Dragons. What else do I need to say? Just mention the word "dragon" to any group of people, and you're bound to get some varied reactions. Everyone seems to have their own idea about what dragons are like, and no one ever needs to ask, "What's a dragon?" Some people believe dragons used to exist, some believe they still do, and others say it's all just myth. With the way dragons inspire the human imagination, is it any wonder why dragons are such a popular subject in art?

I asked some deviants in my journal what they think of dragons, and whether they believe in dragons or not; I also wanted to know if they'd ever met a dragon. (Why not?) They were also invited to leave links to the dragon art (any medium) that they love best at deviantART. I'd like to share the results of my 'research' with the community. (All quotes are in italic bold.)

~CabbyHat: "Well, OBVIOUSLY dragons are real. They've just gotten really good at hiding by now."

^{(~CabbyHat's favorite dragon artist, *neondragon.)}

*Tammara: "I think dragons existed at one time. There are detailed descriptions and drawings of them through history. Unless of course everyone was on drugs. I wish I could see one."

^{(*Tammara's favorite.)}

~Aedelthryd: "Of course I believe in dragons. Who doesn't?"
~al-maari: "How can anyone believe in dragons? ...If you're talking about the komodo dragon, then I don't have to believe because I already know they exist... I'd love to own one."

So I showed him some deviant komodo dragons:

~Aasiya: "Dragons are the best mythical creatures out there! <333"

...Logic dictates that I include dragonflies:

*poserfan: "I love dragons!"

^{(*poserfan's choices.)}

*mad-libbs: "Dragon lore is varied and contradictory in my opinion... There are the Pern dragons, and D&D dragons. There are dragons in every culture and they all seem to fly, which is what I guess I like about them, that something that big can be so agile in the air. ...Dragons are, and will always be, a fixture in fantasy. That's, I guess, what makes them so fascinating."

^{(*mad-libbs's favorites.)}

*silverdragonlaura: "Yes, dragons FTW!"

*Retoucher07030 says that he loves these dragons:

^{(*Retoucher07030's choices.)}

~gee231205: "I do believe in dragons..."

^{(~gee231205's picks.)}

~MystiqueDragon: "My view of dragons is different than most people... I don't see them as gold treasure hoarders or fierce maiden killing, village destroying monsters. ...They are wise, ancient, powerful, protectors, peace keepers..."

*Valedhelven has a whole folder in her favorites just for "wyrms", which is another word for "dragons". Here are some of her favorites from her, well, favorites:

^{(*Valedhelven's choices.)}

~Dr-Murdock-Kawfi: "Ooooh.... Dragon!"

^{(~Dr-Murdock-Kawfi's favorites.)}

*Poetic-Dragon: "I dragons!! ...My spirit guide is a dragon; I even had a friend of mine paint me and my dragon... His name is Gwydyon (after the Welsh god of magic and such). Here's the picture..."

^{(*Poetic-Dragon's spirit guide by *Door26.)}

~CaronCC: "I personally believe there were once dragons, as were dinosaurs, but they become extinct and their remains have yet to be properly found."

^{(~CaronCC's favorite dragon artist, ~pamansazz.)}

*Stock-Karr: "I love dragons, hence tattoo doom I guess... hehe"

*allison712 posted a link where I found these:

*sorcererlance: "The concept of dragons [has] fascinated us for generations. ...Every country in the world (England, China, Japan, India, etc) had their own lore involving dragons, and this was back before each country was aware of the other country's existence. Either it was some major coincidence, or there's something more to it..."

Now for some dragon art that I've come across:

~kingflash: "Dragons rule!"

Dragon themed stock resources & tutorials:

^{(Please follow stockers' rules before using!)}

~Aedelthryd: "Have I ever met one? IRL? ...I've met a few online. I can only really say that a couple of those were actually genuine, not furries/scalies/wannabes but actual dragons or dragonkin. They were a bit brash and pushy and loose on the language, but considering what they've gone through over the centuries [having suffered fundamentalist demonizing from stupid humans], I can sympathize, I think."

A few wonderful pixel dragons:

^{(Note: ~Smidy's yellow tiny fire drake was used throughout this article.)}

~Creativeness: "The basketball team in my town is called Dragons."

Here are some fabulous FREE dragon avatars:

^{(Please follow avatar creators' rules before using!)}

~al-maari: "Yeah. St. George killed the last one, see... That's why you don't see any [dragons] today. They were on the endangered species list & St. George just HAD to kill it, so he could take its hide & reupholster the furniture in his castle with it..."

Dragon stamps:

*Latte3000: "Dragons do need love too. Those mean dragon slayers, protecting their town from evil dragons, are so cruel."

Finally, clubs around dA for dragon fans:

I hope you enjoyed this feature of dragons. Thanks to everyone that sent their favorite dA dragon links to me, and to all the deviants that I quoted! Also, thanks to anyone that reads this article.

What do you think: Do you believe in dragons? Have you ever met one? Please feel free to share your dragon opinions as well as some of your favorite dragon links from around deviantART.