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By Halle Sarner
In Erin Swan’s debut novel, Bright Star, Andra develops a strong bond with the fierce, violet colored dragon, Tiri. The loyalty and compassion the two share got me thinking about the other amazing dragon/human friendships that exist in literature. Check out some of my personal favorites below and make sure to grab a copy of Bright Star when it shelves on August 13.
Andra and Tiri (Bright Star by Erin Swan)
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Though Tiri and Andra are both hesitant with each other at first, neither dragon nor rider can deny that there is something special that bonds them together. Tiri keeps Andra focused and encouraged when she’s down on her luck and is for sure her biggest supporter. Tiri also gets along great with other dragons, which helps Andra become the leader she needs to be.
Manon and Abraxos (Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas)
Abraxos was never meant to be a fighting wyvern. Instead, he was the bait for the bigger wyverns to fight. However, when Manon finds herself thrown into the wyverns’ fighting pits, Abraxos helps her survive and in return she chooses him as her wyvern, freeing him from being bait any longer. From then on, the two work together as a pair, saving each other again and again from those who try to harm them.
Hiccup and Toothless (How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell)
While their beginnings were perhaps not so sweet (Hiccup tries to kill Toothless to prove himself), things change when Toothless saves Hiccup from another dragon and the act makes them both heroes. This ultimately sweet tale of friendship may be classified as a children’s book, but the power of bravery and loyalty are timeless. (Also be sure to check out the beautiful illustrations!)
Cimorene and Kazul (Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede)
Princess Cimorene runs away upon hearing that her parents plan to marry her off to a terrible prince. While on the run, she meets Kazul, one of the most powerful and dangerous dragons around and the two become friends. But Princess Cimorene constantly deals with knights and princes who try to save her, even though she doesn’t want, or need, to be saved. Thankfully, her friendship and bond with Kazul ultimately keeps her out of harms way.
Eragon and Saphira (Eragon by Christopher Paolini)
A great dragon and human friendships list isn’t complete without Eragon. When Eragon discovers a polished blue stone in the woods, all he hopes is that he can buy food for his family by selling it. Unbeknownst to him, though, the stone is actually a dragon’s egg and the blue dragon that hatches from it ends up being his most loyal and dedicated companion in the lengthy struggle to overthrow the evil king.
