Dragons as Heroes in fantasy?
Dragons are predominantly the villains in fantasy fiction. But this does not have to be the case, especially if we write from a Christian worldview!
Abino, a dragon prophet from The Sword of the Dragon series
It is interesting to take this subject from the angle of seeing it from my worldview. As a Christian author I have often encountered readers whose faces get all twisted up when I tell them that some of the dragons in my stories are heroes. “How can dragons be the good guys?” I’ve been asked. Interestingly, if you write fantasy from a Christian worldview you have a most compelling reason to create heroic dragons. In the Bible the Devil was depicted as “that old serpent” and “the dragon” because it made an effective allegory to his character. But most readers forget that Jesus was called the “lion of Judah” and Satan is referred to as the lion who “roars about seeking whom he may devour.”
So is it the species that makes a creature figure a villain in Christian-based fantasy? No, the contrary is true. For the good and the evil are considered that way based on their choices. If they are intelligent in these fictional worlds, just like people are, then whether they are good or evil is based on who they serve. Worldview is a fascinating way to explore why fantasy worlds are developed in different ways. The Christian worldview as a basis for fantasy fiction can create some of the greatest storytelling.
Question: How do you see the author’s worldview impacting the fantasy and science fiction stories you have read?
So glad to see that someone else feels this way, too! My current WIP has “good” dragons, which is how I prefer dragons, to be honest 🙂 As I’ve written it, I’ve been reading passages in the Bible as well, and noted the exact thing you did – that Satan is referred to as a lion, just as Jesus is … which seems, in some way, to make dragons fair game, huh?!
I purchased the 1st book in your The Sword of the Dragon series recently and can’t wait to see how you depict your dragons!
I traveled extensively on my first couple book tours and really was amazed how many people tried to compare the dragon to the devil. Many of them did appreciate that I had a well-formed response and they enjoyed the discussion. Yep, dragons are, as you say, ‘fair game!’
Thanks for your purchase of the book! I hope you enjoy the story!
Ooh, you’ll have to let me know when you’re done with your book. There’s not enough fantasy, Christian or secular, that show dragons in a positive light. Plus, Job 41: 1-34 tells about leviathan, a very dragon-like creature, as one of God’s great creations.
Also, be prepared to fall in love with Albino. He’s one of my favorite characters right next to Makaidos (another great dragon character).
KT,
Be sure and subscribe for the email updates as I will be keeping you up to date with these blog posts. I’m glad you love Albino! There are many more books to come and I cannot wait to share them with you 🙂
And I can’t wait to read them! I’ve been sittin’ here dying for you to finish “In Search of Dragons”. ( I don’t mean that in a ‘hurry up’ way, just sayin’)
KT- Makaidos is amazing, but I personally love Clefspeare.
Scott, I LOVE your series!!! Waiting anxiously for In Search of Dragons! You have made a fantastic series!
Thanks Ben! I only wish I had the time to write them faster(-: Have you read “Neverqueen?”
There really aren’t enough of those … although if you ask me, there’s not enough Christian fantasy in general 🙂 I’m always genuinely thrilled to find quality authors like Scott!!