollo Weeks.

This action-adventure film was written and directed by Tom Reeve, Michael Burks respectively. The film revolves around the life of a knight who embarks on a journey back form a crusade and takes on a dragon and ends up becoming a legend.

4.Glaurung-The Silmarillion

R. R. Tolkien’sThe Silmarillion is the cornerstone of the legend dragon, Glaurung. Glaurung who is commonly referred to as Glau plays a pivotal role in the events of the Silmarillion. The work was edited by his son Christopher and published after the death of J. R. R. Tolkien death.

Glaurung is featured as one of the first dragon of all time and father of all the dragons in Middle-Earth, bred by Morgoth in the iron prison of Angband. The author describes Glaurung as being a massive dragon who possessed that power of hypnosis. This character plays an important role in Tolkien’s work.

5.Boris-My Father’s Dragon

The character Boris is form Ruth Stiles’s 1948 novel titled My Father’s Dragon. The novel follows the life of a little boy, Elmer Elevator on his adventures. The boy comes across a baby dragon who he rescues.

Boris is unlike all the rest of dragons portrayed in folklore, he is kind and lovable character in the tale. Boris is quite helpful to Elmer as he uses his dragon abilities to benefit him. My Father’s Dragon is such a beloved children’s classic tale.

My Father’s Dragon is a beloved children’s book that is remembered for its colorful narrative of the enduring friendship between Elmer and Boris.

6.Viserion, Rhaegal, and Dragon–Song of Ice and Fire series

Viserion, Rhaegal and Drogon are three dragons featured in George R.R. Martin’ works, A Song of Ice and Fire. The characters themselves are quite iconic. The three are also featured in the adaptation of the book into the Game of Thrones film.

The three dragons where the stars of the show, the characters were quite memorable to viewers. All the dragons are quite distinct in their appearance, Rhaegal has green- and bronze-colored scales and yellow-orange-colored wings. Drogon is the largest of all the three with black and red eyes. Lastly, Viserion is cream-colored with gold eyes.

7.The Dragon–Legenda aurea

The Legenda Aurea, which is commonly known as the Golden Legend, is a medieval hagiographical compilation written by Jacobus de Voragine way back in the 13th century. The compilation follows the lives of villagers who offer daily sacrifices to keep the dragon away.

They begin by offering two sheep, then a man and eventually they move to their own children chosen at random. The dragon featured in the Legenda aurea is not given a specific name but is commonly referred to as the dragon of the evil dragon.

8.Villentretenmerth–Sword of Destiny, Tales of The Witcher

Villentretenmerth was one of the Continent’s only two known Golden dragons with skills of taking several forms and travel incognito. The dragon is a character from the book, Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski.

Villentretenmerth possess quite unique features, he is able to transform into any shape which make it really convenient for him to travel. The series investigates morality, identity, and the nature of mankind through characters.

9.Errour-The Faerie Queen

The dragon, Errour is introduced in The Faerie Queene and serves as a prototype challenge to the Redcrosse knight. Errour is depicted as being a terrible and disgusting beast that represents spiritual and moral depravity.

The writer depicts Errour as being horrifically detailed with its half serpent and half lady. In the poem, Errour represents aspects of temptations, sins, and moral failings that often lead one astray form their path of their virtues.

10.Saphira– Eragon

Saphira is a fictional dragon character from the Inheritance Cycle series by the famous Christopher Paolini. The series follows the adventures of Eragon as he becomes attached to Saphira.

The two hit it off quite well and they end up forming both a physical and mental bond. The series shows that they two are able to communicate telepathically and share thoughts and emotions. All throughout the series, Saphira plays a pivotal role in Eragon’s development as a Dragon Rider and hero.

11.Figment–Journey Into Imagination

The character Figment is well known to people who have visited the Disney Park. The fictional character from the Disney theme park ride, Journey into Imagination which is available for viewing at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

The Figment character in the film is portrayed as possessing creative powers of the human mind, as he is as figment of one’s imagination. The dragon often encourages children to think outside the box. The character is quite intriguing to visitors as it serves as the mascot and guide for guests as they explore the creative and imaginative aspects of human thought and invention.

12.The Reluctant Dragon–The Reluctant Dragon

The Reluctant Dragon is portrayed in Kenneth Grahame’s book titled, The Reluctant Dragon. The children’s book tells the story of an intelligent poetry-loving dragon living in the Downs. The dragon fortunately meets up with a small kid with whom they become close friends.

Unlike the nature of dragons, the writer portrays this character as being very peaceful and understanding. The whole aim of the writer is to encourage readers and viewers to overcome stereotypes and embrace diplomacy.

13.Elliott–Pete’s Dragon

The dragon, Elliott is portrayed in the 1977 American musical fantasy titled, Pete Dragon. Some of the stars featured in the film include Sean Marshall, Helen Reddy, Jim Dale, Mickey Rooney, Red Buttons, Jeff Conaway, Shelley Winters, and Charlie Callas as Elliott.

The film draws most of its inspiration form a short tale, Pete’s Dragon and the United States book titled Forever After by Seton I. Miller and S. S. Field. The film follows the life of an orphan named Pete who forms an unbreakable bond with the dragon Elliott. Elliot portrays such a unique characteristic, he is a sweet, doofy, clumsy fella.

14.Fáfnir–Volsunga Saga 

The Völsunga saga is a legendary saga, form the late 13th-century Icelandic that essentially tells the story of a dwarf, Fáfnir, who grows greedy and kills his brother to hoard the gold they discover. Fáfnir ends up transforming into a dragon to guard his treasure hoard. He does this with great fierceness and aggression.

Just before the film ends, Fáfnir is killed in a confrontation with Sigurd. Sigurd manages to do so by striking him in the heart. As Fáfnir lays there about to die, he utters word of knowledge to on the cursed gold and the consequences of greed.

15.The Dragon King–The Tale of Tawara Tōda

The Dragon King is a character featured in the Japanese folklore tale, Tawara Touda. The folklore is also referred to as My Lord Bag of Rice. The tale follows the life of s hero named Tawara as he faces a variety of challenges.

In the tale a serpent-dragon King asks the help of the hero Fujiwara no Hides to to defeat a giant centipede. The characters of the film highlight themes of bravery, resourcefulness, and the importance of solving challenges and conflict resolution.

16.Draco–Dragonheart

Draco is featured in the film titled, Dragonheart. The film follows the adventures of Draco who is believed to be the one of the eggs that appears in the first film. Sean Connery voices Draco the wisecracking dragon in the 1996 fantasy franchise.

The film portrays the dragon as being so generous as he donates half his heart to a boy, Prince Enion, who is mortally wounded. In exchange for the heart, Enion makes a request to the price to be a benevolent rule but but he end up being quite opposite of that. The writer portrayed the dragon as having such a unique sense of humor, but nonetheless a very noble dragon.

17.The Hungarian Horntail–Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

The Hungarian Horntail is a species featured in the film, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The dragon is believed to be quiet a unique species to Hungary and is regarded as one of the most dangerous dragon breeds, if not the most dangerous.

The dragon has black scales, a spiky tail, and looked like a lizard. The Horntail’s breath could reach extraordinarily high temperatures, turning a stone red hot in seconds yet possessing a long-reaching flame. The character appears both in the books and the film adaptation.

18.King Ghidorah–Ghidorah

King Ghidorah is a mythical character that initially appeared in Ishir Honda’s 1964 film Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster. Tomoyuki Tanaka, Eiji Tsuburaya, and Shinichi Sekizawa developed the creature as a tribute to the eight-headed fabled Japanese dragon Yamata no Orochi.

The dragon can be described as an armless, bipedal, golden, and yellowish-scaled dragon with three heads, two fan-shaped wings, and two tails creature. The origin story revolved around an extraterrestrial planet-destroying dragon. The character has been positively received and is often regarded as Godzilla’s most famous foe.

19.Ancalagon the Black–The Silmarillion

Ancalagon, commonly referred to as The Black was the most powerful of all winged dragons. Ancalagon the Black, is a fictional character from J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium, specifically within the realm of Middle-earth.

Morgoth unleashed Ancalagon as a last resort in the climactic battle of the War of Wrath. The dragon was so massive that when he fell during the conflict, he shattered the towers of Thangorodrim beneath him. Ancalagon the Black is often referred to as one of the most imposing and inspiring dragons in Tolkien’s legendarium.

20.Maleficent–Sleeping Beauty 

Maleficent is a fictitious character who appears in Disney’s 1959 animated film titled Sleeping Beauty. Maleficent is regarded as a unique and iconic character in Disney. the dragon plays as a malicious fairy who gets extremely offended when she is not invited to Aurora’s baptism.

She sets a curse on her and proclaims that on her 16^th birthday, she will end up stabbing her finger and fall into a profound sleep. One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when the evil queen Maleficent transformation into an enormous fire-breaking dragon.

21.Lockheed–X-Men

The dragon, Lockheed is a fictional character that appeared in an American comic book.  Marvel comic commonly associates this character with the X-Men. Lockheed is distinguished by his diminutive stature, purple skin, wings, and ability to breathe fire.

Lockheed’s presence in the X-Men books adds a distinct and charming touch. Lockheed is quite unlike his appearance; he is depicted as being more of an alien monster rather than a dragon. Lockheed has appeared in several X-Men storylines and comic series, including Uncanny X-Men and Excalibur.

22.Puff the Magic Dragon-Puff the Magic Dragon

Puff the Magic Dragon is a dragon featured in a song by Peter, Paul, and Mary. The song by this three was recorded and released back in 1962 and 1963 respectively. The lyrics behind the piece were inspired by Leonard Lipton’s poem.

The 19-year-old Cornell University student who was behind the poem also got inspired by an Ogden Nash poem titled The Tale of Custard the Dragon. The lyrics tell the story of the adventures of an ageless dragon and a little boy who he regards as his playmate. The song’s story takes place by the sea in the fictional land of Honah Lee.

23.Haku-Spirated Away

Haku, is a dragon that features in Hayao Miyazaki’s acclaimed film titled Spirited Away. The dragon takes two forms: a 12-year-old boy and a giant white dragon. As a dragon, Haku is a white scaled body, a seafoam green mane, four legs, and enormous horns.

Other than flying, the dragon has the abilities are linked with water as a river spirit. Haku plays a pivotal role in the franchise, he serves as a guide and protector for Chihiro as she navigates the mysterious and often perilous spirit world

24.Shenron- divine dragon god

Dragon Shenron is commonly referred to as Shenlong the Dragon Ball series’ divine dragon god. Shenron plays a pivotal role in the franchise as he is actively involved in the Dragon Ball universe.

Shenron possesses unique characteristics as he can grant wishes to anyone who summons him. The dragon has been depicted as a green lung dragon with antlers and flashing red eyes.  Shenron, of course, evolves throughout the series; Dragon Ball Super introduced Super Shenron, and Dragon Ball GT presented Ultimate Shenron.

25.Smaug-The Hobbit

Smaug is a renown literary dragon from J.R.R. Tolkien’s 1937 novel titled, The Hobbit. the literature describes the dragon as being one of the greatest of all time. The novel tells the adventures of the dragon as he invades the dwarf kingdom of Erebor, and later guards a vast mountain of treasure.

He is eventually defeated in a dramatic and furious confrontation with the help of a special arrow and the characters’ wit. Smaug’s character has left a lasting impact on the world of fantasy literature and is a significant element of Tolkien’s legacy.

Dragons have been depicted as being both scary and exciting at the same time. Viewers and readers are called to channel their imaginary side since such creatures are out of the ordinary. Such creatures remind viewers of the mysterious world out there.