The word "dragon" originates from the Greeks, who called them "drakon." This word is derived from the European root "darc," which means "to see clearly" since dragons have an amazing eyesite. Dragons were also associated with springs. In many Indo-European and Semitic languages the word "spring" is also the word for "eye."
Dragons are winged, scaly reptiles which have been known to hold magical powers, as well as the ability to breath fire. Their life cycles can be anywhere from five hundred to ten thousand years, depending on the metabolism of that particular dragon. Some bond with humans, who become their "mates," and die when their companions do, but they could live much longer if they had no partners. A small few obtain the ability to change shape.
Each dragon is suprisingly different from his/her parents. This is said to be true because of the amazingly high number of genotypes each dragon is capable of obtainig. Dragon genotypes are very different from any other animal's. They have a total of sixteen alleles each. Also, not only are there dominant and recessive possibilities, but a dozen others as well. This results in a seemingly chaotic reproduction.
Dragons have been around since the beginning of history - some say even before then. It is said that a great hero slew the mighty dragon before the beginning of time, and built the universe out of its remains.
This wasn't really the beginning of dragons, however. These serpents were, from the beginning, considered thieves. Tamiat, the decided mother of the dragon, stole the Tablets of Law from the other gods. These tablets were said to hold together the universe. A great hero was called forth to destroy Tamiat and retrieve the Tablets of Law. Through this story we also see the link between dragons and hoards.
Hoards are almost a must for dragons. Whether it is an emerald, or a whole castle. Dragons always have their hoards. Some say this is bedding for the dragons. Others assume it has some sentimental value. No one has ever really found a reason everyone can agree with, however, except that it is a draconic need.
Along with hoards, dragons are known for their capture of princesses. It didn't begin that way, however. At one point some evil king decided he wanted something from a dragon. The dragon, desiring something in return, told him to bring his daughter, the princess. The king brought her, and she was promptly devoured by the dragon. It is assumed that the flavor of feminine royalty is a delicacy to dragons, as from then on, all dragons wanted princesses. Some were sacrificed to protect cities, some for water, other were kidnapped by the dragons, but all were either rescued or eaten.
Some dragons were not really dragons at all, but humans, cursed to a life of scaly sorrow. These were the most cunning and evil dragons, however, for they not only had the speed and power of the dragon, but the mind of a human. Some were finally killed by great armies - not of one country, but all countries uniting to defeat it. Others simply vanished, leaving no sign of where they went. A few learned magical spells that enabled them to return to their human form, and one wasable to conquer the world.
Thus we see that dragons have existed as long as, if not longer than man. And that they have always been related to water, and they eye. The dragon is also known for his hoards, as well as his desire for princess blood.
This powerful creature seems quite deadly, but as their numbers have dropped, they have been forced into humility, and now are comtempt living anywhere, eating almost anything. This is the way of the dragon.