The Dragons of Krynn
Overview
The Dragons of Krynn is a thematic anthology of short stories centered on dragons within the world of Krynn. Rather than following one arc or protagonist, the book features 17 different tales by various authors—including both classic Dragonlance contributors and newer voices. Each story explores dragons from different perspectives, time periods, and moral alignments, offering a multifaceted view of these powerful beings.
The tone ranges from epic and tragic to humorous and philosophical, making it an engaging and diverse read for Dragonlance fans and fantasy readers interested in dragon-centric stories.
Purpose and Structure
This anthology is part of the “Tales” collection and is meant to:
- Expand the lore surrounding metallic (good) and chromatic (evil) dragons
- Show their relationships with mortals, each other, and the gods
- Reflect on major events in Krynn’s history through the lens of dragons
- Explore the myth, magic, and majesty that define dragonkind in this universe
Each short story is self-contained, though some tie into known characters or eras in Dragonlance history.
Notable Stories and Summaries
1. “The Final Touch” by Michael and Teri Williams
A powerful story about Takhisis, the Dark Queen, attempting to corrupt a metallic dragon hatchling with a single, intimate gesture. It’s a mythic tale of innocence, temptation, and divine malice.
2. “Night of Falling Stars” by Nancy Varian Berberick
Set during the War of the Lance, this story focuses on the awe and terror mortals feel when caught in the midst of dragon warfare. A haunting, war-torn perspective from civilians.
3. “Honor Is All” by Mickey Zucker Reichert
A noble metallic dragon must choose between his honor and the demands of war. One of the more character-driven tales, highlighting a dragon’s internal conflict.
4. “The Best” by Margaret Weis
A humorous and ironic story about a man claiming to be the best dragonslayer, only to be challenged in unexpected ways. Satirical, clever, and sharply written.
5. “Fool’s Gold” by Jeff Grubb
A red dragon is drawn into a seemingly simple conflict with a village—but things are not what they seem. Twisty and clever, showing the cunning of both humans and dragons.
6. “Scourge of the Wicked Kendragon” by Janet Pack
A fun, fast-paced story about a kender-turned-dragon (or so he believes), and the chaos he brings. Lighthearted and kender-filled hijinks.
7. “The Bridge” by Stephen D. Sullivan
A story of redemption and sacrifice, involving a bridge, a dragon, and a fateful crossing during wartime. One of the most emotionally resonant pieces in the collection.
8. “The First Dragonarmy Bridging Company” by Don Perrin
Told from the point of view of Dragonarmy engineers, it’s a grittier and more grounded story about the logistics of war—and dragons as living weapons.
Themes
Power and Wisdom – Many stories explore the vast, timeless nature of dragons, showing how their long lives give them a unique, sometimes tragic perspective.
Corruption and Temptation – The dichotomy between metallic and chromatic dragons often parallels morality vs. selfishness, especially when hatchlings or young dragons must choose a path.
Fear and Awe – Mortals in these stories often grapple with their own insignificance next to dragons. The anthology reflects how dragons shape the psyche and fate of Krynn.
Honor, Duty, and Choice – Dragons are not mere monsters here. They have moral codes, personal quests, and emotional struggles—especially the metallics.
Humor and Folklore – Some tales take a lighter tone, playing with legends, boastful adventurers, or kender foolishness to poke fun at the myths surrounding dragons.
Tone & Style
Since it’s an anthology, the tone varies by story:
- Some are epic and mythic, almost like Krynnish fables (The Final Touch)
- Others are dark and gritty, highlighting war (The Bridge, Night of Falling Stars)
- A few are funny and whimsical, including kender chaos and dragons being tricked (The Best, Scourge of the Wicked Kendragon)
Despite this variety, the throughline is the central focus on dragons and their impact—making the book cohesive for fans of the creatures and Dragonlance lore.
Reception
The Dragons of Krynn is generally well-regarded for:
- Providing dragon lore from many angles
- Balancing tone and genre variety
- Adding depth to non-main character perspectives
- Showcasing lesser-known authors while still including Weis and Grubb
It’s especially praised for being approachable—you don’t need to know the entire Dragonlance saga to enjoy these tales, though longtime fans will spot rich references and connections.
Final Thoughts
The Dragons of Krynn is a lovingly crafted tribute to the most iconic creatures of the Dragonlance setting. With stories that span from silly to sorrowful, it offers something for every fantasy reader—especially those fascinated by the power, beauty, and danger of dragons.
Perfect for:
- Dragonlance fans wanting to go deeper into dragon lore
- Fantasy readers looking for bite-sized dragon tales
- Anyone who enjoys seeing epic creatures through human (and kender) eyes