| Dragon (Western) |
European mythology |
Fire-breathing reptilian beast with wings, scales, and often a treasure hoard. Known for its immense size and power. |
Breathes fire, Flight, Superhuman strength, Scales as natural armor, Longevity |
Often vulnerable on the underbelly or to magical swords, Some legends suggest a weakness to specific herbs or metals |
Caves or mountain lairs |
Classical antiquity (referenced in ancient Mesopotamian art and European folklore) |
From Smaug in The Hobbit to Drogon in Game of Thrones, dragons appear in countless fantasy works, video games, and films |
| Phoenix |
Greek/Egyptian mythology |
A magnificent bird with brilliant gold and red plumage that cyclically regenerates by dying in flames and rising from its own ashes. |
Rebirth through fire, Healing tears, Immortality, Flight, Immunity to fire and heat |
Bound to its cycle of death and rebirth, Predictable resurrection patterns, Limited offensive capabilities |
Deserts or sacred temples |
Ancient Egyptian and Greek texts dating back to 5th century BCE |
Featured in Harry Potter as Fawkes, appears in X-Men as Jean Grey's alias, central symbol in many fantasy games and anime |
| Kraken |
Scandinavian folklore |
Massive sea monster with numerous tentacles capable of destroying ships and dragging sailors to the depths of the ocean. |
Colossal strength, Ability to create whirlpools, Multiple grasping tentacles, Underwater breathing, Camouflage |
Slow-moving, Must surface to breathe in some legends, Vulnerable to lightning or divine intervention |
Deep ocean trenches |
First described in Scandinavian sagas from the 13th century |
Featured in Pirates of the Caribbean films, appears in numerous sea-themed video games and stories, symbol of unstoppable natural force in literature |