[I had a different O entry written, but I think more people will like this one.]
Oakendrake: see Deep Forest Tree Dragon.
One of the Lesser Dragons, the Deep Forest Tree Dragon is known as the Oakendrake by most folk (and indeed, just about everywhere outside a book of dragonlore). As the stuffier name implies, it is found mostly in the Deep Forest or nearby, and makes its nest in trees. They are among the largest of Lesser Dragons; the largest are an entire reach (roughly 6 feet or 1.8m) from nose to tail tip. Their wingspan is almost twice their body length, but they fly well even through the thickest parts of the Deep Forest. They are green or brown, and can change color in that range to provide camouflage.
One thing that sets Oakendrakes apart from other dragons, is that they are often very curious and even friendly toward those humans who trek through the Deep Forest. They often follow hikers, and many folk consider that to be good luck. This behavior may be a relic from the days when the Unfallen roamed the forest. Although even Lesser Dragons are no one’s pet, many old paintings of Unfallen often include an Oakendrake lying near the subjects or even draped across their shoulders. As the Unfallen were known to commune with other forest creatures, this is not as surprising as it might seem. Of course, the dragons may now be mainly interested in what food the humans are carrying.
Oakendrakes are omnivorous, and have no known predators (although scavengers may prey on the sick or dying, and eggs unattended are always at risk). They build wide nests, high in oak trees. Some scholars believe them to be the eyes and ears of the Deep Forest, carrying important information to the farthest reaches of the forest.
Like all Lesser Dragons, Oakendrakes are thought to innately understand human speech. Legends and lore claim that those who dwelt with the Unfallen would learn to speak at least a few words.
As a child, Bailar the Blue probably saw a few Oakendrakes in his hikes into the Deep Forest. If he (and Mik and Sura) survive the battle they have waiting for them in Book 5, then they will all meet an Oakendrake in Book 6. I need to get writing!
Next: P is for: Protectors (and Captains)
Thursday, April 17, 2014
7 comments:
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Growing up forested land and spending many days hiking and biking into the deep, I'd love the good luck of being followed by an Oakendrake.
ReplyDeleteCool blog! So glad to find you. New follower here. I'm stopping by from the "A to Z" challenge, and I look forward to visiting again.
ReplyDeleteSylvia
http://www.writinginwonderland.blogspot.com/
Ohh forest dragons. Better than the usual fire breathing type.
DeleteI love the idea of an Oakendrake! But then I'm very fond of dragons ^_^
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of these friendly dragons and I can even imagine the paintings in my mind. Very interesting!
ReplyDeleteHmm, I wonder why you thought a post on dragons would interesting people more. ;)
ReplyDelete~Patricia Lynne~
Story Dam
Patricia Lynne, YA Author
David, I expect they would be like a seagull — snatching food right out of your hand, whether you meant to give it to them or not!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sylvia, and welcome to the free-range insane asylum! I'll be by your place soon. (This is a crazy week.)
Sonia, breathing fire would tend to cause trouble… and you don't want to upset the trees in this forest!
Helen, when I thought about them, I got fond of them too.
Thanks, Philip!
LOL, Patricia! I thought I'd get a ton of responses on this one.