Kirby's Dreamland 2, 3, Kirby 64 and Kirby Air Ride
Worldwide Mythology
One of the most well known creatures in any type of mythology, has not spared Kirby from its influence. I have counted six full references to Dragons in the Kirby series – Ice Dragon, Dragoon Star, the Hydra Star, the Fire Spirits found all over in Air Ride, and the strange place near Magma Flows and the fossil formation in Celestial Valley. Ice Dragon was a Boss in Kirby’s Dreamland 2, but only a mini-boss at control of Ado/Adoline in Kirby’s Dreamland 3 and Kirby 64. He resembles more of a Dinosaur than he does a Dragon. He breathes ice and uses his tail to fly. The Dragoon Star and the Hydra Star were the two Legendary Stars that could be found in City Trail mode – where red ability boxes occasionally carried one of six “puzzle pieces” that formed the star when 3 of a kind were collected. … And I am sure I need not explain the countless references found in the Kirby Air Ride Landscape.
Dragons are star players of the unseen worlds of mythology, heraldry, alchemy, and religion. The concept of the dragon is something that has been found in every part of the world in every era and period of history. They are depicted to be reptilian creatures with bat-like wings. The word ‘dragon’ first appeared in Hellenic Times (800 – 388 BC/BCE), before then, the word “serpent” or “snake” were used, which is why “serpent” and “dragon” are interchanged words throughout the Bible. In the Bible, the dragon has a symbolic role. The dragon was a symbol of political opposition to God and His people, represented with the fierce Leviathan and his inevitable downfall. Snakes have a large connection to Dragons, since anywhere snakes could be found, Dragons have been found in local legend. New Zealand and Ireland were usually completely devoid of snakes, thus there is no mention of Dragons in their local culture, as we know.
About Dragons
While Dragons are mainly spread into two groups, Eastern and Western, there are also several different types to be found in African, Middle American, and aboriginal Oceania. In general, all Dragons are seen to be benevolent. Most Western/European dragons are a little bit on the violent side, but can still be helpful to the human race as they give great wealth to any human who will allow them to lair on their land. Also, while eastern dragons are typically seem as good creatures, they also harbour incredible tempers. There is also the misconception that all dragons are huge and terrifying, which is not true. If they were Godzilla-like in size, they would not be able to fly. The largest flying creatures were the pterodactyloid pterosaurs, with a wingspan of over thirty feet, so it is realistic to think Dragons can be equal to their size, or smaller.
Mythologically speaking, Dragons have different properties and powers. These properties often make up a good chunk of its personality. A common point to reference is the Dragon’s forehead, where there might or might not be a “lump” or object that connects them to some magical abilities. Chinese dragons have a ch'ih muh on their foreheads, and this lump enables them to fly. Western Dragons often have a type of gem found on their foreheads. The Draconce itself is a precious stone or gem seated mid-way above the eyes. In the past, this same stone has been a focal point for people who wished to remove the stone to please their own selfish ends. The forehead may also be a point of vitality and power, as it holds the life energy of the dragon. It is often seen as the Dragon’s “Third Eye”.
There are also many different types of Dragons. There are Wyverns, who have no front arms, only wings and hind legs. There are also Hydras, who are multi-headed dragons (a prime example is the Japanese hydra, Orochi). There is the Dragon/Rooster hybrid known as the Basilisk, who can kill someone just by staring at them.
