
Dragons are often depicted as majestic, fire-breathing creatures, but how do they blow out candles? It's a question that has puzzled many, with some humorous suggestions being made, such as using their nostrils or even their farts! However, the more realistic answer may lie in the fact that dragons are portrayed as having excellent control over their fire-breathing abilities. They can likely direct the flow of air in a similar way, making them adept at extinguishing candles. Silver and white dragons might even use their cold breath, although this might be overkill for a tiny flame. One story even suggests that dragons might bob for apples before blowing out candles to ensure they don't accidentally set their cake ablaze!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Method | Through their nostrils |
| Suck in air | |
| Breathe on an unlit candle to light it, then pinch it out | |
| Lick their fingers and snuff them out | |
| Turn into a human | |
| Use their cold breath | |
| Breathe on a spot near the candle, not directly on it |
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What You'll Learn

Dragons can direct the flow of fire, so they can probably do the same with air
Dragons are often depicted as having the ability to control and direct the flow of fire, so it stands to reason that they could also manipulate air flow in a similar manner. This ability to control air flow would make them quite adept at blowing out candles, contrary to what one might initially assume for a fire-breathing reptile.
While the act of blowing out candles may seem trivial to humans, it presents a unique challenge for dragons due to their fire-breathing capabilities. The force and heat of their breath could easily melt or ignite the cake and surroundings, as seen in the story of Flick, a young dragon who struggled to blow out the candles on his birthday cake without causing a disaster.
One theory suggests that dragons might use a small snort out of one nostril to extinguish a candle without causing collateral damage. This technique would allow them to direct a controlled burst of air at the flame while minimizing the risk of accidental ignition. Additionally, the use of a single nostril would reduce the airflow, further reducing the chances of unintended consequences.
Another possibility is that dragons could lick their fingers and use them to snuff out the candle flame. This method would not require any airflow control and could be a simple and effective way to extinguish a small flame safely. It is worth noting that not all dragons breathe fire constantly, and they can choose when to do so. Therefore, they are likely capable of breathing air in a controlled manner as well, allowing them to blow out candles without resorting to fire-breathing at all.
Furthermore, adult dragons have access to high-level wizard spells, including polymorph, which would enable them to transform into humans temporarily. In this human form, blowing out candles would be a simple task, free from the complications of dragon physiology. While this magical approach may be an option for some dragons, it is not necessary for all, as their natural abilities and techniques, such as nostril snorting or finger-snuffing, can effectively address the challenge of blowing out candles.
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They could use their nostrils to blow or snort
Dragons are often depicted as having the ability to breathe fire, but this doesn't mean they are constantly doing so. In fact, they can choose when to breathe fire, and when not to. Similarly, they can likely control the direction and force of their breath, allowing them to blow out candles with precision.
One theory suggests that dragons could use their nostrils to blow out candles. This idea is supported by the fact that dragons are often portrayed as having a high degree of control over the flow of their fire. If they can manipulate fire in such a way, it stands to reason that they could also manipulate air in a similar manner. A small snort out of one nostril could be enough to extinguish a candle's flame without causing any unintended combustion.
Additionally, it's worth noting that not all dragons breathe fire. Silver and white dragons, for example, possess the ability to breathe cold air, which could be used to snuff out larger fires. However, this method might be excessive for a single candle.
While the method of using their nostrils to blow out candles seems plausible, there are other theories as well. Some suggest that dragons might lick their fingers and use them to pinch out the flame, or that they could even use magic to transform into humans and blow out the candles in a more conventional way.
In conclusion, the idea that dragons could use their nostrils to blow out candles is a reasonable assumption based on their perceived abilities to control both fire and air. However, it's important to acknowledge that dragons are mythical creatures, and the specifics of their candle-blowing techniques may vary depending on the particular interpretation or mythology being referenced.
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They could lick their fingers and pinch the candle out
Dragons could opt for a more creative approach to blowing out candles by licking their fingers and pinching the candle out. This method, often used for birthday candles, involves wetting one's fingers with saliva or water to protect them from the heat of the flame. Then, with a quick motion, the dragon can pinch the wick between their fingers and immediately release it. This technique, known as "suffocating the flame," reduces smoke and preserves the candle's fragrance.
While this method can be effective, it requires caution to avoid burns. Dragons must be careful not to touch the hot wax and ensure their faces are a safe distance away to prevent splatters. Additionally, they should be mindful of the candle's height and their ability to pull their hand away quickly if needed.
Licking one's fingers before pinching the candle out adds a layer of protection from the heat. This technique is especially important for dragons, as their scales may not provide the same level of insulation as human skin. By wetting their fingers, dragons can minimize the risk of burning themselves.
Furthermore, dragons can also experiment with different techniques to perfect their candle-blowing skills. With practice, they may even master the timing and precision required to pinch out a candle without licking their fingers at all. This advanced skill would be a testament to their dexterity and control over their fire-breathing abilities.
While some may suggest that dragons use their fiery breath to blow out candles, the idea of them licking their fingers and pinching the flame out adds an element of surprise and showcases their versatility. It also ensures that they do not accidentally cause a larger fire or damage their surroundings with an uncontrolled burst of flame.
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They could use their cold breath to put out the flame
While the idea of dragons blowing out candles may seem far-fetched, it is indeed a fascinating topic for speculation. One possible explanation for how dragons could extinguish candles involves their breath. Specifically, it is proposed that dragons could utilize their cold breath to snuff out the candle's flame.
This theory is supported by the notion that some dragons, particularly silver and white dragons, possess the ability to breathe cold air. While their fiery breath is undoubtedly their most famous attribute, the ability to manipulate cold air should not be overlooked. By exhaling a gust of frigid breath, a dragon could potentially create a rapid drop in temperature, causing the flame of a candle to be swiftly extinguished.
However, it is important to acknowledge that this method may not be the most efficient or practical approach for a dragon. Using their cold breath to snuff out a candle might be considered overkill, as the intense cold could also affect the surrounding environment and objects. The dragon's icy breath could potentially freeze nearby items or even create a layer of frost on surfaces. Therefore, while it is a viable option, it might not be the preferred method for dragons to blow out candles.
Additionally, it is worth noting that dragons are often depicted as having a high degree of control over their fiery breath. They are known for their precision in directing the flow of fire, indicating a sophisticated understanding of airflow and combustion. This level of control suggests that dragons could likely exert similar command over their cold breath. By focusing their cold breath on the candle's flame, they might be able to extinguish it without causing excessive freezing in the surrounding area.
Furthermore, it is important to consider the context in which a dragon would need to blow out candles. Dragons are often portrayed as majestic and powerful creatures, and the act of blowing out candles may be seen as a delicate task requiring precision. In such cases, the use of cold breath could provide a more subtle and controlled approach compared to the brute force of a physical gust of air.
In conclusion, while the use of cold breath may not be the first method that comes to mind when considering how dragons blow out candles, it is certainly a plausible option. The ability of dragons to manipulate both fire and cold air grants them a unique set of tools to interact with their environment. Whether through the use of cold breath, precise airflow control, or other inventive methods, the idea of dragons blowing out candles sparks the imagination and highlights the intriguing possibilities within the fantastical world of dragon lore.
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They could turn into a human and blow the candle out
Dragons are inherently magical beings and are not reptilian in nature. They are often portrayed as being very good at directing the flow of fire, and it is believed that they can do the same with air, making them good at blowing out candles. While some sources suggest that dragons can only blow out candles through their nostrils, others suggest that they can turn into humans to blow out candles.
In popular culture, dragons are often depicted as huge lizard-like beings, usually with wings. However, in many stories, dragons can also take human form, and that often seems like a mundane ability for them. For example, in the Dragon Heart film and the Longest Journey games, dragons have been shown turning into humans. In Korean mythology, there is a dragon called the Imoogi, which is born as a human child and remains so until its seventeenth year. After that, it can go back and forth between human and dragon forms.
In the context of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), dragons are divided into two groups: the Metallic Dragons and the Chromatic Dragons. Only the Metallic Dragons have the innate ability to turn into humanoid form. This is because allowing any dragon to do so tends to make Chromatic Dragons more Machiavellian. However, a sufficiently powerful Chromatic Dragon could learn to cast Polymorph and turn into a human.
Given the evidence, it is plausible that dragons could turn into humans to blow out candles. This ability could be especially useful for dragons that want to collect treasure from small spaces or fit into human-sized spaces for other purposes.
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Frequently asked questions
Dragons are often portrayed as being very good at directing the flow of fire and air, so they can probably blow out candles through their nostrils without causing any fires.
Yes, some dragons might use their cold breath to put out a candle, but this would be overkill for a small flame. Another way would be for the dragon to turn into a human using a spell and blow out the candle in that form.
A young dragon named Flick had trouble controlling his fire breath and wanted to blow out the candles on his birthday cake. He tried blowing through a damp cloth, but if it was wet enough to not burn, it blocked too much breath and the candles wouldn't go out. He also tried blowing on a spot near the cake, but if he blew hard enough to extinguish the candles, the cake got singed.











































