Dragons play a prominent role in the fairy stories of J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis, and while much has been written on their dragons, the symbolic differences between the dragons of the two Inklings have yet to be accordingly considered. This paper explores the symbolism of dragons in their fairy stories. The first section introduces dragons and fairy stories, including their definition, origin, and usage. As their views align, they are treated together. The second section focuses on the dragons and dragon-like characters in the imaginative worlds of both authors. This section highlights the main differences between their dragons while emphasising that their dracos and draconitas are still archetypal types. The third section presents a different kind of dragon and hero that still conforms to the original pattern. The article concludes with an analysis of the archetypal duality of the dragon symbol.
‘We Were Talking of Dragons, Tolkien and I’. The Symbolism of the Dragon in J. R. R. Tolkien’s and C. S. Lewis’s Fairy Stories
Estera FEDERCIUC
‘We Were Talking of Dragons, Tolkien and I’. The Symbolism of the Dragon in J. R. R. Tolkien’s and C. S. Lewis’s Fairy Stories
Institution:
Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iași
Author's email:
estera.federciuc@student.uaic.ro
Abstract:
