Dragons

Dragons can be found in the mythology of almost every country, in one form or another. They have become one of the most basic creatures in the world of fantasy. These beasts can have as many different personalities and characteristics as their human counterparts. They can be large or small, good or evil. Sometimes they are the guardians of treasure, and often are the object of a knight's quest. Some have been known to speak, and these are generally ancient and wise. Not all dragons can breathe fire or fly, and while there is a shape that they are generally thought to take, this is not the same wherever they are found.

"Smaug came hurtling in from the North, licking the mountain-sides with flame, beating his great wings with a noise like a roaring wind. His hot breath shrivelled the grass before the door, and drove in through the crack they had left and scorched them as they hid. Flickering fires leaped up and black rock-shadows danced. The darkness fell as he passed again."

.... J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit