Key Takeaways
- Dragons are mythical creatures of fire and light.
- Wyverns are two-legged winged guardians that symbolize strength in heraldry.
- Drakes are scaled and versatile creatures that vary in size and form.
- Wyrms are serpent-like dragons and are ancient symbols of hidden riches.
What is a Dragon?
Dragons are mythical creatures depicted as large, serpentine and reptilian beings. They possess the ability to fly and breathe fire.
Legends from various cultures portray dragons as fearsome and wise, embodying power and mystery.
What is a Wyvern?
A wyvern resembles a dragon but is smaller, with two legs and wings. It is commonly seen in European heraldry and symbolizes strength and guardianship.
However, it lacks intelligence as compared to dragons. Its sleek and streamlined form stands as a bridge between the realms of dragons and birds.
What is a Drake?
Drakes are popularly known as the lesser-known relatives of dragons. They have different forms as some have wings; some don’t; some can breathe fire, while others control things like water or wind.
They stay hidden, representing surprises and mysteries. They can be strong guards or clever tricksters as they change roles in different cultures.
What is a Wyrm?
Wyrm is the serpent-like cousin of the dragon. It has an elongated body and lacks limbs. It is linked to hidden riches and embodies a sense of ancient mystery. They are the guardians of legendary treasures.
It stands for the untamed side of the world, the part that is wild and hard to control.
Difference Between Dragon, Wyvern, Drake and Wyrm
- Dragons possess four legs, two wings and a serpentine body; wyverns have two legs and a pair of wings and resemble bird-like reptiles; drakes vary widely as some might have wings while others are wingless, whereas wyrms are limbless and serpent-like creatures.
- Dragons are large and more varied in appearance; wyverns are more smaller than dragons with a streamlined appearance and less variability; drakes can be small or large with various forms, whereas wyrms are long and snake-like with variations in size.
- Dragons symbolize power, wisdom and mystery; wyverns symbolize strength, protection and loyalty; drakes lack constant symbolism, whereas wyrms represent primal forces, chaos and hidden wealth.
- Dragons are commonly associated with fire-breathing, flight and wisdom; wyverns have less intelligence; drakes have varying abilities and lack consistent traits, whereas wyrms might possess elemental powers and are tied to a primal nature.
- Dragons appear in numerous myths and are sometimes revered as Gods; wyverns are found in European folklore and are linked to knights and chivalry; drakes are seen with less consistency, whereas wyrms appear in Norse and other mythologies connected to legendary treasures.
Comparison Between Dragon, Wyvern, Drake and Wyrm
| Parameters | Dragon | Wyvern | Drake | Wyrm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anatomy | Four legs, two wings and a serpentine body | Two legs, a pair of wings and resemble bird-like reptiles | Vary widely as some might be winged while others would be wingless | Limbless and serpent-like creatures |
| Size and form | Larger and varied appearance | Smaller than dragons with a streamlined appearance and less variability | It can be small or large, with various forms | Long and snake-like with size variations |
| Symbolism | Power, wisdom and mystery | Strength, protection and loyalty | Lack constant symbolism | Primal forces, chaos and hidden wealth |
| Abilities | Fire-breathing, flight and wisdom | Less level of intelligence | Varying skills and lack of a consistent sense of traits | Elemental powers and are tied to a primal nature |
| Depiction in mythology | Appear in numerous myths and are sometimes revered as Gods | European folklore linked to knights and chivalry | Less consistency | Norse and other mythologies that are connected to legendary treasures |
Reference
Last Updated : 12 February, 2024
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
