Guardian Dragons have large shields on the end of their tails. Although the shields appear to be heavy, they are light, yet nearly unbreakable. Guardian Dragons use their tail-shields, as well as their wings, to deflect attacks and protect others. Often, they will guard the eggs and hatchlings of a nest while others are away. They are generally peaceful, and will not retaliate unless necessary. They have no need to forage or hunt, as they are fed by those they protect.

Dragons are highly-intelligent reptilian creatures that—from a human perspective, at least—appear to live forever. Many different varieties of dragon exist, each with their own unique qualities, habitats, and behavior. Adolescence in dragons is usually marked by the growth of a hatchling’s wings, although not all breeds of dragons grow wings and some breeds have other traits that indicate the beginning of maturation. In Galsreim, dragons and humans coexist peacefully.

The leader of Lanette's cave, Lan is in every sense a protector of those he considers his 'extended family'—the other dragons in his cave. He is a fierce warrior, strong and battle-hardened. However he is also very patient with little hatchies, whom he especially watches over. Lan is extremely loyal to his cave owner. He is also deeply in love with his mate, Nynaeve, and is a stern but adoring father to their two offspring, Maric and Elnore. Though he doesn't seem to be the sort, those who know him well know that he enjoys poetry. One of his favourite verses that he often quotes is: "The rose petal floats on water. The kingfisher flashes above the pond. Life and beauty swirl in the midst of death".

It is said that Lan was born to the leaders of a once-powerful dragon clan that was attacked and wiped out by an evil force. Some feel that he should raise a dragon army to avenge his clan's massacre, but Lan does not believe the right time for it has come yet.