In Rick Riordan's "The Last Olympian," the author makes a distinction between dragons and drakons. Drakons are ancient creatures, far older and larger than dragons, often resembling colossal serpents. Unlike most dragons, drakons typically lack wings and do not breathe fire, though a few exceptions exist. All drakons possess poisonous qualities and exhibit incredible strength, with scales tougher than titanium.

Additionally, drakons have a terrifying ability to paralyze their victims with their gaze. This is not the classic Medusa-style petrification; instead, it induces a paralyzing fear that can completely incapacitate anyone who encounters these fearsome beings, causing them to feel overwhelmed by the sheer threat of being consumed.