The Reluctant Dragon (short story) facts for kids
The Reluctant Dragon is a fun children's story written by Kenneth Grahame in 1898. It was first published as a chapter in his book Dream Days. This story is probably the most famous one Grahame ever wrote, even more well-known than Dream Days or his other book, The Golden Age. It's special because it was one of the first stories to show a dragon as a friendly character, not a scary monster!
Contents
The Story of the Reluctant Dragon
Where Does the Story Happen?
This story takes place in the Berkshire Downs in Oxfordshire, England. This area is famous because the author, Kenneth Grahame, lived there. Also, an old legend says that St. George once fought a dragon in this very place!
A Boy Meets a Dragon
In Grahame's tale, a young boy makes an amazing discovery. He finds a dragon living in the hills above his home. But this isn't just any dragon! This dragon is very smart and loves to read poetry. The boy and the dragon quickly become good friends. They spend time together, sharing secrets and enjoying each other's company.
The Townspeople Get Worried
Soon, the people in the nearby town find out about the dragon. They get very scared because they think all dragons are dangerous. They decide to call for the famous dragon-slayer, St. George, to come and get rid of it. The boy is worried about his friend, the dragon.
A Clever Plan to Save the Day
The boy quickly introduces St. George to the dragon. To everyone's surprise, St. George and the dragon realize they don't want to fight each other. Instead, they come up with a clever plan! They decide to pretend to have a big fight, called a joust, to make the townspeople happy.
During the fake fight, St. George gently pokes the dragon with his spear. The dragon helps by showing him a spot where its skin is a bit loose. This makes it look like a real battle without hurting the dragon at all! The townspeople cheer loudly, even though some of them had bet on the dragon winning.
Everyone Lives Happily Ever After
After the "fight," St. George tells everyone that the dragon has changed and is no longer dangerous. He promises the townspeople that the dragon is now friendly and safe. Because of this, the dragon is finally accepted by the people in the town. They all learn that not every dragon is a threat, and sometimes, even a dragon can be a good friend.
