‘Dragon’ vs ‘Wyvern’: What’s the difference? Learning new words while writing doesn’t just have to be about mastering grammar, you can cover a whole range of topics. Let’s get mystical and explore the difference between creatures like ‘Dragon’ vs ‘Wyvern’.
In a hurry? Here’s a quick preview of what’s to come:
Like many mythical creatures, these two beasts likely shared a common origin yet evolved into their own creatures. The main difference between ‘Dragon’ vs ‘Wyvern’ is their look.
‘Wyverns’ have very specific depictions and are sometimes even referred to as a particular type or species of dragon. This is because 'dragons' have been represented differently by different cultures.
There is much to explore both in the differences between these creatures and within these creatures. So, let’s take a closer look individually at the meaning of ‘Dragon’ vs ‘Wyvern’.
According to Oxford Languages, ‘Dragon’ is a noun that means:
The word comes from the Greek ‘drakōn’, which meant serpent, which evolved into the Old French and now English ‘Dragon.’
As mentioned in the definition, ‘Dragons’ appear in folklore all over the world and have different representations in different cultures. European ‘Dragons’ date back to ancient Greece and Rome, where they were often depicted in mythology as guarding treasure. As time passed to the Middle Ages, they maintained their treasure-hoarding tendencies and also became known for breathing fire, having large leathery wings, ivory horns, and spikes, and having blood that contained magical properties.
Meanwhile, in East Asia, they represent potent and auspicious powers over water, but they are also associated with yang, the masculine principles of heat and light. Dragons have different values depending on the culture, but they are highly regarded as symbols of luck and power and were often the symbol of the emperor.
According to Oxford Languages, ‘Wyvern’ is a noun which means:
The word ‘Wyvern’ comes from the Latin ‘vipere’, connoting a viper, which then became ‘wyvere’ in Old French and adapted to the modern English ‘Wyvern.’
‘Wyverns’ first appeared in 720 AD during the medieval ages where they appeared in folklore and on the flags of some Germanic and other European kingdoms. ‘Wyverns’ have since been a symbol of war, envy, and strength to those who bear it in medieval heraldry. As with their word origin, ‘Wyverns’ are distinctly from Western culture, but have been depicted in some Egyptian mythology as well.
In heraldry, ‘Wyverns’ often appear on crests or flags as symbols of various kingdoms or houses. They can often appear on sports or commercial logos or mascots as well, such as for Kings College within the University of Queensland.
Since learning new words is way more than just writing, let’s make sure you feel confident speaking as well. Follow the guidance below to learn how to properly say these new words aloud.
Use this phonetic spelling of ‘Dragon’ as a guide:
Use this phonetic spelling of ‘Wyvern’ as a guide:
The final step to mastering any word is being able to use it on your own terms. Below, you’ll find some sample sentences that will show you how the words can appear in a variety of scenarios. Read them, then try writing your own so you can play around with context.
Having fun while learning new words always makes writing more exciting, and diving into magical topics is a great way to do that. Learning words like ‘Dragon’ vs ‘Wyvern’ is also a great way to add detail to your work, and learn historical context at the same time.
Need a recap? Here’s a review of what we covered:
Want to learn about more mythical monsters? Be sure to check out other confusing word articles where we cover everything from basic everyday words to other mythical creatures. Writing can be fun no matter the subject, so take some time to dive into what really interests you.
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