Are Rathalos Elder Dragons? Unveiling the King of the Skies
The question of whether the iconic Rathalos qualifies as an Elder Dragon is a common one among Monster Hunter enthusiasts. The answer is definitively no. Despite their impressive size, fiery attacks, and status as apex predators, Rathalos and his female counterpart, Rathian, are classified as Flying Wyverns, not Elder Dragons. This distinction is crucial and based on more than just appearance; it hinges on their fundamental nature within the Monster Hunter universe. While they embody immense power, their lack of certain characteristics excludes them from the Elder Dragon category.
Understanding the Elder Dragon Classification
The Elder Dragon classification isn’t based on looks or size, but rather on a monster’s inherent power, its ability to influence the surrounding environment, and its often unique nature within the ecological system. Unlike other monsters, Elder Dragons frequently exhibit phenomena that defy conventional logic and seem to warp the very world around them. They can cause natural disasters, possess elemental control far beyond other monsters, and often have a unique place in the ecosystem, sometimes existing outside of it. These are creatures of incredible power and often considered legendary.
In contrast, Rathalos and Rathian, while powerful and aggressive, occupy a more traditional ecological niche. They are apex predators, certainly, but their behaviors and abilities fall within established natural laws. They nest, hunt, and breed like other Flying Wyverns, lacking the mysterious, reality-bending traits associated with Elder Dragons. Their power is rooted in their physical prowess and elemental abilities, but it doesn’t reach the transcendent levels observed in Elder Dragons.
Key Differences
To further clarify, consider these key differences:
- Environmental Influence: Elder Dragons often have a drastic and direct impact on their environments, causing storms, altering landscapes, or creating unique ecological pockets. Rathalos, while impacting the areas they inhabit through predation, do not exert that level of influence.
- Unique Abilities: Elder Dragons frequently demonstrate powers that are often otherworldly or break the rules established for other monster classifications. Rathalos’ fire breath and physical attacks, while powerful, are not seen as exceptional or unnatural within the game’s framework.
- Rarity and Elusiveness: Elder Dragons are often rare and elusive, existing outside the typical food chain or predator-prey dynamics. Rathalos, conversely, are common apex predators found in a wide range of environments.
- Trap Immuntiy: In most Monster Hunter games, Elder Dragons are immune to traps, this distinction alone shows their powerful and unique nature. This is another area where Rathalos does not qualify, as traps are often used against them.
The Misconception
The confusion surrounding Rathalos classification likely stems from their imposing presence and power. They are iconic monsters, often serving as significant challenges for hunters. Their frequent appearances in trailers and promotional materials can give the impression of them being among the most dangerous of creatures, potentially blurring the lines between Flying Wyverns and Elder Dragons in the mind of a novice hunter. However, Rathalos is firmly classified as a Flying Wyvern due to their defined ecosystem role and behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the topic of Rathalos and Elder Dragons within the Monster Hunter universe.
1. What Classifies an Elder Dragon?
Elder Dragons are classified by their immense power and influence, often distorting their environment and operating outside conventional ecological rules. They are not defined by their appearance or size, but by their unique abilities and their impact on the world.
2. Can Any Monster Become an Elder Dragon?
No. Only specific monsters, generally unique and rare species, are classified as Elder Dragons. It’s not a progression but an inherent trait of certain monsters. Most monsters are classified as “Brute Wyvern”, “Bird Wyvern”, “Fanged Beast”, etc. and will remain as such.
3. Are there any Deviants that are Elder Dragon Level?
Yes, some Deviants like Hellblade Glavenus, Dreadking Rathalos, and Elderfrost Gammoth, are considered to have the power of Elder Dragons in their respective games, but they are still not officially classified as Elder Dragons. The Deviants are, in fact, just stronger versions of the monster they come from, not a separate classification.
4. Is the Deviljho an Elder Dragon?
No, although Deviljho is often seen as an Elder Dragon level threat due to its immense power and unique nature. Deviljho is still classified as a Brute Wyvern due to their behaviors and the fact that they don’t exhibit the same environmental influence as an Elder Dragon.
5. Is Valstrax an Elder Dragon?
Yes, Valstrax is an Elder Dragon, known for its unique rocket-like wings and incredible speed. It fits into the criteria of a monster exhibiting unique and reality warping powers.
6. What is the Easiest Elder Dragon?
While difficulty varies from player to player, Lunastra is often cited as one of the easier Elder Dragons, especially in comparison to other fire-based Elder Dragons. However, even the easiest Elder Dragon is still a tough fight that requires careful planning.
7. Which Elder Dragon is the Hardest?
This often comes down to player preference and experience. However, Teostra and Nergigante are often cited as some of the hardest Elder Dragons due to their aggressive nature, high damage output, and unique abilities.
8. Are Ancient Dragons Stronger than Elder Dragons?
Generally, Ancient Dragons are implied to be more powerful than Elder Dragons due to their legendary status and unique power sets. However, not all Ancient Dragons are within the same level of power.
9. Is Behemoth an Elder Dragon?
Yes, Behemoth is an Elder Dragon introduced in Monster Hunter: World as a crossover event with Final Fantasy XIV. Its abilities and immense power justify its classification.
10. Why is Kirin considered an Elder Dragon?
Kirin is an Elder Dragon due to its rare and elusive nature, its control over lightning, and the fact that its biology and behaviors break the established rules for other monsters in the Monster Hunter world.
11. Are Elder Dragons all Unique?
While each Elder Dragon species is unique, they are not single entities. Each Elder Dragon belongs to a specific species, with multiple individuals existing within the game world.
12. Are Elder Dragons Weak to Thunder?
This depends on the individual Elder Dragon. While some, like Nergigante, are weak to Thunder damage, others have different elemental weaknesses or resistances. Knowing the right element for an individual hunt is key.
13. Can Elder Dragons be Captured?
No, in the Monster Hunter games, Elder Dragons cannot be captured using traps. Hunters must defeat them through combat.
14. Who are the Seven Original Elder Dragons?
The “seven original” Elder Dragons are a reference from the Magic the Gathering card game and not part of the Monster Hunter lore.
15. What is the Smallest Elder Dragon?
Kirin is known as the smallest Elder Dragon in the Monster Hunter series.
Conclusion
In summary, while Rathalos is a powerful and iconic monster, it is not an Elder Dragon. It remains a Flying Wyvern, a formidable apex predator, but not one that fundamentally breaks the ecological rules or exerts the reality-altering influence associated with Elder Dragons. Understanding this difference is crucial for any hunter navigating the Monster Hunter world.