The Reluctant Dragon

Once upon a time, there was a shepherd. One evening he arrived home shivering out of fear.

I saw something terrible! He cried! It was as as big as 4 big horses with long and sharp claws. It has a long pointy tail and shiny blue scales all over its body!

His son went and searched in his book:

It seems like you saw a dragon dad! Said the boy!

His parents were scared but he was calm as always.

Wondering if the dragon is friendly or not, next morning the son got up and set up to the hill. When the boy arrived, found the dragon really friendly! They smiled at each other. Then boy sat down and asked many questions from the blue dragon!

The dragon started to narrate stories from old times:

There were very dangerous dragons everywhere back then. And knights had to battle them and rescue princesses!

The boy came back every day to hear the stories. But after a while, the villagers found out about our blue dragon. Obviously they were scared. The boy went to the dragon and said:

The villagers want to get rid of you!

But I wouldn’t be hurt! Not even a scratch! Said the dragon.

That afternoon, the boy heard a very bad news in the village! The villagers wanted to send the Saint George, the dragon killer, for fighting the dragon!

The boy ran straight to the dragon and said:

They want to say Saint George, The dragon killer after you! He has the longest spear I’ve ever seen.

Thanks for telling me! But I don’t wanna fight! So I am going to just hide in my cave and wait for him to leave! Said the dragon!

No you don’t have a choice! People want a fight!

But the dragon yawned:

I’m sure you will find a way!

The boy went back to the village quietly. There he saw a group of villagers who were talking about the dangerous dragon:

Did you know that he eats 10 sheep just for breakfast?!

Yeah! I heard that he burnt down several houses!

The boy yelled with anger:

This is a lie! This dragon can’t even an ant!

But everyone wants a fight! what can I do? Said Saint George!

The boy whispered:

Follow me!

The boy took the dragon killer to visit the dragon. Saint Georg said:

What an amazing place for a fight!

There will be no fighting! Said the dragon very firmly!

Not even pretend to fight?

Maybe!

The boy said:

Do you promise not to harm him?!

Saint George thought a little bit and said:

Well! It has to look real!

The dragon asked:

Will there a feast after the fight?!

Yes! And I promise that you can come! said Saint George.

The next morning, Lots of people came for watching the fight! The boy was standing near the dragon’s cave, looking nervous! They cheered and yelled when Saint Georg showed up! Soon, a roar echoed in the mountain and flames spread in the air.

The dragon blew fire! Saint George galloped hard, his spear held high! The dragon jumped up and the shot past each other.

Missed! Yelled the crowed!

Saint George and the dragon turned and charged again! This time there was no chance for them to miss! After a long fight, finally dragon slumped to the ground. George stood on him. The crowd shouted:

Cut off his head!

George said:

I think the dragon has learned his lesson! Let’s just invite him to the feast!

Then saint George led the boy, the dragon and villagers down to the mountain! The boy was really happy cause he managed to execute his plan! The villagers were also happy cause they had seen the fight they wanted so badly!

Saint George was also happy because he had won the battle. But the dragon was the happiest! He now had a lots of friends and delicious food to eat!

It was a wonderful night! Whispered the dragon and began to snore!

OH! How should I take him back to his cave?! Asked the boy.

I’ll help! Saint George laughed.

He gave the dragon a prod and they set off up the mountain hand-in-hand! The Saint, the blue dragon and the boy!

See More: 100+ Stories for Kids

About the Author

The author of “The Reluctant Dragon” is Kenneth Grahame, a British author who is best known for his classic children’s book “The Wind in the Willows.”

Grahame was born in Scotland in 1859 and spent much of his childhood in the English countryside. He worked as a banker for most of his adult life, but began writing stories in his spare time.

“The Reluctant Dragon” was first published in 1898 as part of a collection of essays called “Dream Days.” The story tells the tale of a young boy named John who discovers a dragon living in a nearby cave. To John’s surprise, the dragon is not at all fearsome but rather friendly and loves to recite poetry. The story is a gentle satire on the idea of the “ferocious dragon” and promotes the idea of peaceful coexistence between humans and animals.

Although not as well-known as “The Wind in the Willows,” “The Reluctant Dragon” has remained a popular children’s story and has been adapted into various forms of media, including a Disney animated film in 1941.

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Introducing the characters

“The Reluctant Dragon” is a charming children’s story that features several key characters. The main character is a young boy named John who lives in a small village in the English countryside. John is a curious and adventurous boy who loves exploring the world around him.

The other major character in the story is a dragon who lives in a nearby cave. Unlike traditional dragons, this dragon is not at all fearsome but rather friendly and loves to recite poetry. The dragon is also depicted as a bit of a pacifist, who prefers to avoid conflict and live in peace.

Other characters in the story include the villagers who are initially afraid of the dragon and the local knight who is tasked with slaying the dragon. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the dragon is not a threat and that peaceful coexistence between humans and animals is possible.

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Adaptions

“The Reluctant Dragon” has been adapted into various forms of media over the years, including film, television, and stage productions. Here are three of the most famous adaptations:

• Disney’s The Reluctant Dragon (1941): This animated film was produced by Walt Disney Productions and is a loose adaptation of the original story. The film features a live-action segment with Robert Benchley visiting the Disney studio and meeting a series of Disney artists and animators. The animated segments include a retelling of the original story and other animated sequences. The film is notable for its blend of live-action and animation and its behind-the-scenes look at the Disney studio.

• The Reluctant Dragon (1974): This made-for-television musical was produced by NBC and is based on the original story. The musical features songs by Richard and Robert Sherman, who also wrote the music for Disney’s Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book. The story follows a young boy named Roger who befriends a dragon and must help him avoid being slayed by a knight. The musical has been praised for its catchy songs and charming performances.

• The Reluctant Dragon (2004): This stage adaptation was written by playwright Ed Monk and has been performed in various theaters around the world. The play stays faithful to the original story and features a blend of live-action and puppetry to bring the dragon to life. The play has been praised for its inventive staging and its ability to capture the gentle humor and charm of the original story.

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