Dragons

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Originally Posted by Mithadan

Welcome to the Barrow-Downs! I also found Tolkien's dragons to be compelling and interesting elements of his books. I cannot, however, say that I "like" Smaug or Glaurung. They are simply too evil. While not technically part of Tolkien's Middle Earth writings, Chrysophylax is far more likeable.

Dragons are a classic element of mythology dating back to ancient China and Japan. They are deeply ingrained in western (and British) mythology as well. Consider St. George's dragon. Tolkien also seemed fascinated by the beasts. He sometimes included them in his doodles. So it was not just easy for him to include them in his writings. I would guess he almost felt compelled to do so.

I agree with you about Glaurung, but Smaug never seemed like an extremely evil creature, he just seemed proud.

And it is funny you should mention St. George who is probably most used patron saint ever, both in eastern and western europe.
Anyways it got me thinking, what is the differense between western and british legend or mythology? (is it just one of these "we are british, we are different" things)

[FeRaL sHaDoW]

Originally Posted by Rune Son of Bjarne

I agree with you about Glaurung, but Smaug never seemed like an extremely evil creature, he just seemed proud.

Personally Smaug is one of my favourite characters. I believe Smaug was just a poor old misunderstood creature that was wrongly judged. I am sure deep down Smaug was a very caring and kind dragon; He was just tempted by all the treasures that those greedy dwarves were keeping to themselves.

[Eönwë]

Originally Posted by Rune Son of Bjarne

Anyways it got me thinking, what is the differense between western and british legend or mythology? (is it just one of these "we are british, we are different" things)

We just absorb all the good stuff from all the people who have invaded us- except the Norman's and their language. (Well, according to Tolkien at least!)

Anyway... where was I?

Oh, yes, Dragons.

Dragons are amazing. I think Rumil is right. Dragons are part of the essence of folklore, at least in England, that is. Also, they've always seemed to me as though they're much more intelligent than they're shown in the books. Remember, we mainly only hear of their downfalls- that's because there's someone left to tell the tale.

[Gaurcrist]

I agree with Eonwe in the statement that dragons are not generally given the respect or intuition they deserve. I have read a few books, the "Inheritance" books, and they are some of the best books I have read. They include very intelligent and wise dragons, as well as other creatures and beings such as elves, dwarves, and humans. I suggest them to everyone who likes Tolkien's books, for I believe that you will enjoy them.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

You can't really judge dragons. They're just too mysterious.
But I agree that that dragons must be intelligent because even though dragons like Smaug, Glaurung, and Chrysofalax (It's nice that I can spell) took someone who was clever or very strong with great willpower to bring them down.
Bilbo wasn't necessarily very strong or wise, but he had a great eye. He was the one who essentially brought down Samug, with a little help from a man with a bow. Turin was strong physically, but he also seemed to have this willpower that could have raised the dead. Farmer Giles on the other hand was just plain clever, that he could outsmart the dragon, so he must have been really clever.
As far as other dragons go, I wouldn't know much. Although, since there were dragon myths all over the world, dragons HAD to exist SOMETIME.