Elemental Dragons (General) (2024)

In fantasy works where multiple dragon species are present, a popular way of diversifying each species of dragon is associating them with a specific element. This element is subsequently represented, most commonly, through their breath weapon, habitat, and behaviors. The most iconic element a dragon can be associated with in modern times is fire, as popularized by legends such as Beowulf, medieval bestiaries, and modern fantasy works such as The Hobbit

Types of Elemental Dragons[]

Fire Dragons[]

Fire Dragons are able to breath fire and usually have red, orange, or gold scales. These dragons usually reside in the mountains, particularly volcanoes where some are portrayed to be able to swim in lava, as well as use it as a part of their breath weapon. Fire Dragons can also be covered in fire, with extinguishing of the fire being a fatal occurrence for these dragons.

Notable Examples[]

- Red Dragons from

- Gold Dragons from

- Brass Dragons from

- Smaug from The Hobbit

- Igneel from Fairy Tail

- Ignia from Fairy Tail

- Atlas Flame from Fairy Tail

- Fireworms from How to Train Your Dragon

Ice Dragons[]

Ice Dragons often have a deadly ice breath that is capable of completely freezing their prey. They have light-colored scales, usually white or blue, which helps them blend in into their environments. They tend to live in cold climates, such as on mountain tops or in snowy tundras.

Notable Examples[]

- White Dragons from

- Silver Dragons from

- Icewings from Wings of Fire

- Snow Wraith from How to Train Your Dragon

Water Dragons[]

Water Dragons are aquatic dragons that often are able to manipulate the water around them, whether as a breath weapon or with their wings. Water Dragons will at times bear the resemblance of a sea serpent or other aquatic creature.

Notable Examples[]

- Sisu from Raya and the Last Dragon

- Seawings from Wings of Fire

- Scauldron from How to Train Your Dragon

Earth Dragons[]

Earth Dragons are usually bulky and are known for their high endurance and strength. They may or may not have a breath weapon in preference for physical properties such as spikes, teeth, and stone armor. Earth dragons tend to live in rocky climates, as well as in the desert

Lightning/Thunder Dragons[]

Lightning Dragons breath lightning and may be able to manipulate thunderstorms. Lightning Dragons can also be quick, their speed resembling the speed of lightning itself. Habitats between different Lightning Dragons vary.

Notable Examples[]

- Blue Dragons from

- Bronze Dragons from

- Thunderdrums from How to Train your Dragon

Light Dragons[]

Light Dragons (as well as Divine Dragons) are defined by their innate benevolence. They are the dragon most commonly associated with the heroes and usually have all-out white scales. They are often able to breath beams of harsh radiance.

Notable Examples[]

- Prismatic Dragons from

Shadow Dragons[]

The counterpart to Light Dragons, Shadow Dragons are innately evil dragons that usually can breath malevolent energy. These dragons may or may not also have an innate shadow physiology that allows them to blend into the darkness, phase through walls, and the like.

Notable Examples[]

- Shadow Dragons from

Poison Dragons[]

Poison Dragons are defined by their ability to breath or manipulate poison in some fashion. They may bear animal-like tendencies or be highly cunning, their poison serving as both a defensive and offensive option in any case.

Notable Examples[]

- Green Dragons from

Plant Dragons[]

Plant Dragons often have an innate connection to plants and are able to manipulate them in some fashion for either offensive or utility purposes. They might also be able to speak directly to plants or harness the plants energy into their own.

Notable Examples[]

- Leafwings from Wings of Fire

Air/Sky Dragons[]

Air Dragons dominate the skies and are able to take command of the air, their offensive attacks often being generated gusts of winds. Some Air Dragons are also known for their speed, similar to Lightning Dragons.

Notable Examples[]

- Rayquaza from Pokemon

- Grandeeney from Fairy Tail

- Dvalin from Genshin Impact[1]

Dragon Element[]

In some fantasy series, dragons are given their own element, which is usually regarded as a unique and powerful element within the work. Creatures with the dragon element are typically dragons themselves, although other creatures may qualify. Examples include:

• The Dragon type from Pokemon, with dragon type attacks utilizing pure energy or fire that deal extra damage against other dragon type pokemon. Dragon types are usually very powerful in comparison to other types and resist fire, water, grass, and electricity attacks. They are however weak to dragon, ice, and fairy type attacks.
• The Dragon element from Monster Hunter. It is a rare variation of elemental energy that enhances direct damage with a weapon fueled by it. Monsters with the Dragon Element tend to be weak against those also equipped with the Dragon element, as well as those with the Ice or Thunder Element depending on the monster.