The creative episode on Dragons was Session 4 - Episode 22.
Tolkien seemed to enjoy serpentine dragons. Corey Olsen's first impression of dragons as a child were dinosaurs, and thus when he later saw D&D monster designs, he found them to be proper dragons. Trish Lambert's first experience of dragons was Maleficent from Disney's
Sleeping Beauty.
First question: Did Morgoth start with a physical creature (prehistoric dinosaur-like creature, giant snake, etc), and then invest it with an evil spirit, or is the form of Glaurung created 'from scratch'? Glaurung is a high ranking Maia (not 'merely' an animal).
- Digression - Embodied maiar who use their bodies (ie, eat, breed) are embodied in a different way from Valar/Maiar who appear physically. Discussion of the difference between Melian, the Istari, and Glaurung
Creation of Draugluin and Boldog are the precursors to the creation of Glaurung. Morgoth invests his own power into Glaurung. Glaurung was originally a Maia of Lorien; he is now embodied as a dragon at the end of Season 4. Morgoth transforms Glaurung into a dragon, imbuing him with power and abilities (like breathing fire) and then curses him to never be sated.
Glaurung is below Sauron and Gothmog in the hierarchy of Angband. He is a 'recent convert' to Morgoth. He's greedy ('dragon-sickness'=possessive desire for treasure, without surcease). His interest in the silmarils is apparent. He is only called 'Glaurung' after he becomes a dragon.
Dragon abilities linked to physical attributes: Large and strong - Pummel and destroy Laketown, can take out Erebor. Long of body for crossing chasm. Thick, scaled hide - difficult to pierce. Massive - more tank than speed in battle. Fire-breathing. Oviporous - dragons lay eggs.
- Slow and lumbering? Or fleet of foot? He can certainly get up to speed, but agility/ quick change of direction unnecessary.
- Body does not drag on ground - slot of dead vegetation is not gouged up earth
- Long tail
- Legs - lizard-like, not feline. Body clears the ground, but is not too high
Still a juvenile, but body is full-grown
- Monster is bigger/more powerful than starting point, but large/more-or-less full size
- Adds fire-breathing (in Season 4)
- After Season 4:
- Hide --> Leathery to Scales (full armor)
- Color changes --> Dark/drab to golden
- Dragon's voice
Welsh flag:
Trish Lambert suggested this image:
Nick suggested a Spinosaur:
or a rage drake:
Leonine body types are rejected (avoid too much leg). Body structure should be more reptilian (lizard).
Lots of positive comments about this image: