Hello, readers! Today I’m here to introduce you to Snap, the Dragon of Ynys from the book that’s named after him!

The Dragon of Ynys by Minerva Cerridwen is a delightful novella that will make your heart swell almost as much as Snap’s hoard. It’s about the importance of stories and representation. I reviewed it on Let’s Fox About It, and you should check it out!

Every time something goes missing from the village, Sir Violet makes his way to the dragon’s cave and negotiates the item’s return. It’s annoying, but at least the dragon is polite.

But when the dragon steals a person, that’s a step too far. As Sir Violet ventures out to get the missing baker back, however, he quickly realizes things are not at all what they seem… (via Goodreads)

 

Hello, Snap! Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hello, Ceillie. Nice to meet you. I’m Snap and my pronouns are he/him. As you can see, I’m a dragon, and I live in a cave near a small village called Ynys. It’s a peaceful life, and my only distractions from enjoying my hoard are the visits of Sir Violet, the local knight, and now you, an interviewer. Thank you for this experience.

 

What would be the perfect gift for you? Why?

I’m not difficult at all when it comes to gifts. Every shiny, pretty or interesting object is welcome in my hoard.

 

What is your favorite food, and why?

I only need to eat about once a month, so when I do, I try to discover a new flavour every time, and I guess you could say that for a dragon I have quite a sweet tooth.

Two things I’ll never touch again: scorpions and cacti.

 

What is your most treasured possession?

That would be… Hmm. The engraving on this golden cup is quite lovely, but the pattern of gems on this cloak here is just as compelling. I’m very fond of my carpet, too. And I’ve got a necklace that’s just like a materialised ray of sunshine. Oh, and have you seen this beautiful book with its gilded edges? How am I supposed to choose just one object?

 

Where would you live, if you could live anywhere in the world?

I can live anywhere in the world. In fact, you might say I have. And I ended up here.

 

What talent would you most like to have?

The talent to make people feel at ease. It’s not something that comes naturally to someone with a smile like mine, and it would make it easier to avoid unnecessary conflict.

 

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I don’t know. That smile of mine can also be quite useful, so I wouldn’t want to replace my teeth with gumdrops, either. (Besides, gumdrops usually have awfully clashing colours, so I doubt it would be an aesthetic improvement.)

 

When do you consider it an appropriate time to lie?

Generally I don’t see the point of lying, but I suppose, when dealing with humans, it can be useful not to mention certain facts in order to make things move along. They’re so very easily distracted. Unlike me. Oh, but that flower necklace you’re wearing is just gorgeous. What were we talking about?

 

If you were in need of comforting, what would be the best thing that someone could do for you?

I’ve never really given this any thought. Your questions are… interesting. I didn’t anticipate that. Well done.

I think… It would be enough to just be there. The idea that someone would want to comfort me, even though I’m a mighty dragon would could theoretically end them with one bite, is more comforting than any specific action. But as I’ve spent a long time with humans, a hug or some petting can be helpful to convey the message.

 

If you could teach everyone in the world one thing, what would it be?

To be accepting, and to refrain from judging each other at first glance. Of course, being a dragon, I can’t say I wouldn’t judge someone for what they do. But for who you are, for who and what you love? As long as you don’t harm anyone, I don’t understand why it’s important to be “normal”.

I have the feeling that humans create so many rules for themselves that sometimes they need to work so hard on fitting in that there’s no time left to actually live. Why is that necessary when we’ve all experienced that diversity only enriches experiences? Don’t we all agree that the most important thing in life is to have an accepting home where you can be yourself? It would be wonderful if that kind of home could be found in all of society.

 

What is your favorite story?

I think every new story I hear becomes my new favourite. At least when it’s moving or thrilling, and holds a positive message. They may not be shiny, but they’re a wonderful thing to hoard.