The November 29 release of Dragonflight, the new World of Warcraft expansion, is an opportunity to return to the most famous dragons of the 7th art. Zoom in on these creatures with a thousand faces, which always fascinate young and old!
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A sacred figure, the dragon is one of the most recurring creatures in fantasy. Described in ancient mythologies as much as in tales of chivalry, he is one of the most fascinating and appreciated fantastic beings. Literature, cinema and even video games: its representations are as numerous as they are varied.
The bestiary of the World of Warcraft online game is particularly rich in them: Kalecgos, Nozdormu, Ysera… All will be at the heart of the new Dragonflight expansion, available on November 29. After the battle for Azeroth and the exploration of the Shadowlands, the time has come for players to roam the remote lands of these legendary creatures.
This new page in the history of World of Warcraft is an opportunity for Blizzard to put on a big show and offer its thousands of impatient players a contest that should not disappoint them: dragon scale backpacks , new artbooks, in-game content… Everything you need to know about the event can be found here.
It therefore deserved an overview of the most essential draconic figures in cinema.
5. Fáfnir, the Elder – The Nibelungs
Copyright UFA GmbH
The legend of Siegfried is as essential to Germanic heritage as Lancelot du Lac is to us frog-eaters. Its adaptation into a silent film from the beginning of the 20th century was therefore natural. Directed by the legendary Fritz Lang (Metropolis, M le maudit), Les Nibelungen has remained famous in history, in particular for its representation of the terrible dragon Fáfnir.
Fáfnir’s appearance, closer to a stegosaurus than a real winged dragon, ready to smile. The special effects of the time were of course rudimentary, but this representation is no less revolutionary for 1924: the gigantic puppet comes to life, moves, even spits some (real) flames at the heroic knight (played by Paul Richter ). The boldness of director Fritz Lang and his ingenuity mark the first appearance of a dragon in cinema and the first stone in the impressive edifice that we know today.
4. Maleficent, the most… maleficent – Sleeping Beauty
The Walt Disney Company
The bad fairy from Sleeping Beauty will surely have traumatized as many children as the witch from Snow White. The one who responds to the sweet name of Maleficent was already terrible enough to freeze the blood of a simple appearance, but her transformation into a dragon only makes her more monstrous.
Appearing for the first time in the 16th Disney animated feature film, Maleficent made its big comeback in the guise of Angelina Jolie in 2014. Ideal to discover her under another face, the film Maleficent promises its spectators a few surprises…
3. Falkor, the Wise – The Neverending Story
Copyright Bavaria Studios
At the mere mention of The Neverending Story, children of the 80s are transported to Fantasia, the lulled heart of the Limahl tube. Stone giants, racing snails and other whimsical creatures will undoubtedly have marked you, but the most legendary of all is undoubtedly the unmissable Falkor.
A wise and protective figure, a precious ally of the young Atreyu (Noah Hathaway), Falkor embodies another face of the dragon. Devoid of wings, its reptilian body is shiny and soft, while its mouth adopts a very friendly canine shape. Who hasn’t dreamed of flying on their back?
2. Funniest Mushu – Mulan
The Walt Disney Company
When talking about Asian dragons, wiser and more graceful than their European cousins, many of you may think of the mighty Haku from Spirited Away. But not everyone is lucky enough to be so blessed by nature. This is particularly the case of Mushu, Mulan’s pocket dragon.
Self-centered and impulsive, clumsy and weak, Mushu is the antithesis of the Asian dragon. He might be ridiculous, if his loyalty and friendship for the brave Mulan didn’t make him one of the most endearing side kicks of all Disney productions. Because in addition to his hilarious lines, brought brilliantly by José Garcia (and Eddie Murphy in the original version), his devotion to his partner in the worst moments makes him one of the most noble and respectable beings.
1. Smaug, the most imposing – The Hobbit
Warner Bros Entertainment
Impossible to complete this list without mentioning Smaug, the Dread Worm. A gigantic creature fascinated by gold, Smaug inhabits the kingdom of Erebor, from which he drove out the Dwarves. Unable to find it, they have only one solution: seek the help of Gandalf the gray and Bilbo, the most adventurous of the Hobbits.
After Andy Serkis in the original trilogy, it’s Benedict Cumberbatch’s turn to lend his features not to Gollum, but to the terrible Smaug. From its raspy, menacing voice to its large burning eyes, this gigantic monster represents one of Middle-earth’s deadliest threats, along with Arachne or the Balrog.
As the release of the Word of Warcraft expansion Dragonflight approaches, grab your finest sword or saddle. But whether you decide to face the dragons or tame them, don’t forget to bring your most beautiful effects by participating in the contest organized by Blizzard for the occasion!