Dragons now – what would it be like?

There’s a reason dragons exist in your fantasy storybooks and myths of yore. They were enormous, there was tonnes of space and nobody had invented the bazooka yet. Yup, dragons just don’t fit in with the 21st century because everybody has a phone, spacious green pastures are few-and-far-between and the army have a lot more than bazookas now at their disposal.

However, if we suspend our disbelief for just a few seconds … what would it be like if dragons did live alongside humans in the 21st century? In our bustling metropolises, rural villages and our fast food restaurants. Towering over our houses and hopping around night markets. Here are my predictions:

1. Dragons would make incredibly popular (if not terrible) pets.

Not all dragons are the same. Think of them like scaly dogs. Where some are tall and broad, others are small and handbag size. You know for a fact that there would be a market for lap-size dragons and ones you can fit in your purse. Instagram would go off. Would dragons take in the footsteps of dogs? Most likely – but forget fur and feathers. Dragons are not only hypoallergenic, but they don’t shed and they can fly. Instead of going for a daily morning walk, you’d be off for your daily swoop. Yup, pet dragons would protect livestock, jump for a frisbee and sit up and watch TV with you, all in exchange for a large, meaty treat.

2. There would be fire. Lots and lots of fire.

There is then, of course, the other side that comes with trying to co-exist with dragons. Sure, some will sit on your lap and put your fire on for you, but some will eat you. News headlines would be filled with constant reminders of how lethal dragons can be. Firestorm engulfs The Amazon as state of emergency continues. Ice dragon continues to freeze New York in what is being known as its longest winter blast in history. Dragons are eating the African elephant to extinction. You get the gist.

Some dragons will destroy your newly built village a week after it is finished. Some will definitely attack aeroplanes and boats, and some will simply stand on you because they’re too big to remember where their feet are. How does one navigate driving down the motorway if they decide to go for a walk? Forget settling down. We’d constantly be running, relocating and rebuilding. Face it, there is no upside from a dragon having an off day. Just have your go-bag ready and invest in the fire department – if they haven’t already burnt it down.

3. Dragon eggs would be sold on the black market for millions.

Dragon eggs would be a hot commodity and one that people would pay a ridiculous amount of money for. Similar to the endangered/exotic animal trade, I imagine dragons and their eggs would be stolen and sold around the world. Why? For their power, rarity and popularity.

4. Dragons would be weaponised.

Forget dogfights. Wars in the skies would be fought with enormous, toothy beasts with humans at the reigns. Dragons would be utilised as protection for high ranking government officials and countries. They’d be trained to fight in the airforce and the army. They would receive medals and have their photos taken, like the police with their K-9 squad. Whether they’d replace tanks and fighter jets (or simply eat them all) remains to be seen.

Some dragons, like Smaug, had a hide so tough it couldn’t be pierced by an ordinary weapon. It’s fair to say with how much DNA research is advancing, and the popularity of the Jurassic Park movies, making super dragons with impenetrable skin and multiple breaths, would only take pushing a few extra buttons.

The idea of a dragon being used (and feared) for its strength definitely feels more fantastical, more medieval. Like the stories we are used to seeing. Nations attacking one another with their own dragons … this would absolutely happen.

The world loves dragons

Dragons have a firm place in history, mythology, culture and fiction. Humans are fascinated by their strength, power and personality, so much so, that dragons continue to be present in pop culture. Whether or not they’d co-exist with humans is another story. Happy year of the dragon everyone!

What do you think of my predictions? Also, tell me who’s your favourite dragon? Are you year of the dragon?? I’d love to know in the comments below!!

*I don’t own the images btw!