Post by MoonyLuna on Jan 5, 2008 22:22:05 GMT -5
Dragons typically have many character traits ascribed to them. Due to the wide range of mythology and differing perceptions of their personality, there is no definitive guide to draconic characterization. Some classical and popular traits are:
Hoarding valuable items. Traditionally seen as greed, but sometimes as protection of rarities or items which are valuable in more ways than material riches. Some items are often only of value only to the dragon and are collected because of a particular interest or just because it's shiny or a caught the dragon's attention.
In Asian mythology, an appreciation for fine foods and tea, culture, traditions, and rituals. As a side note, many Furries who play dragons also seem to have a preference for tea, regardless of their character's mythological background.
Arrogance, selfishness and a sense of superiority and/or invulnerability.
Vanity and great attention to appearances, though not necessarily physical.
Defensive and territorial, preferring the company of other creatures to another dragon.
A "breath weapon" of some kind, often visualized as the natural or mystical ability to exhale fire. There are many variations, ranging from icy breath to poisonous clouds. It has been suggested that this originates from the Christian idea that dragons (as "serpents" or "wyrms/worms") embody the tempting serpent of Hell, and thus their bellies are gates linked to Hell; whenever the dragon opens this gate, then, hellfire will belch out. However, such portrayal can also be considered a derogatory stereotype.
Dragons from the Dragonriders of Pern seriesDeference and even voluntary servitude to great wisdom, purity, power, or beauty.
Curiosity about smaller, more delicate creatures such as men, to the point of obsession.
Great cycles of sleep and regeneration, where a dragon might vanish for weeks, months, or years to slumber or hibernate.
In the oriental context, a dragon is often seen as a messenger of divine powers or enforcer of the law of the gods.
Mastery of arcane knowledge, such as alchemy and forms of sorcery or magical lore.
One trait many also conceptualize dragons with is referred to as the "pounce or ponder" instinct. A dragon tends to either make a snap decision - or else spend hours, days, or even years laboring over an idea, with little middle ground between the extremes.
Hoarding valuable items. Traditionally seen as greed, but sometimes as protection of rarities or items which are valuable in more ways than material riches. Some items are often only of value only to the dragon and are collected because of a particular interest or just because it's shiny or a caught the dragon's attention.
In Asian mythology, an appreciation for fine foods and tea, culture, traditions, and rituals. As a side note, many Furries who play dragons also seem to have a preference for tea, regardless of their character's mythological background.
Arrogance, selfishness and a sense of superiority and/or invulnerability.
Vanity and great attention to appearances, though not necessarily physical.
Defensive and territorial, preferring the company of other creatures to another dragon.
A "breath weapon" of some kind, often visualized as the natural or mystical ability to exhale fire. There are many variations, ranging from icy breath to poisonous clouds. It has been suggested that this originates from the Christian idea that dragons (as "serpents" or "wyrms/worms") embody the tempting serpent of Hell, and thus their bellies are gates linked to Hell; whenever the dragon opens this gate, then, hellfire will belch out. However, such portrayal can also be considered a derogatory stereotype.
Dragons from the Dragonriders of Pern seriesDeference and even voluntary servitude to great wisdom, purity, power, or beauty.
Curiosity about smaller, more delicate creatures such as men, to the point of obsession.
Great cycles of sleep and regeneration, where a dragon might vanish for weeks, months, or years to slumber or hibernate.
In the oriental context, a dragon is often seen as a messenger of divine powers or enforcer of the law of the gods.
Mastery of arcane knowledge, such as alchemy and forms of sorcery or magical lore.
One trait many also conceptualize dragons with is referred to as the "pounce or ponder" instinct. A dragon tends to either make a snap decision - or else spend hours, days, or even years laboring over an idea, with little middle ground between the extremes.