Dragons
The dragons of Middle Earth are massive, fire breathing creatures that are super tough to kill and can fly. Greed and arrogance are their main personality traits. Some are as intelligent as people and Smaug (the only one we see in the main books) can speak. Often, they are seen as a curse (especially if you are a dwarf) and associated with hoarding gold.
The fact they can fly, take massive amounts of damage and dish out massive damage makes them almost impossible to counter. They would basically be the equivalent of nuclear weapons for those who can control them. Hence why the dwarves fear them and Gandalf was worried Smaug might fight for Mordor. Whoever can control one will become a superpower.
Also - random side note here. When Morgoth was still the main bad guy in Middle Earth, he had an army of dragons. And Balrogs - that rode the dragons. Holy crap I wish that was in some of the movies.
Their main ability to do damage is due to their fire. We know from the wars against Morgoth that the dwarves have steel able to withstand the heat of dragon fire without melting. Real life steel has melting points between 2600 - 2800 Fahrenheit. This means that 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit is the highest I can expect dragon fire to get. That is still impressive. We also know that 4 of the 7 dwarven Rings of Power are destroyed by dragon fire.
But we also have to recognize that dragons have the ability to fly and use their talons to fight. This means many of the same combat tactics of the eagles. But the eagles are actually smaller. This means dragons would likely be able to carry more of a load. But, they would be less able to fight enemies in the air, as their size limits their agility. They would have to turn their head to use fire where eagles would be able to directly strike with their feet. The result is where eagles would be a stand in for tactical bombers, fighters and ground support aircraft, dragons would be strategic bombers. Think the difference between the Hawker Hurricanes compared to the B-17s.
https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/melting-temperature-metals-d_860.html
Now, we need to look at mithril for a second. It is said that mithril is as hard as dragon scales. If we assume that this is literal and that titanium is an accurate reflection of mithril's strength, we now have a basis for dragon hide. Due to the wide range of titanium alloys and the fact those tend to be artificially higher than what it typically natural, I will be focusing on the numbers I can find for commerically pure titanium. The figures for ultimate tensile strength range from 34,954.09 PSI to 80,060.83 PSI. The same source says that the fatigue limit for these same grades of titanium is 50% of the tensile strength. This leaves us with a range between 17,477 PSI and the 80,061 figures. This is impressively strong.
Weirdly though, their scales are weaker on their undersides - specifically their chest. This is a huge flaw in their design. Perhaps not so much for the ones that can't fly. But Melkor did specifically create flying dragons to use as shock troopers and mobile artillery. So he should have known that 1) their undersides would be the easiest area to strike and 2) that there would be a huge number of highly motivated enemies trying to kill them. The main exception was Smaug. His underside was so slimy that the gold and gems of the Lonely Mountain's wealth meant he had a protected underside.
https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?articleid=1341
So, what was the intended role of dragons? Well, it appears they had three possible ones. The first was commanding armies. This was overlap with the balrogs, so there was no clear need for it. Well, unless we embrace the counterweight idea. Then there is heavy attack rolls. While trolls do this too, they don't do it to the same degree as dragons. But yet again, we have a duplication of them. But where there is a vital need not found elsewhere in Melkor's arsenal is air power. Dragons appear to be the most powerful air units in the narrative and the only ones available to Melkor. Eagles are the only other I know of, but they are allied with the other side. In this sense they are strong where their master is weak - Melkor is one being and not able to fly from what I have seen. There is power in both numbers and air, so I see this being their main role.
Is their design practical for that role? Very much so. Dragons proved to be quite powerful and difficult to counter. Major damage was done by them and killing one took huge expeditures of effort. Do they inspire terror in opponents and obedience in allies? It appears so, after all the orcs did appear to obey them. Dwarves feared them too. We also see that they were properly battle tested. The first dragons did not have wings and Melkor changed that after seeing them fight.
Their main constraint is their fatal weakness. As noted above, the main weakness was their less than perfect protection for their underside, where most of their damage would be aimed at. Yet having weaker armor in some areas makes sense in a lot of respects. If you cut weight you can get better combat abilities. Less weight of armor means more of a load can be carried or greater endurance all other things being equal. After all, this would be important for a creature meant to carry the large balrogs.
The fact that they were meant to carry balrogs into battle means that the problem is not that there was weaker areas of armoe, but which areas. The front and undersides of the dragons should have the strongest. Meanwhile the tops should have the weakest. This means that the main enemies of the dragons would have the hardest time killing them. But if a balrog was given the task of killing a potentially disloyal or disobedient dragon, it would be easier. In this way, the fatal weakness could only be exploited by Melkor.
Similarly, they are a little too smart. It seems that they are quite clever and skilled plotters. The only reason they are loyal is because Melkor gives them a chance to plunder. This seems to be a pattern. The first step is create a monster that delights in evil. The second is to buy their loyalty through requiring obedience in order to maximize their evil desires. In this sense, they might prove to be a threat to Melkor. Should he not be able to provide them with enough opportunities for plunder, we can expect them to become restive. But Sauron is a bit different. The One Ring cannot be destroyed by dragon fire. Only destroying the One Ring can kill Sauron. This means he cannot be totally defeated by them.
Now, side note here. There was a quote I discuss about dragon fire being unable to destroy the One Ring. This quote can also can give us a possible way to establish the heat of dragon fire. The metals with lower melting points include aluminum and zinc, also metals that can be used to make rings. If dragon fire can melt them, but not the One Ring (assuming of course that pure heat is actually the real weakness), then we can assume that dragons breathe fire in the 800 to 1,500 degree range. This is confirmed by the damage we see in the Hobbit movies. The front gates of the Lonely Mountain take direct hits from Smaug. Yet by the events of the Battle of Five Armies, it appears that only the dragon’s brute force smashing into the gate and 70 years of neglect caused damage. I saw no signs of melting. My research suggests the lower limits of where rock melts is 1,300.
Basic Information
Anatomy
There is actually quite a bit of variation in the body types of dragons. Most have four legs - but not all. Some were effectively giant snakes that breathe fire. Only some have wings and are able to fly. It also appears that not all dragons are able to breath fire. Some dragons were described as "cold drakes". It is unclear to me if this means breathing ice or simply the absence of fire breathing abilities. Some might have had horns.
For creatures as big as dragons, two things are needed to make them able to fly traditionally in real life. First is huge wing spans relative to body size. Which means they would be quite visible. One would normally not be able to use a dragon for stealth attacks outside of very specific contexts. The terrain would have to be perfect and the attacks would have to come at night for example. Generally though, their size means that they would have to rely on the speed they get from flight and the fact their enemies would probably no expect attacks from the air more than stealth as such.
The second is hollow bones. The idea here is the more weight one is trying to fly, the more energy and wing size one needs. So whenever there is a place to cut out weight, it is a good idea to do that. Dragons would need massive amounts of calories and wing surface area already. Any aid they can get in minimizing this would be beneficial. Which means the same sort of hallow bones we see in birds.
The problem here is that this makes bones much easier to break. Dragon scales would be closer to scale or mail armor if the winds are going to be flexible enough to fly. But these armors do not provide as much protection against blunt force attacks as plate would. So a heavy strike to the wing might be able to break bones and cripple the dragon. Damage from a broken bone would at least make it quite painful to fly if it does not outright ground it.
Biological Traits
Other elements of dragon biology is toxic blood. Glaurung apparently had this. It is unclear if all dragons did though. But it is likely due to the other trait - their notable smell. Both Glaurung and Smaug apparently reeked rather badly. Smaug also was covered in a slime that made the jewels he slept on stick to him. This would suggest some weird secretion that is probably seriously unsafe to consume. I doubt then that the blood would be safe.
Genetics and Reproduction
All that I know about dragon reproduction is that they lay eggs.
Growth Rate & Stages
Dragons are quite long lived. But they also are slow to reach full maturity. Hence Melkor's early failures - literally his dragons were too young to live up to their full potential. They are not considered adults until they are 300 years old. Apparently, their scales are not fully hard until they are 100.
Ecology and Habitats
They tend to prefer mountains and the extreme north. I am unaware of any cases where dragons move further south than the Lonely Mountain or live outside mountains. Their breeding ground is technically in a valley - but naturally this is between two long spurs of the Grey Mountains.
Dietary Needs and Habits
I have no information on what prey they seek out, but we can assume they need extreme amounts. But we can also tell based on Smaug sleeping for decades that they are capable of hibernation. It is possible then that they would partake in these periods of hibernation during periods of scarcity. Might also be possible that they would attack and eat the residents of where they plunder, seeking gold. The food they get would be a much needed but almost secondary benefit of their plundering wealth. This is taken to such a degree that the hunt for gold took priority over food and water - some like Smaug going decades or centuries without eating or drinking.
There is some debate as to how far this goes. Extreme interpretations suggests that the presence of jewels provides the energy they need to live. Others think they have the normal slower metabolism of reptiles, just to an extreme.
Additional Information
Facial characteristics
Their facial characteristics appear like a more humanized version of the standard lizard looking structure.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Northern extremes of Middle Earth. Eventually only the Lonely Mountain. They tend to prefer caves and mountain ranges.
Average Intelligence
Dragons have high levels of intelligence and cunning. But at least Smaug was quite fond of flattery and riddles. Their greed and malice are also legendary. They didn't just enjoy the possession of beautiful things and wealth. They enjoyed the act of taking it from others as worthy in and of itself. This meant the theft of gold from its owners held more rewards to them than the mere collection of unclaimed valuables.
They were also prone to violent anger. This combined with their greed meant that they could be extremely destructive.
Plus they have the ability to hypnotically control people to a degree. Bilbo felt almost compelled to be totally honest due to Smaug's powers. This even works on strong willed beings if they are unprepared to face it. Dragons are able to extend this by using taunts and more mundane manipulation. Key to the power seems to involve focusing on the failings of the target and implanting mistrust of others into their minds.
This even extends to the treasure hoards of the dragons. This has produced conflict between the original owners of the treasure, the killer of the dragon and any nearby ambitious third parties. Such conflicts brought joy to dragons.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
They are known for their incredible smell. Bilbo was found by Smaug even when Bilbo was wearing the One Ring due to this smell. While he was unable to figure out that Bilbo was a hobbit due to no previous contact with hobbits, he was able to figure out he traveled with a pony ridden by dwarves. Them movement of air in the great hall and Bilbo's breath provided further clues to Bilbo's presence. Smaug's senses were also so keen the shift in the weight of the weight of his hoard. A single cup in the vast gold stores was large enough for him to instantly notice.
Civilization and Culture
History
Melkor realized quickly that orcs would not be enough to win all his battles. The solution? Breeding dragons. His army came to include "many and terrible" dragons. After Melkor's final defeat, they fled to the extreme north, turning the Withered Heath into their breeding ground. They began to harass and cause massive destruction to men and dwarves living in the north. This was partially motivated by the return of Sauron.
It is theorized that normal reptiles were corrupted and bred specifically for the purpose. The idea is that the reptiles were initially good, created by the Valar to be guardians. Then, like orcs, corrupted and turned into monsters. This breeding might have also involved putting part of Melkor's own soul into the first dragons. This would explain many of the more magical properties, like their hypnotism. Another theory is that they might have been maia like Sauron or the balrogs. But also likely is that these maia were used to breed with the reptiles mentioned above - which could explain how the evil spirits entered the population.
Historical Figures
Glaurung is the "father of dragons", named that because it was the first dragon created by Melkor. His mind control powers were apparently quite powerful. He was a four legged, flightless dragon. He was directly responsible for defeating an army of elves and breaking the siege of Angband. He then led the final last ditch attempt to defeat the elves and Valar in the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. He did successfully prevent two powerful elven armies and other major victories. A region populated with elves was ravaged in his attack. However, a dwarf was able to wound him with a powerful axe strike to his relatively unprotected belly. Later, he led an army of orcs and his lesser dragon children to successfully sack a major elven stronghold. He took over the area, declared himself dragon king and hibernated. However, his orcs were defeated a few years later, which stirred him to act. He died in the resulting battle.
Ancalagon the Black was the most powerful of the dragons. To give you an idea, Melkor's army of balrogs was being pushed back by the Valar and their allies. Then, Ancalagon the Black was unleashed - who held back this attacking army. Yeah - an army of balrogs could not do what Ancalagon was able to pull off. It is true that he had help, but Ancalagon was the most powerful of the group. A Tempest of fire and lightening was said to have accompanied the attack. The host of dragons even successfully (at least temporarily) counter attacked. When he was killed (by eagles and literally a flying ship) Melkor was utterly crushed. When Andalagon fell from the sky, three mountains were crushed.
Scatha came much later, after Melkor was long defeated. He was another flightless dragon, known for killing many dwarves and collecting their treasures. Fram ended up killing him and was killed by dwarves over a dispute over the distribution of the spoils. To be fair to the dwarves here, Fram did appear to be pointlessly provocative - sending the dragon's teeth to the dwarves and rubbed it their face that he killed the dragon instead of them. But his clan did get some of the treasure. The descendants of this group became the Rohirrim. Éowyn gave Merry a silver horn taken from this hoard.
Smaug was the most famous of the dragons, seeing as killing him was the center point of The Hobbit. He was a large, red colored dragon. He came down from the northern extremes of Middle Earth "like a hurricane", wiping out the dwarves of the Lonely Mountain. This attack in the movies came due to Sauron's direction. It is possible that he was not full grown yet, whihc might explain why he was able to get in the front doors. Everyone died with the exception of a few who ran out of the secret back door. In the attack, the local forests and city of Dale were wiped out. He then began to sleep on the treasure he collected, which meant his underside was covered in jewels. This led to his one weakness - a hole in this unintentional armor that Bilbo noticed. A talking bird overheard Bilbo mention Smaug's weakness and communicated this to Bard. Bard then hit it with a well placed arrow.
This death came after Gandalf realized just how powerful Smaug could be if used by Sauron - and that Sauron was becoming increasingly active. When Gandalf was scouting the area of Dol Guldur, he found that Thrain - the king of Durin's Folk. He got a map and key that would allow for someone to sneak into the back door. He also found that the Necromancer was in fact Sauron. So he helped Thorin organize an attempt to retake the Lonely Mountain, hoping that Smaug would be killed in the process. Bilbo sneaks in to steal from him, when Smaug awakes. He discovers the theft instantly. He blames Bilbo - but incorrectly suspects Lake-town as behind it. He attacks, which allows Bard to take his fateful shot.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
So, the first thing to note here is that they are allied with the evil team, though it appears they have a bit of an independent streak to them. As stated before, the most likely origins for dragons is they were a cross breed of normal reptiles and balrogs. They also were the flying mounts for balrogs. Plus they, like balrogs, commanded armies of orcs.
On the flip side, they have a clear and strong hostility towards dwarves. The dwarves understandably respond in kind. The dwarves prize their hoards of treasure they have earned. They seek to get more wealth and to protect their collections of gold and jewels. Dragons meanwhile love stealing the wealth others have earned. In fact, I found only one case of dragons and dwarves fighting over something besides stolen gold.
Lifespan
Dragons are confirmed to live extremely long time. Some suggest they are immortal - but this is unconfirmed.
Conservation Status
At the end of the First Age, only two dragons were left alive. But hiding in the far north beyond the Grey Mountains, they were able to rebuild their numbers. We can assume then that the inevitable inbreeding is also the reason that Smaug was so relatively weak compared to some of the dragons of Melkor. While Smaug was the last of the "Great" dragons, lesser ones still lived in the Weathered Heath. Which means that theoretically there are other dragons for Sauron to recruit. Perhaps just the non flying and non fire breathers, but those guys are still powerful compared to the average soldier in the armies of the Free People. This will prove important.
Average Weight
Ancalagon was so big that he crushed three mountains when died and fell from the sky. Granted, he was the biggest dragon. But you could scale this back dramatically and still have a huge creature. Generally, big flying animals need a lot of help to do so. Such as high winds to help lift them off the ground. Or a high perch from which they can jump. This allows them to gain lift during the fall. So it makes sense that the Grey Mountains and the Lonely Mountain are the main locations known for their dragons.
Average Physique
They are know for being extremely big and strong. The "Beast of Gondolin" was so big that he carried several balrogs. His feet almost killed two people at once. When his foot was injured, it lashed out with its tail, killing many orcs and elves in the process. Smaug wiped out an entire building with a swipe from his tail.
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