Dragons Can Be Killed

July 19, 2025

“Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.” -G.K. Chesterton

At what age do you get to start saying “Back in my day it was so much tougher”? Asking for a friend. You can just see the beam of pride in someone’s face as they explain how difficult their childhood was, and what they really are getting at is how much more hardship they endured than someone else.

Children today have their own dragons, but for whatever reason we spend more time telling kids that their dragons are not real. Or it’s nothing compared to the dragons we faced in our day. Blah blah blah.

Being dismissive or belittling or someone else’s problems isn’t reassuring. If you are the veteran knight you claim to be, show us how to wield Excalibur. The kids could use the guidance.