Karen Carnahan

Imagine you’ve stepped outside the guild’s camp. At first light, the guild master assigns you a traveling companion to bond with.

You’re standing at the edge of an ancient forest. Morning mist rises and curls around your boots as several creatures emerge from the shadows. On a nearby cliff, a dragon settles down and folds its wings—a phoenix circles overhead, trailing sparks.

Meanwhile, a unicorn steps quietly from behind a tree. Perched on a rock, a griffin watches, alert and noble. One of them has come to form a bond with you.

Which Do You Choose?

Let’s face it. They have abilities we wish for. Magical creatures have fascinated humans for centuries. Long before novels filled bookstore shelves, ancient civilizations shared stories of dragons, phoenixes, and other legendary beings. These creatures appear in myths, artwork, oral traditions, and religious symbolism worldwide. They represent power, mystery, courage, wisdom, transformation, and hope. Today, we still fill books, films, and games with these fantastical beings, proving our fascination hasn’t faded into the dark nothingness. If anything, it’s grown stronger. Why?

Dragons soar across skies we cannot reach, representing wisdom, power, and the freedom to explore the unknown. Phoenixes rise from their own ashes, embodying resilience and the belief that endings don’t have to be permanent. Unicorns remind us of wonder and kindness. A griffin represents the courage we dream of, and a wolf companion shows loyalty. Perhaps that’s why we love them so much. They aren’t mere monsters or companions. When readers choose a favorite creature, they often choose the qualities they value most, the adventures they crave, and the hopeful possibilities that exist beyond their ordinary, mundane lives. When asked which fantasy creature we would bond with, we’re answering a deeper question: who do we want to be?

They Bring Wonder into the Unknown

For most of human history, much of the world was unexplored. Ancient forests, deep oceans, and distant mountains remained undisturbed, sparking questions that people couldn’t answer. These mysteries led to stories of magical creatures, turning the unknown into something exciting rather than frightening. People choose fascination over fear. Even today, readers enjoy imagining that there’s more to the world than what we can see. Imagination is a powerful thing.

They Offer Companionship

One reason creature bonds are so popular in fantasy is that people connect deeply with the idea of a loyal companion who stands by them no matter what happens. Whether a dragon, griffin, or a magical wolf, people often portray these creatures as trusted friends, protectors, and adventure partners. The idea of unwavering loyalty is part of what makes these bonds so appealing.

They Let Us See Ourselves in New Ways

Ask someone which fantasy creature they’d choose, and you’ll learn something about their personality. Someone who chooses a dragon may value strength and independence. Choosing a phoenix might indicate that someone believes in second chances. Someone who chooses a unicorn may value compassion and healing. In a way, magical creatures become mirrors, reflecting the qualities we admire in ourselves and the people around us.

Their Stories Never Truly Disappear

​Even in ancient myths, dragons appeared in cultures worldwide. Britannica notes that dragon-like creatures appear in myths, legends, and folklore across many civilizations. Along with dragons, griffins combine the lion and eagle and served protective roles in ancient Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures. Furthermore, phoenix legends centered on rebirth and renewal.

Even in modern fantasy stories, authors continue these traditions. Examples of this include Tolkien’s eagles, the Dragonriders of Pern, Harry Potter creatures, Fourth Wing dragons, and various fantasy games and films. This points out that while the story changes, our fascination with these creatures doesn’t.

Which Would I Choose?

If I’m being honest, this would be a hard decision for me, which is why I write them. I get to explore each of them in my YA fantasy books and shorts. Take a dragon. I mean, who wouldn’t want to soar above mountain tops through the clouds, wind in my hair? Imagine the adventures we could go on, seeing places we’ve never seen. Exploring distant lands, discovering hidden ruins and living the kind of adventures that fill the pages of fantasy novels. The first creature I ever wrote about was a dragon. Another part of me finds itself drawn to the phoenix. There’s something to say about bursting into huge flames and being reborn from the ashes you leave behind. I mean, think of never having to fear death. Now, that would be amazing. Or perhaps a werewolf. The idea of having a lifelong pack and an unbreakable bond speaks to our desire to belong somewhere.

​Guild Assignment #1

Before our next gathering, report your chosen companion:

• What fantasy creature would you bond with? (Short answers are welcome).
• What would you name it?
• What adventures would you go on first?
• What creature would you never choose, and why?

Fantasy creatures have survived thousands of years because they speak to something timeless within us. They remind us to wonder, to dream, and to imagine worlds beyond our own. Whether you’d bond with a dragon, a griffin, a phoenix, or a creature yet to be imagined, your choice says something about the adventure you’re longing to find

So, tell me, Guild Members:

Which creature would you choose?

Next month, I will reveal the creatures the guild chose most and the next assignment.

Until then, choose wisely, Guild Members. Some bonds last a lifetime.