Magical Magic Creature Spotlight: Dragon: Chinese Fireball

[sweettalkeress.livejournal.com]

Race #2:

Chinese Fireball

Oh, fuck yeah!!

Sometimes known as the “Liondragon,” this is the only dragon native to the Far East. It gets its name, obviously, from its flames, which are shaped like mushrooms. Its eggs are red and gold, and greatly prized by Chinese wizards.

This dragon is “aggressive but more tolerant of its own species than most dragons.” I’m not quite sure what that means, but whatever. I have a sneaking suspicion that “aggressive” means, “dangerous to humans,” because as we all know, humans, namely, magical humans are more important than anything.

Okay, now I’m imagining a biker gang of Chinese dragons. Or maybe something like Team Magma of Pokemon fame, who were intensely loyal to one another but all fairly dickish toward the heroes (except the leader himself, though even then...).

Chinese dragons prefer to eat pigs and humans, though they aren’t choosy. This is a point that will recur several times over the course of the book, and I’m not quite sure what to make of it: why do so many magical creatures actively prefer to eat humans? Because this comes up again and again- it’s one thing to consider humans fair game (assorted real-world carnivores do that) but quite another to prefer to eat them, which almost never happens in the real world. So why do all the magical creatures enjoy eating humans so much?

Especially considering in China dragons are frequently considered good and wise. Fortunately Rowling did not feel the need to comment on this.

A Chinese Fireball was one of the dragons that appeared in the Triwizard Tournament in Book Four, where Viktor Krum injured her so badly that she destroyed half of her own eggs thrashing about in pain. Um... remind me again whether it’s magical or nonmagic people who need to be taught how to respect animals?



*Sigh* I love Chinese dragons. They are so cool. <3

Comments

[sharaz-jek.livejournal.com]

why do so many magical creatures actively prefer to eat humans? Because this comes up again and again- it’s one thing to consider humans fair game (assorted real-world carnivores do that) but quite another to prefer to eat them, which almost never happens in the real world. So why do all the magical creatures enjoy eating humans so much?

Simple. The animals can't tell the difference between wizards and Muggles, but they sure as hell know which species is tormenting them on a regular basis.

[nx74defiant.livejournal.com]

I love your reasoning!

[sweettalkeress.livejournal.com]

That's a good thought. Actually, it even makes some logical sense, as a later entry (much later) will effectively suggest something similar.

[charlottehywd.livejournal.com]

Yes, but there is a difference between killing things and eating them, I think. It sounds here like they are hunting humans, actively going into their territory. Maybe it's because it makes them more dangerous/cool or something?

[sweettalkeress.livejournal.com]

Maybe it's all a trick of the mind to get you to root for these assholish, dangerous Wizards. "Magical creatures and evil dark wizards are soooo much more dangerous and horrible than your petty Muggle problems of terrorism, genocide, environmental degradation, and sexual slavery, so just sit tight and hope that those benevolent Wizards can protect you from what really threatens you- colorful dragons who think humans make tasty snacks!" I mean, that more or less fits the entire tone and theme of the books, doesn't it?

[charlottehywd.livejournal.com]

Wow... That is one of the most amazing summings up of this entire series that I have ever heard. Brava. Brava.

I mean, I know it's a kid's book, but who said that kids can't deal with tough issues at a young age? To ignore these things in a series that supposedly deals with "real world issues" like prejudice is immature at best.