wyrm

Wyrm is a term used in English to refer to a dragon or dragon-like creature, though its historical sense is broader. In Old English and other Germanic languages, wyrm originally meant a serpent or creeping creature, including worms and large snakes. It is cognate with Old Norse orm and the later German wurm, and it is related to the way dragons are described in certain medieval texts. Over time, the word came to be associated more specifically with dragon imagery in literature and folklore.

In folklore, wyrms are often depicted as formidable, treasure-guarding monsters linked to earth or water. The portrayal varies by culture and era: some wyrms are winged and fire-breathing, while others are enormous, serpentine, or guardian beings tied to primal forces. They are commonly associated with danger, hoards, and challenges for heroes.

In contemporary fantasy, wyrm is frequently used as a synonym or variant of dragon, sometimes to evoke an older or folkloric feel. Writers and game designers may treat wyrms as distinct from other dragon types, or use the term interchangeably with dragon. Derivatives such as wyrmling describe a young dragon. The concept of the wyrm remains a flexible archetype across literature and gaming, serving as a symbol of immense power, ancient myth, and the unknown.