The Glow-worm, also spelled Glowworm, is a very small dragon that appears in the How to Train Your Dragon Book Series.
Physical Appearance
Glow-worms are small dragons that are depicted with rather small, perhaps vestigial wings. The exact source of their glow is not discussed, but it is shown as occurring over their entire bodies. During daylight hours they are a dull gray and most likely resemble an earthworm, but as soon as the sun sets, Glow-worms start to glow.
Glow-worms are extremely similar in appearance to Arsenic Adderwings, save for their glowing property. Arsenic Adderwings also have a bright red spot on their tails, which is absent in Glow-worms.
Interestingly, the very first time Glow-worms are mentioned, which is in book one How to Train Your Dragon, they are described as being large in size.
| “ | The cavern was already well-lit by the Glowworms—huge, sluggish animals dotted here and there that shown with a steady yet dim fluorescence, like a low watt bulb. | ” |
| — How to Train Your Dragon (Book 1) |
Glow-worms are classified as Cave Dragons in the The Incomplete Book of Dragons, but are mentioned as being Nanodragons in How to Train Your Viking.
Abilities
The primary ability of the Glow-worm, is a bit self-explanatory - they are bioluminescent with a yellow glow. It is not specified if Glow-worms have any other abilities, such as fire-breathing.
Weaknesses
Glow-worms are not known for their intelligence, so it is doubtful they can speak Dragonese. They are also common prey for other creatures, and are often a delicious food source for other dragons, as seen in How to Train Your Viking. Their fluorescent properties at nighttime evidently can occur even after the Glow-worm is eaten, for a time.
Training
Glow-worms aren't trained, and it is questionable whether they have the mental capacity to be trained. However, they are utilized by Vikings as a light source at night or in caves.
Appearances
How to Train Your Dragon
Glow-worms are mentioned briefly when the Hooligan Novices enter the Dragon Nursery cave. However, here they are mentioned as being large, rather than small as seen in the other Books of the series.
How to Train Your Viking
Toothless is tricked into eating an entire barrel of Glow-worms by another rival dragon, so that he does not perform well that evening at night fishing. However, as the ingested Glow-worms start to glow in his belly that night, the fish are attracted to the boat.
The Incomplete Book of Dragons
Glow-worms are mentioned in this Reference Book.
Gallery
References
- Glow-worms in the Hero's Guide to Deadly Dragons on the Official How to Train Your Dragon Books Website. NB: http://www.hiccuptheviking.com is no longer available.
