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Key Takeaways

  1. Wyverns are two-legged winged guardians that symbolize strength in heraldry.
  2. Dragons are mythical creatures of fire and light that symbolize power and mystery.
  3. Drakes are scaled and versatile creatures that vary in size and form.

What is a Wyvern?

A wyvern is a mythical creature depicted as a two-legged dragon with wings and a reptilian appearance. It lacks front limbs and relies solely on its hind lings for movement. It has bat-like wings that aid in an agile flight. Its elongated tail helps in maintaining balance during flight. It has a scale on its body which provides both protection and a sense of elegance.

It is commonly seen in European heraldry and symbolizes strength and guardianship. Its sleek and streamlined form stands as a bridge between the realms of dragons and birds.

What is a Dragon?

Dragons are mythical creatures depicted as large, serpentine and reptilian beings. They possess the ability to fly and breathe fire. Their wings are proportionate to their body which helps in flight. They have sharp horns, powerful jaws filled with teeth and piercing eyes that convey wisdom and intensity.

Legends from various cultures portray dragons as fearsome and wise, embodying power and mystery. Their roles in stories range from foes to wise mentors. These mythical beings continue captivating modern audiences through literature, movies and art.

What is a Drake?

Drakes are popularly known as the lesser-known relatives of dragons and are smaller and less powerful. They are portrayed as winged serpents or dragon-like beings and are considered a more approachable and less fearsome version of dragons. Their wings have a leathery texture which allows effortless gliding.

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They have different forms and powers. Some have wings; some don’t; some can breathe fire, while others control things like water or wind. They stay hidden and represent surprises and mysteries. They can be strong guards or clever tricksters as they change roles in different cultures.

Difference Between Wyvern, Dragon and Drake

  1. Wyverns have two legs and a pair of wings and resemble bird-like reptiles; dragons possess four legs, two wings and a serpentine body, while drakes vary widely as some might have wings while others are wingless.
  2. Wyverns are more minor than dragons, with a streamlined appearance and less variability; dragons are more extensive and more varied in appearance, while drakes can be small or large with various forms.
  3. Wyverns symbolize strength, protection and loyalty; dragons symbolize power, wisdom and mystery, while drakes lack constant symbolism due to their varied nature.
  4. Wyverns have less intelligence; dragons are commonly associated with fire-breathing, flight and sometimes wisdom, while drakes have varying abilities and need consistent traits.
  5. Wyverns are found in European myth and are linked to knights and chivalry; dragons appear in numerous myths and are sometimes revered as Gods, while drakes are seen with less consistency.

Comparison Between Wyvern, dragon and Drake

ParametersWyvernDragonDrake
AnatomyTwo legs, a pair of wings and resemble bird-like reptilesFour legs, two wings and a serpentine bodyVary widely as some might be winged while others would be wingless
Size and formSmaller than dragons with a streamlined appearance and less variabilityLarger and varied appearanceIt can be small or large, with various forms
SymbolismStrength, protection and loyaltyPower, wisdom and mysteryLack constant symbolism
AbilitiesLess level of intelligenceFire-breathing, flight and sometimes wisdomVarying skills and lack of a consistent sense of traits
Depiction in mythologyEuropean myth linked to knights and chivalryAppear in numerous myths and are sometimes revered as GodsLess consistency
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By Piyush Yadav

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.