|
Eastern European
The most common dragon of Western movies, the European dragon has four legs and two wings. Many reports suggest that this species is capable of breathing a fiery jet of unknown composition. European dragons are usually portrayed in myths as savage, often unintelligent creatures who will prey upon humans and their livestock. Reports of these creatures arise from most parts of western Europe, the most notable being the account of Saint George and the Dragon.
Knucker
The Knucker is a smallish dragon, only about 8 feet in length, with four legs and vestigial wings. They are a solitary and elusive species, rarely interacting with humans. Reports of these creatures are limited to parts of eastern Europe. Knuckers are known for their poisonous bite and overall serpentine nature.
Eastern European
Perhaps the most peaceful and intelligent of all dragons, the Eastern Dragon is very serpentine in appearance. With four legs but no wings, reports of these creatures flying are still largely unexplained. Known through Oriental myths to interact with humans, Eastern dragons show a certain interest in humanity's welfare. These dragons are often portrayed as clutching white orbs, which may be their eggs or large pearls.
Wyvern
Wyverns are strangest of the dragons, residing in the plains of Africa. Featured in African myths and noted in the works of Josephus, more recent tales place the wyvern in Europe and in North America. Wyverns have only two legs and two wings, and are reported to be capable of lifting elephants high into the air, then dropping them. It is thought that the Persian legends of the monstrous bird called the Roc may have been inspired by sightings of wyverns, or even vice versa.
Ampithere
The obvious inspiration of the Aztec god Quetzacoatl, Ampitheres are dragons with two feathered wings and no legs, the only dragon species with feathers. Their cross of reptilian and avian characteristics have led some dragonologists to doubt their existence, at least in their reported form, while still others claim that the reports are actually that of a wyvern. No conclusive evidence indicates that Ampitheres have any breath weapon.
Lindworm
Were it not for reports of Lindworms posessing two legs, this species would be placed with other reports of giant serpents. Inhabitants of the Mongolian steppes, lindworms are capable of running at fast speeds, chasing down any prey. They kill mainly through constriction, indicating that they possess neither breath weapon nor poison. Lindworms are the most snake-like of all dragons.
Ice Dragons
This species is perhaps the one least supported by evidence, with few or no ancient reports of its existence. While there are reports of European dragons that breathed a blast of supercooled air, these reports are vastly outweighed by reports of fire. As yet, no scientific explanation accounts for this ice breath weapon. Ice Dragons are said to be white or ivory colored variants of their European cousins, living in the polar lands of the north, mostly in Greenland.
_________________
The devil doesn't come dressed in a red cape and pointy horns. He comes as everything you've ever wished for.
-Tucker Max
|
