The aim of this book is to explore the characteristics of the medieval dragon and discuss the sometimes differing views found in the relevant medieval text types. Based on an intimate knowledge of the primary texts, the study presents new interpretations of well-known literary works, and also takes into consideration paintings and other depictions of these beasts. Dragons were designed not only to frighten but also to fire the imagination, and provide a suitably huge and evil creature for the hero to overcome - yet there is far more to them than reptilian adversaries. This book introduces the medieval dragon via brief, accurate and clear chapters on its natural history, religion, literature and folklore, and concludes with how the dragon - from Beowulf to Tolkien, Disney and Potter - is constantly revived.

Thomas Honegger is Professor for English Medieval Studies at the Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena (Germany), and has published on animals, on medieval romance and on the work of the late medievalist Professor J. R. R. Tolkien.