Dragons (Middle-earth)

J. R. R. Tolkien's universe of Middle-earth features dragons closely based on those of European legend. All were created by Morgoth out of fire and sorcery sometime before the First Age of the Sun, when Glaurung first appeared.

Table of contents

1 Taxonomy 1.1 Means of locomotion 1.2 Fire breathing 2 Other characteristics 3 Important dragons 4 External link

Taxonomy

Tolkien designed his own taxonomic system for dragons, based on two factors:

Means of locomotion

• Some dragons (Glaurung, Scatha) had only front legs.
• Others (no known examples) walked on four legs, like a Komodo dragon or some other lizard.
• A third type (Ancalagon, Smaug) could both walk on four legs and fly.

Fire breathing

• The Urulóki (singular Urulokë, Fire-drakes) could breathe fire.
• The Cold-drakes could not.

These categories could mix and match in any way.

Other characteristics

All of Tolkien's dragons also shared a love of treasure (especially gold), subtle intelligence, immense cunning, great physical strength, and a hypnotic power called "dragon-spell".

Important dragons

• Glaurung - Father of Dragons, slain by Túrin Turambar
• Scatha - slain by Fram of the Éothéod (ancestor of the kings of Rohan)
• Smaug - the last great dragon of Middle-earth, slain by Bard of Dale
• Ancalagon the Black - first and mightiest of the winged dragons, slain by Eärendil in the War of Wrath.

External link

• Encyclopedia of Arda article on Middle-earth's dragons.