famous quotes about dragons

Dragons are part of countless legends in different parts of the world. Since ancient times, dragons have appeared as fierce, fearsome, and magical creatures in both mythology and literature. His legend gave rise to incredible stories.

what is a dragon

The word dragon derives from the Latin draco or draconis , which means “reptile”, “dragon”, “watchman”. This term comes from the Greek δράκων ( drakon) , which means “serpent” or “dragon” and this word, in turn, from the verb δέρκομαι ( derkomai ), which means “to stare”, and refers to the penetrating gaze of the snakes.

Although the mythological appearance of dragons is practically universal, they present some differences in different cultures, especially in terms of their characteristics and meaning. For example, in Western cultures dragons are winged creatures, covered in scales, with features similar to a reptile or a snake; they are even sometimes similar to dinosaurs. Their wings are similar to those of bats. They also have a long tail that ends in the shape of an arrowhead, and their four feet are webbed, with webbed toes. Also, dragons breathe fire from their mouths and their blood is poisonous.

Western dragons are generally demonic monsters that are associated with evil or negative omens. They are also related to catastrophes and crimes. They live in caves, wells or seas and usually guard treasures.

On the other hand, in Eastern cultures such as China and Japan, the dragon is considered a benign creature, a symbol of good fortune, wisdom, power, magic and rain. Its neck and the rest of its body is similar to that of a snake, and is covered in fish scales. It also has deer horns, rabbit eyes, a dog’s snout, and eagle or tiger claws. Clouds emanate from his mouth instead of fire. Although he does not have wings, he can fly thanks to his magical powers. Also, these dragons live in the sky or the sea, they can have various colors and make it rain.

Dragons in literature and mythology

Dragons are mythological beings that have been part of the folklore and mythology of various cultures from different parts of the world for thousands of years. For this reason, it is also possible to find them in the literature of multiple geographical areas.

The oldest dragons are those that appear in the legends of Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. For example, some Babylonian texts describe how the god Marduk slew the dragon Tiamat. The sacred texts in Egyptian hieroglyphics narrate the daily battle of the Egyptian serpent Apep, a symbol of evil, against the forces of good. Other ancient Indian legends from the Rigveda collection of Sanskrit hymns detail the triumph of the god Indra over the dragon Vrita, who had sealed off the water sources on Earth.

In China, the famous Long dragon is depicted in numerous texts, poems and paintings from the oldest dynasties, as well as other valuable objects, to attract luck and protection.

In modern times, dragons appear in countless fairy tales and fantasy and science fiction novels, usually as supporting characters or antagonists. Below are some of the most famous literary quotes about dragons.

32 famous quotes about dragons

The Bible

On that day Yahweh will punish Leviathan, the swift serpent, and Leviathan, the torturous serpent, with his hard, great, and strong sword; and they will kill the dragon that is in the sea.

Isaiah, 27:1

You broke the heads of Leviathan; and you gave it to sea turtles for food.

Psalms, 74:14

Will you pull out the Leviathan with the hook, or with the rope that you throw into its tongue?

Job, 41:1

Curse those who curse the day, those who prepare to awaken Leviathan.

Job, 3:8

The Old Testament of the Bible, divided into several books, is one of the oldest texts that mentions a dragon-serpent monster that embodies evil. In these verses from the books of Isaiah, Psalms, and Job, the dragon Leviathan, associated with Satan, is named and some of its characteristics are described.

Theogony , Hesiod

From his shoulders grew 100 serpent heads, those of a fearsome dragon, and the heads licked with dark tongues, and from the eyes the inhuman heads gave fire from under their eyelids. Fire sprang from all his heads, from all his eyes; and within each of those horrible heads were voices making all kinds of horrible sounds.

Theogony, by Hesiod

This fragment of the work of the Greek writer and poet Hesiod (XVIII BC) refers to the dragon Typhon, a monster from Greek mythology that was generally associated with volcanoes and hurricanes (hence the current name of typhoons). ). Typhon was an enemy of the great god Zeus, and Zeus eventually killed him and buried him under Mount Etna. Typhon was the father of other famous dragons from the Greek myths of Hercules, Jason, and Perseus: the Colchis dragon, the Lernaean hydra, Ladon, and Python, among others.

Expulsion of the triumphant beast by Giordano Bruno

Where the Dragon twists and curves, because it is a seat close to Truth, Prudence is placed with its Dialectic and Metaphysical damsels; around him are Cunning, Dissimulation and Malice on the right and Stupidity, Inertia and Recklessness on the left.

Expulsion of the triumphant beast, by Giordano Bruno

Giordano Bruno (1548-1600) was an Italian philosopher, astronomer, and poet. In addition to his important contributions on astronomy, Bruno distinguished himself by his theological theories, which led him to be accused of heresy by the Roman Inquisition.

The work Expulsion of the triumphant beast was published in 1584 and consists of several dialogues. In them, Bruno expresses revolutionary ideas about human nature, morality and the social problems of his time.

King Lear by William Shakespeare

Don’t come between the dragon and his wrath.

King Lear, by William Shakespeare

King Lear is one of the cruelest and darkest tragedies by the famous English playwright William Shakespeare (1564-1616). It was first written and performed in 1606, but was long considered almost unplayable, due to its brutal scenes, the depth of the characters, and the tragic ending of almost all of them. In this work, different conflicts caused by ambition and power are narrated, in two parallel plots. On the one hand, between King Lear and his three daughters, and on the other hand, between Earl Gloster and his two sons. In both stories, the characters fall victim to the betrayal and intrigues of their loved ones, which leads to madness and, subsequently, death.

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

Here the man becomes a dragon. Being hungry, thirsty is the starting point, being Satan is the ending point.

Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo

Victor Hugo (1802-1885) is one of the most renowned French writers in the world. His novel Les miserables (1862) is a classic of universal literature; It describes the constant struggle between good and evil, both in external circumstances and within his characters. In this work, poverty at all its levels and excessive ambition are presented in a crude way, as well as the worst defects and the best virtues of the human being.

The Knight in Rusty Armor by Robert Fisher

A long time ago, in a land far away, there lived a knight who thought he was good, generous and loving. He did everything that good, generous and loving gentlemen usually do. He fought against his enemies, who were mean and mean and hateful, slaying dragons and rescuing damsels in distress. When there was a crisis in the matter of chivalry, he had a bad habit of rescuing damsels even when they did not wish to be rescued, and because of this, although many ladies were grateful to him, just as many were furious with the knight. He accepted it philosophically. After all, he can’t please everyone.

The Knight in Rusty Armor, Robert Fisher

The American writer Robert Fisher (1922-2008) mentions dragons as part of the allegories in his book The Knight in Rusty Armor , published in 1989. One of the characters is the dragon of fear and doubt, which guards the Castle of Will and Boldness. Although his presence is a bit threatening, this dragon helps the knight face his worst fears and embark on the path of self-knowledge. Considered one of the most outstanding works in the self-help genre, this fantastic story also includes other magical characters, such as the wizard Merlin.

Dark Witch by Nora Roberts

You can’t expect happy endings to exist. You have to believe in them. Then do the work, take the risks. Kill the dragon, kiss the princess, or the frog, and defeat the wicked witch.

Dark Witch, by Nora Roberts

Dark Witch , published in 1993, is the first novel in the romance and fantasy trilogy, The O’Dywer Cousins , by the prolific American writer Nora Roberts (1950-). It centers on the story of Iona Seehan, who travels to Ireland to meet her cousins. Being the descendants of a sorceress from the 13th century AD, the three young men begin an adventure full of magic and mystery.

Stephen King’s werewolf cycle

He supposed there was no law against a dragon breathing silently.

The Wolf Man Cycle by Stephen King

The werewolf cycle (1983) is a horror novel, in which each chapter is a story in itself. It was written by the American writer Stephen King (1947-) famous for his works in the horror and fantasy genres, as well as for his best-sellers. The plot has Marty and his uncle Al his as main characters, who try to discover and catch a werewolf who lives in the city and who commits his crimes during the nights of the full moon.

Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz or the traps of faith by Octavio Paz

The image of the library as a refuge where the affectivity of Juana Inés withdraws and her mental activity unfolds, must be completed with another, which touches the will and character: the library is the place of treasure. Every treasure has its guardians, its dragons; all treasure is locked up in a castle or buried in a cave. The image of the treasure summons the figure of the hero and the deeds of him. Feats that are epic violations and heroic desecrations, Juana Inés must take the fortress by assault and seize knowledge of how the pirates of her time looted the galleons they captured. Knowledge is transgression. She herself says it: she reads all the books «without the punishments being enough to hinder her.

Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz or the traps of faith , by Octavio Paz

Octavio Paz (1914-1998) was a famous Mexican poet, writer and diplomat who published his essay Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz or the traps of faith in 1982. In it, Paz addresses the details of the life of the religious and Mexican writer Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, who lived in the 17th century AD. C. This essay also includes a historical analysis of the colonial society of the time and contributions from other authors who also wrote about the life of Sor Juana.

Eon. The Awakening of the Dragon’s Eye by Alison Goodman

Remember, my son, a dragon is like a tax collector: even if you only owe him a piece of gold, he will haunt you for all eternity.

Eon. The Awakening of the Dragon’s Eye, by Alison Goodman

So you must be prepared, it will not be easy. You cannot gain the power of the dragon without giving it something valuable in return.

Eon. The Awakening of the Dragon’s Eye, by Alison Goodman

Alison Goodman (1966-) is a renowned Australian writer, author of several young adult novels. Eon , The Awakening of the Dragon’s Eye , published in 2008, is the first novel in a fantasy trilogy. The play tells the story of Eon, and later, Eona, a girl who pretends to be a man and trains to become the Eye of the Dragon, a powerful knight capable of controlling wind, water, and earth.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling

Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus (Never tickle a sleeping dragon).

Howarts Motto – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, by JK Rowling

We are going to import three dragons and a sphinx from abroad for the Triwizard Tournament; It’s just routine, but the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures insists that by regulation we have to notify you that we’re bringing extremely dangerous creatures into the country.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling

As for dragons,’ said Sirius, speaking very quickly now, ‘there is a way, Harry. Don’t even think about using the Stunning Charm – Dragons are too strong and have too many magical qualities for a single Stunning Charm to take effect.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling

The Harry Potter saga by English writer JK Rowling (1965-) is undoubtedly one of the most important literary successes of recent times, with more than 500 million copies sold worldwide. The first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone , was published in 1997. In subsequent years, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998) was also published; Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999); Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000); Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003); Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005); Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows(2007). Films based on these novels further contributed to their international popularity.

The story revolves around a boy named Harry Potter, who receives an invitation to enter the famous Hogwarts school of magic. There he meets various friends, confronts the mighty Lord Voldemort, and experiences countless adventures filled with magical creatures, spells, and incantations.

JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit

Never laugh at living dragons.

The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien

Speak politely to an enraged dragon.

The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien

If you’ve ever seen a dragon in distress, you’ll realize this was just poetic exaggeration applied to any hobbit, even Old Took Bullroarer’s great-uncle, who was so big (for a hobbit) that he could ride a dragon. horse. He charged into the ranks of the goblins of Mount Gram at the Battle of the Green Fields and struck their king Golfibul on the head with a wooden club. He sailed a hundred meters through the air and fell down a rabbit hole, and in this way, the battle was won and the game of Golf was invented at the same time.

The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien

The British writer and poet JRR Tolkien (1892-1973) is one of the greatest references in the epic fantasy literary genre. In order to entertain his children, Tolkien created one of the most emblematic fantastic universes in literature, describing different magical beings and creatures, drawing a great historical line and even creating entire languages. The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings saga are his most famous works.

The Hobbit was published in 1937 and recounts the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who, together with his friend the wizard Gandalf and a group of dwarves, undertake the search for the Lonely Mountain in order to obtain the treasure guarded by the fearsome dragon. Smaug.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by CS Lewis

But the moment he reached the water’s edge two things happened. First of all, he realized that he had been running on all fours… why the hell had he done it? And second, as he leaned into the water, it seemed for a moment that yet another dragon was looking down at him from within the pool. But instantly he understood what was happening. The water dragon face was his own reflection. There was not the slightest doubt. She moved when he moved: he opened and closed his mouth every time he opened and closed it.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader , by C.S. Lewis

He had turned into a dragon in his sleep. Asleep on a dragon’s hoard with greedy dragon thoughts, he had become one of those beings himself.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader , by C.S. Lewis

The Chronicles of Narnia is a saga of 7 very popular fantasy novels, both within literature and cinema. The English writer CS Lewis (1898-1963) was a friend of JRR Tolkien and throughout his life wrote several works of fiction.

In The Voyage of the Dawn Treader , which was published in 1952, the children Edmund, Lucy and Eustace make a journey to the End of the World on the Dawn Treader, a ship from Narnia, crewed by King Caspian. During the trip, Eustace’s character undergoes a great evolution, mainly after he becomes a dragon.

The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett

Rincewind looked again at the dragon before him. Through the animal, he could clearly see the grass on which he was lying. But when he gingerly touched a flake that was a mere reflection of gold in the air, he seemed solid enough. In the wizard’s opinion, dragons must either exist at all or not exist at all. A dragon that only existed halfway was worse than either extreme.

The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett

The British writer and humorist Terry Pratchett (1948-2015) published The Color of Magic in 1983, the first novel in the Discworld fantasy saga , which came to include 41 novels. In it, various unique characters live together on a magical planet in the shape of a disc; in it there are dragons, wizards, demons, magic swords and other fantastic beings.

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

In the last month he had rescued a woman from a raging fire. She had invoked fire and lightning to free me from murderers. She had killed a beast that could be a dragon or a demon, depending on your point of view. But there, in that room, was the first time I really felt like some kind of hero. If you are looking for a reason why I became what I became, if you are looking for a beginning, that is where you must look.

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Patrick Rothfuss (1973-) is an American writer who stands out in the genre of fantastic literature. The Name of the Wind was published in 2007 and is the first book in the Chronicle of the King Killer trilogy , an epic fantasy whose third part is still in progress. This work takes place in a fantastic world and tells the story of the protagonist, Kvothe, who at a certain moment finds a species of dragon called draccus .

Fire Rose by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

The crimson dragon grew day by day and devoured everything in its path. Torn bodies rained down from the sky and the flames from their breath flowed through the streets like a torrent of blood.

Fire Rose, by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Rosa de fuego , by the Spanish writer Carlos Ruiz Zafón (1964-2020), is a short story that was published in 2012. Its title refers to the name given to the city of Barcelona at the beginning of the 20th century. Rosa de fuego tells the medieval origins of El Cementerio de los Libros, a secret place within Barcelona that Ruiz Zafón refers to in his novels such as The Shadow of the Wind , The Angel’s Game , The Prisoner of Heaven and The Labyrinth of the Spirits. .

The Dragon Clan of Yden by SG Rogers

They say dragons never really die. It doesn’t matter how many times you kill them.

Jon Hansen and the Dragon Clan of Yden , by S.G. Rogers

A dragon’s heart burns fiercely, even in the face of evil.

The Dragon Clan of Yden , by S.G. Rogers

The Dragon Clan of Yden is the second novel in the Yden fantasy saga by American writer Suzanne G. Rogers, first published in 2010. Although this author is now one of the greatest exponents of the historical romance novel, before it also stood out in the fantasy genre. In The Dragon Clan of Yden, he tells the story of the Dragon clan and the mysterious Fox clan, as well as that of his main character, Jon Hansen, as he performs his magical training. Also, it describes the recruitment of magicians and the search for the famous Portal Key.

The Power of the Tao by Lou Marinoff

If you have the courage to recover your innocence and let your imagination run wild, you too will have the dragon as a friend.

The Power of the Tao, Lou Marinoff

The Power of the Tao (2011) is one of the most important works of the Canadian writer, philosopher and teacher Lou Marinoff (1951-). In it, Marinoff explains some of the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu and the importance of the Tao philosophy as a way to relieve stress and combat the challenges of today’s daily life.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

You have the kind of voice one imagines coming from a dragon-drawn chariot.

Eleanor & Park , by Rainbow Rowell

Rainbow Rowell (1973-) is an American writer who stands out in youth literature. Her romantic fiction novel, Eleanor & Park , published in 2013, tells the story of two teenagers who start a romantic relationship. This work received positive reviews not only for its freshness, but for dealing with issues such as bullying, body image, and racism, among others.

A Song of Fire and Ice by George R.R. Martin

Dany listened to the talk on the streets and heard these things, but it would never occur to her to argue with her brother while he was spinning his webs of dreams. She did not want in any way to arouse his anger, what Viserys called “waking the dragon.”

A Song of Fire and Ice by George RR Martin

The water was too hot, but Daenerys didn’t move, didn’t say anything. She liked the heat. It made her feel clean. Besides, her brother often told her that nothing was too hot for a Targaryen. -Our house is the house of the dragon. We carry fire in our blood.

A Song of Fire and Ice by George RR Martin

-And I am Daenerys of the Storm, Daenerys of the Targaryen House, of the blood of Aegon the Conqueror and Maegor the Cruel, and before them of old Valyria. I am the daughter of the dragon, and I swear to you that these men will die screaming.

A Song of Fire and Ice by George RR Martin

A Song of Fire and Ice , by American novelist and screenwriter George RR Martin (1948-) is a series of novels whose first work was published in 1993 and continues to date. This saga reached enormous popularity when the Game of Thrones television series was released . One of the main characters, Daenerys Targaryen, also known as khaleesi and “mother of dragons”, comes from a noble family whose lineage is related to dragons, precisely originating from Rocadragon. At the beginning of the story, Daenerys received three eggs, from which the three powerful and feared dragons later hatched: Viserion, Drogon and Rhaegal.

Other famous phrases about dragons

• “Fairy tales trump reality not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that they can be defeated.” (GK Chesterton)
• I wished for dragons with a deep desire…Of course my timid body did not want them in the neighborhood. But the world that contained them, even Fafnir’s imagination, was richer and more beautiful, whatever its danger cost. (J.R.R. Tolkien)
• “No, I wouldn’t want to live in a world without dragons, just as I wouldn’t want to live in a world without magic, because that’s a world without mystery, and that’s a world without faith.” (RA Salvatore)
• “He who fights dragons too much becomes a dragon himself; and if you look too long into the abyss, the abyss will look back at you.” (Friedrich Nietzsche)

Sources

• Poudereux, I. (2021, November 25). Myths and legends of dragons. What are they? Characteristics in different cultures . History Network. Available here .
• History Channel. (2020, February 3). Dragons, legend or reality? Available here .
• CLI. (2021, November 23). Chinese Dragons: Their Types, History, and Significance . StudyCLI. Available here .
• Gamez, LA (2017, July 31). Where do dragons come from? Basque newspaper. Available here .
• Richard. Phrases about dragons . Expand your mind. Available here .
• Phrases and thoughts. Dragon phrases . Frasesypensamientos.com.ar. Available here .