Do dragons exist?

Depends on who you ask. Any true fantasy fan will say yes, of course dragons exist. Other people—Eustace Clarence Scrubb type people—might believe otherwise.

But whether dragons exist or not, we can all agree they’re some of the most awe-inspiring, fear-inducing creatures in literature. Few if any creatures from the pages of fantasy have as much storied history or reputation as dragons.

Dozens of fantasy books and series include dragons of all sizes, colors, temperaments, loyalties, and motives. Whichever way you cut it, fantasy worlds are better off when dragons are involved.

So why not for our world, too? Dragons would be able to meet a lot of needs, methinks.

With that in mind, here are twenty reasons the world needs dragons.

1. Cities like Boston need dragons to melt the inordinate amounts of snow the snow removal crews can’t handle during rough winters.
2. Residents of cold northern climes need dragons to keep things toasty during the long Arctic winters.
3. The rational people of the world need dragons to zap the stupid people of the world (not naming anyone).
4. Skeptical, unimaginative people need dragons to teach them the power of imagination.
5. Politicians need dragons to give their campaigns extra hype and media attention.
6. Sports fans need dragons for when referees make terrible calls or for when rival fans become obnoxious.
7. Countries with hostile enemies need dragons as conflict deterrents.
8. People who can’t afford airline tickets need dragons so they can get cheap flights.
9. Fantasy geeks need dragons so they can prove they aren’t as wacky as the uninitiated assume.
10. Artists need dragons so they can create truly authentic masterpieces.
11. Singers and bands need dragons during their concerts to blow the roof off the coolness factor.
12. Criminals need dragons to make their nefarious pursuits easier.
13. Police need dragons to fight the dragons the criminals have.
14. The people of New York City need dragons to prevent the crazy superheroes and villains from tearing their city apart.
15. People on Facebook need dragons so their sole form of online entertainment doesn’t have to consist of cat videos.
16. Fantasy writers need dragons for the purpose of firsthand research.
17. Citizens need dragons to keep governments in line.
18. Banks need dragons to protect their vaults.
19. Chefs need dragons as a cost-effective alternative to expensive stoves and ovens.
20. Comic-cons need dragons in order to make their events even more awesome than they already are.

Why do you think the world would be a better place with dragons? I would love to hear your thoughts.