2024 is the Year of the Dragon, and in honor of that, GGA is looking through media at our favorite dragons. People born under the Year of the Dragon are described as “lucky” or “gifted,” like many of the entries on this list. From fire-breathing beasts that dominate their worlds to fun-loving heroes from digital lands, we love them all.
Shenron (Dragon Ball Franchise)
Photo courtesy of Toei Animation.
Shenron is one of the most recognizable symbols from the Dragon Ball franchise. Known as the Eternal Dragon, the magical entity will grant a wish (within his power) to anyone who summons him with all seven Dragon Balls. Kami, Guardian of the Earth, revived Shenron as a reward for Goku’s pure heart. Meant to be a symbol of hope for Earth, the mighty dragon has saved countless lives and our universe time and time again.
So remember, if things get too bad, all we have to do is traverse the universe, collect all seven Dragon Balls and say, “Eternal Dragon. By Your name, I summon you forth, Shenron!” It makes me feel safe knowing Shenron will always be there for us. What would you ask of the Eternal Dragon? — Cassie Holguin
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Spyro (Spyro Reignited Trilogy)
Photo courtesy of Insomniac Games.
Spyro is the feisty main character of the 1998 PlayStation classic Spyro the Dragon. After all of the Elder Dragons have been crystallized by the villainous Gnasty Gnorc, Spyro bravely sets out to rescue his fiery family. Armed with a horned head butt and all the fire the little guy can muster, the young dragon travels from world to world, releasing his trapped friends.
He is brave, adorable and he can fly. Well, glide, but it is still really cool. As a youngster myself at the time with an attitude of my own, I immediately fell in love with this sassy little purple dragon. I remember staying up late with my mom to find one more Elder. Spyro is now recognized as an icon of the early PlayStation days and is easily one of my favorite childhood memories. The flame in our hearts for Spyro was rekindled in 2018 with the release of the Spyro Reignited Trilogy. It is available now on all platforms, so what are you waiting for? — Cassie Holguin
Volvagia (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time)
I love all sorts of dragons. It’s a broad category, but the one I want to draw attention to for this post is Volvagia from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. That was the only video game I played religiously in childhood. My brother and I dusted it off every winter break and played it from start to finish. I was terrible at it. But it was still a lot of fun.
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Volvagia sticks out in my mind as a dragon to remember because, sure, she is the Boss of the Fire Temple, but the way you defeat her is pretty funny. It’s like playing a game of Whac-A-Mole. And if you don’t win, you get doused by flaming dragon hair. Dragons kick butt, man. Unfortunately for Volvagia, Link kicks more. — Melis Amber
Kilgharrah (Merlin)
We were introduced to Kilgharrah (John Hurt) on the TV show Merlin. He was better known as the Great Dragon, and we soon find out he is the last living dragon in Camelot. At the time of the show, he was held captive after the Great Purge, in which King Uther Pendragon destroyed dragons and prohibited magic.
When Merlin (Colin Morgan) comes to the kingdom, he hears a voice in his head. Following it, he makes it to the cave where Kilgharrah is captive, and the dragon becomes the wizard’s guide. So much so that the young wizard turns to the dragon in times of need. Even though he might not always take his advice, he recognizes the dragon’s power and knowledge.
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It is Merlin who frees the Great Dragon from his prison. He is also the one who has to stop him when Kilgharrah tries to take his revenge on King Uther and the kingdom. After this, he keeps returning whenever Merlin needs his advice, especially after the prophecy revealing King Arthur’s tragic ending.
I learned about Kilgharrah while living in Mexico with my family. My brothers, mom and I watched the series together, and it was a great bonding time. To this day, we still talk about it and the different moments that happened while watching the show. Kilgharrah reminds me of what we shared and the time we spent together watching Merlin become the wizard he was always meant to be. — Lara Rosales
Caraxes (House of the Dragon)
I have a soft spot for Caraxes, aka the Blood Wyrm, from House of the Dragon. This scaly sky baby is, hands down, the most interesting looking out of the Targaryen dragons on the show. He’s called the Blood Wyrm for his red scales and serpentine physique, but I’d argue his elongated neck, especially in comparison to the other dragons, is also rather snake-like.
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Caraxes’ first rider was Prince Aemon of Dragonstone, the heir to the Iron Throne. However, after Aemon’s death during a Myrmen invasion on Tarth, Caraxes had to find a new rider. Enter the Rogue Prince, Daemon Targaryen, Aemon’s nephew, who would become the second dragon rider to mount Caraxes.
Caraxes has played an integral role in the events predating the Dance of the Dragons — the Targaryen civil war — and will play an even more significant part in the battles to come on House of the Dragon. He’s a fierce fighter, quick to take flight and even faster in combat. His loyalty also knows no bounds. The Blood Wyrm is the best dragon boy. — Melody McCune
Mushu (Mulan)
When the Huns invade China, the Emperor calls for all eligible men in the country to take up arms to fight. Unable to bear her elderly father fighting in another war, Mulan (Ming-Na Wen) decides to take his place at the training camp. Sensing a family crisis, Mulan’s ancestors decide she needs a guardian to bring her home safely. She’ll need someone level-headed, responsible and powerful to keep her safe. Instead, she gets Mushu (Eddie Murphy).
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Mushu may be the tiniest dragon on this list, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for in cunning. Don’t underestimate this tiny dragon; he’s travel-sized for your convenience. No other reason. Mushu’s strength lies in his comedic timing and nearly unshakable optimism that helps Mulan out of more than one tough in the movie.
I grew up in the Disney Renaissance, so Mulan will always have a fond place in my heart, in no small part thanks to Mushu. I always loved his whip-smart wit and commitment to the bit. He never lets a good joke die or disrespect lie. Mushu may not have been the dragon we wanted, but he was the one we deserved. — Lauren Darnell
Toothless (How to Train Your Dragon Franchise)
Last but certainly not least on our list is Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) is a Norse teenager from the island of Berk, where fighting dragons is a way of life. His progressive views and weird sense of humor make him a misfit, although his father (Gerard Butler) is chief of the clan. Tossed into dragon-fighting school, he endeavors to prove himself as a true Viking.
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Step one of earning daddy’s love? Shooting down one of the most feared dragons in the world, apparently. When Hiccup tracks his downed prey, he doesn’t find a blood-thirsty beast but a scared and intelligent creature. Toothless, named for his rows of retractable teeth, must learn to trust Hiccup to regain his ability to fly. Given the dragon’s finicky, near-cat-like nature, that’s easier said than done.
How to Train Your Dragon is a beloved series that has evolved from books to movies to television series and video games, carried on the swift wings of the Nightfury. I loved seeing the world open around the characters and the relationships built with the dragons, but without Toothless, none of it would be possible. — Lauren Darnell
There you have it — our favorite dragons across different media in honor of the 2024 Year of the Dragon. Here at GGA, we want to raise a glass and toast to a New Year full of memorable moments, endless laughs and more dragons.
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