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Dragons: The Myths, Legends, and Lore
A fantastic collection of draconic tradition!
Since the Bronze Age, people have been fascinated, enchanted, and even frightened by tales of mystical dragons. With this book, you will unravel the history and mystery behind these serpentine beasts with folklore, mythology, and poetry from every tradition in the world. From the Slavic Zmey Gorynych, bearing its three fire-breathing heads, to J.R.R. Tolkien's Smaug, who laid entire towns to waste, the thrilling stories surrounding these fierce monsters are sure to captivate anyone who has ever dreamed of running into one during his or her travels. Whether you're interested in exploring the history and culture or just want to learn more about your favorite types of dragons, the legendary tales in this book will transport you to a time when these mythical creatures ruled the land, sea, and sky.
Complete with hundreds of imaginative illustrations, Dragons reveals the magnificent beauty of these mesmerizing creatures as well as their terrifying power over civilizations.
[DeckleEdge]
Since the Bronze Age, people have been fascinated, enchanted, and even frightened by tales of mystical dragons. With this book, you will unravel the history and mystery behind these serpentine beasts with folklore, mythology, and poetry from every tradition in the world. From the Slavic Zmey Gorynych, bearing its three fire-breathing heads, to J.R.R. Tolkien's Smaug, who laid entire towns to waste, the thrilling stories surrounding these fierce monsters are sure to captivate anyone who has ever dreamed of running into one during his or her travels. Whether you're interested in exploring the history and culture or just want to learn more about your favorite types of dragons, the legendary tales in this book will transport you to a time when these mythical creatures ruled the land, sea, and sky.
Complete with hundreds of imaginative illustrations, Dragons reveals the magnificent beauty of these mesmerizing creatures as well as their terrifying power over civilizations.
[DeckleEdge]
224 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2013
85 people are currently reading
967 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Niles
175 books235 followersDouglas Niles is a fantasy author and game designer. Niles was one of the creators of the Dragonlance world and the author of the first three Forgotten Realms novels, and the Top Secret S/I espionage role-playing game. He currently resides in Delavan, Wisconsin with his wife, Christine, and two Bouviets, Reggie and Stella. He enjoys playing his guitar, cooking, and visiting with family.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 7, 2016
This was fascinating. I really enjoyed just how many myths and legends from all corners if the Earth (and beyond) were covered. getting to meet many of these wyrms, nagas and scales Monsters and hear about their influence, 'powers' and devotees I can see a pattern around certain themes, morals and set ups. Being able to listen to a while load of stories all at once make spotting themes and discovering more a lot easier and more fun. I really, really enjoyed all of the individual recounts of the legends and myths.
I'd hugely recommend this book. It's packed with information and it's got handy little sub-headings and images throughout too. A really enjoyable little read. 4*s
I'd hugely recommend this book. It's packed with information and it's got handy little sub-headings and images throughout too. A really enjoyable little read. 4*s
June 20, 2019
Book about dragons.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2021
I've had this book on my shelf for some time. About five years, actually. And I felt in the mood to read it this year.
The writing isn't exemplary, but it's organized well. The book cover, font, and colour theme of the book is eye catching, especially when you compare it with the other books in the set. The information contained within is also quite extensive. I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of myths, countries, and cultures represented. I think Niles waxed a little heavy on the D&D info, but I guess he's entitled (though I expected he'd talk more about Dragonlance since he contributed to the mythos). Overall, it was fun, if not sometimes a little repetitive or dry. I'm happy to have it on my shelf.
The writing isn't exemplary, but it's organized well. The book cover, font, and colour theme of the book is eye catching, especially when you compare it with the other books in the set. The information contained within is also quite extensive. I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of myths, countries, and cultures represented. I think Niles waxed a little heavy on the D&D info, but I guess he's entitled (though I expected he'd talk more about Dragonlance since he contributed to the mythos). Overall, it was fun, if not sometimes a little repetitive or dry. I'm happy to have it on my shelf.
March 29, 2014
This was a great book with the legends and stories of dragons of different cultures. Unlike other dragon guides, it didn't pretend it was written by some magician or traveler in a mystical world, which was a good change.
March 14, 2020
Great read, lovely book
November 25, 2025
If you are a fan of dragons or have never heard of them, this is a good read. From what/why/where they are, to the different explanations from different cultures about them, this book does a great job of narrating the different types of dragons and their world. It also gives a great summary of the different dragons from mythical legends to actual movies and video games. It goes from mythical dragon tales to tales of dragons from different continents (Asia, Europe, and so on). Also mentions dragons from our current movies and video games culture, from J.R.R. Tolkien's "Smaug" to Dungeons and Dragons' "Tiamat", all with a brief explanation about them and their history in their given culture.
The way it was written was ok, there was not a lot of depth to it. There are some images, but to be honest, I would expect a lot more images from a book named "Dragons".
I think it is a must if you enjoy all that encompasses the Dragons themselves, or if you would like to get inspired or reference to write a book, or even create a Dragon of your own (for TTRPGs would be awesome).
The way it was written was ok, there was not a lot of depth to it. There are some images, but to be honest, I would expect a lot more images from a book named "Dragons".
I think it is a must if you enjoy all that encompasses the Dragons themselves, or if you would like to get inspired or reference to write a book, or even create a Dragon of your own (for TTRPGs would be awesome).
July 16, 2022
4/5 🌟
I typically don't read informative books. At first it was quite slow for me. It picked up around the myths of each region and I loved learning about them, even had some ideas for novels. But once the myths were done with, it went back to being a slow read for me again.
I do like it, just not my type. I blame Hannah from A Clockwork Reader. The reading journal I bought from her made me read this. 😂
Anyways, it had been sitting on my shelf for literal years (maybe even a decade) and I figured that it was time to read it, especially since my S/O is constantly complaining about how I buy books, but never read them. 😅
4/5 🌟's for all those amazing myths and legends that I read. 🖤
I typically don't read informative books. At first it was quite slow for me. It picked up around the myths of each region and I loved learning about them, even had some ideas for novels. But once the myths were done with, it went back to being a slow read for me again.
I do like it, just not my type. I blame Hannah from A Clockwork Reader. The reading journal I bought from her made me read this. 😂
Anyways, it had been sitting on my shelf for literal years (maybe even a decade) and I figured that it was time to read it, especially since my S/O is constantly complaining about how I buy books, but never read them. 😅
4/5 🌟's for all those amazing myths and legends that I read. 🖤
July 27, 2020
Dragons: The Myths, Legends, and Lore is a serviceable book at best. Nice and dry for people who need to pass out when reading something, but not interesting enough to keep the reader engaged. It's less of a detailed account and more of a crash course on things you can easily find online.
On the bright side, it looks pretty and it does cover a variety of topics, but that's about it, so if you want to get to know about different types of dragons and have this book handy, you could do worse I guess.
On the bright side, it looks pretty and it does cover a variety of topics, but that's about it, so if you want to get to know about different types of dragons and have this book handy, you could do worse I guess.
May 3, 2023
4.5 Stars
This book was well organized and written. Long enough to cover the subject, but short enough to keep it interesting. It's always fun to read about things you've loved since childhood, but even more so to learn something new.
This book was well organized and written. Long enough to cover the subject, but short enough to keep it interesting. It's always fun to read about things you've loved since childhood, but even more so to learn something new.
November 6, 2018
This is an excellent primer on dragon mythos worldwide. It is not a large book, but it is worth the time of a dragon lover or for research.
June 15, 2020
Very good and compact book of information on dragons from myth, folklore, and even from modern games and movies and how they came to be. Interesting and informative!
April 12, 2021
Quite a good book. The many different cultures that have dragons featured is impressive.
September 9, 2021
I couldn't figure out why in this book Kali is described as a demon when she is a Goddess? Otherwise an interesting a little book on a variety of dragons around the world and in different media.
December 3, 2022
I liked the information, but I found it to be incredibly boring.
February 24, 2024
not super in depth but good for just casual curiosity about dragons
June 23, 2024
Covers a lot of different myths from many different cultures and contexts.
August 31, 2021
52 Books in 52 Weeks: A book with a deckled edge
June 1, 2022
This was a MLL book that I was definitely looking for! I've always loved dragons and I like to believe that they are one (if not the) most popular fantasy creature in history. I grew up watching movies and reading books that featured dragons. From Disney's
Pete's Dragon
to Eustace Scrubb's Christian metaphorical transformation in
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
. Dragon lore populates every culture in the world. Unlike the noble unicorn or the foul tempered leprechaun, the characteristics of the dragon is wholly dependent on the culture they derive from.
Dragon lore can be traced as far back as Babylonian and Ancient Egypt history and they are oftentimes revered as symbols of wisdom and strength; yet feared for their tempers, greediness and violence. They are also portrayed as immensely charismatic in most media dating from Fafnir of Norse mythology who became the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien's Smaug the Terrible in The Hobbit .
There is a great deal about Dragon lore that can be discovered and written down. In this book the symbiology of the dragon and its origins gives a better understanding to their popularity. This is followed up by the worldwide cultural legends of the dragon through religion, communities, and of course, storytelling. Then finally dragons in popular culture, most notably in games such as Dungeons & Dragons .
Like with the rest of the MLL books, this one was just as fun and informative. The artwork that is taken from different cultures is stunning and I love the tan and red cover theme! Very fantastical and elegant. My only one complaint is that the latter part of the book seemed to drone on and on about the prominence of dragons in video games and it became very redundant. However, Dragons is a wonderful add to my growing MLL collection and any dragon lover and fantasy writer will surely benefit from its treasure trove on knowledge.
Dragon lore can be traced as far back as Babylonian and Ancient Egypt history and they are oftentimes revered as symbols of wisdom and strength; yet feared for their tempers, greediness and violence. They are also portrayed as immensely charismatic in most media dating from Fafnir of Norse mythology who became the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien's Smaug the Terrible in The Hobbit .
There is a great deal about Dragon lore that can be discovered and written down. In this book the symbiology of the dragon and its origins gives a better understanding to their popularity. This is followed up by the worldwide cultural legends of the dragon through religion, communities, and of course, storytelling. Then finally dragons in popular culture, most notably in games such as Dungeons & Dragons .
Like with the rest of the MLL books, this one was just as fun and informative. The artwork that is taken from different cultures is stunning and I love the tan and red cover theme! Very fantastical and elegant. My only one complaint is that the latter part of the book seemed to drone on and on about the prominence of dragons in video games and it became very redundant. However, Dragons is a wonderful add to my growing MLL collection and any dragon lover and fantasy writer will surely benefit from its treasure trove on knowledge.
January 23, 2016
Finally my prayers have been answered a book that is all about dragons!!!!
A wonderfully designed book that is full of interesting and greatly varying dragon lore and myth. While the book does repeat some information a little bit it's not really a bad thing. As a dragon lover this was the perfect book for me!! I particularly loved the section that discussed dragons from pop culture (Smaug was of course included, but there was no Game of Thrones WTF up with that!?!?). I really appreciated the gold and purple/pink of the cover and the deckled edges of the pages I thought they were really nice. I loved all of the quotations about dragons that were placed throughout the book I found some of them humorous and others really insightful. I also really enjoyed that the examples provided were really brief which made the book the book a whole lot less dense than it could have been. The only real section I had difficulty getting through in the book was the section on dragons in Eastern cultures because they are not the dragons that I am accustomed to and because I thought that the stories were almost the same (bar the story about the dragon and the monk). Anyone who loves dragons or is looking to learn more about dragons and how they differ culture to culture should definitely read this book.
A wonderfully designed book that is full of interesting and greatly varying dragon lore and myth. While the book does repeat some information a little bit it's not really a bad thing. As a dragon lover this was the perfect book for me!! I particularly loved the section that discussed dragons from pop culture (Smaug was of course included, but there was no Game of Thrones WTF up with that!?!?). I really appreciated the gold and purple/pink of the cover and the deckled edges of the pages I thought they were really nice. I loved all of the quotations about dragons that were placed throughout the book I found some of them humorous and others really insightful. I also really enjoyed that the examples provided were really brief which made the book the book a whole lot less dense than it could have been. The only real section I had difficulty getting through in the book was the section on dragons in Eastern cultures because they are not the dragons that I am accustomed to and because I thought that the stories were almost the same (bar the story about the dragon and the monk). Anyone who loves dragons or is looking to learn more about dragons and how they differ culture to culture should definitely read this book.
June 24, 2017
First Review! Yay!
This book offers an encyclopedia type reference system to Dragons, be it from actual historic legends, misidentification, or whatever. I, being a dragon enthusiast decided to sit through and read the entire book, and I have to admit I learned quite a bit, my favorite parts being about the actual folklore of dragons from around the world. My personal favorite Dragon is the Chinese Lung, and this book taught me a lot more about the actual accounts about them and not just fantastical artwork. This book certainly won't teach you everything, but it was an interesting read for me!
This book offers an encyclopedia type reference system to Dragons, be it from actual historic legends, misidentification, or whatever. I, being a dragon enthusiast decided to sit through and read the entire book, and I have to admit I learned quite a bit, my favorite parts being about the actual folklore of dragons from around the world. My personal favorite Dragon is the Chinese Lung, and this book taught me a lot more about the actual accounts about them and not just fantastical artwork. This book certainly won't teach you everything, but it was an interesting read for me!
April 22, 2020
I’m more interested in dragon myths than how they’re represented in movies and video games, so the end of this book was a little less engaging for me. Nonetheless, I very much enjoyed learning more about dragons from other cultures and how and when they appear in our collective cultural myths.
April 3, 2015
Tells you stories, legends, lore, and everything you need to know about dragons.
February 26, 2016
This is an interesting, entertaining book about dragons, a staple of the fantasy genre.
January 22, 2017
nice book with good information
March 17, 2018
Excellent!
November 2, 2018
Really informative
I learned a lot about the myths of dragons that I didn't know before. I especially adored the enthusiasm the author manages to convey in some parts of the text.
I learned a lot about the myths of dragons that I didn't know before. I especially adored the enthusiasm the author manages to convey in some parts of the text.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews