The Implications of Modern Dragons Appearing in Our World

Imagine dragons like those in European folklore suddenly appearing around the world today. How would society react? This article explores potential scenarios, delving into the probable human response and the challenges dragons might face in an urbanized and technologically advanced environment.

Initial Human Reactions

Given the current global societal structure, dragons would likely face a combination of fear and fascination. On one hand, people might be inclined to capture these mythical creatures for scientific research or entertainment. On the other hand, out of fear, dragons could also be seen as lethal threats and might be killed. If managed carefully, dragons could be domesticated and utilized as efficient and cost-effective flying animals.

Dragons in Mythology vs. Real Life

Contrary to popular belief, my homeland, Wales in the UK, has some intriguing ties to these mythical beings. As a matter of fact, our national animal is rather rare and elusive, often spotted in wild areas such as Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. Surprisingly, they have even been sighted in urban settings during St. David’s Day celebrations. These dragons are initially small and delicate but can burn those who mishandle them. As they grow, they require gentle interactions. Their delicate nature and ability to cause burns highlight the importance of understanding and respecting these creatures.

Cultural and Technological Impact

The sudden appearance of dragons would likely cause mass hysteria. Some people might become determined to capture them to keep as pets or study scientifically, while others might be recording the events on their mobiles until the dragons become targets for consumption. It is important to consider the human tendency towards fascination and fear in such situations.

Dragons and Modern Technology

While dragons might fascinate humans, they would struggle to withstand the advancements of modern weaponry. Even if they were to domesticate these creatures, the odds are high that they would be killed off. The article ‘St. Martha and the dragon of Tarascon’ and the ‘Colchian Dragon’ depict relatively small creatures compared to modern expectations. These small dragons can barely stand up to small arms and would be severely outmatched by air-to-air missiles, which would likely reduce them to 'chunky salsa' in no time.

Conflict and Survival

Conflict with these creatures would be inevitable. Considering the typical diets—meat-based diets—herds of cattle, flocks of sheep, and poultry ranches would come under serious threat. Ranchers and farmers would protest against the presence of dragons, and it is unlikely that people would allow the legends of human sacrifices to tarnish their traditional religious beliefs. Even if the dragons were to adopt a vegan diet, the mere existence of a previously unknown species could lead to hunting for sport and scientific research.

In conclusion, if dragons were to appear in our world today, the most likely outcome would be their demise. Whether through fear, fascination, conflict, or scientific interest, the survival of these creatures in a technologically advanced and populated world would undoubtedly prove to be a significant challenge. While this is a probable scenario, it does not reflect a preferred outcome. Instead, it serves as a thought-provoking exploration of human-animal interactions in a fantastical setting.