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.

Ruth is a proud young dragon who can be somewhat picky when it comes to choosing mates whom she wishes to produce eggs with and seems to be fond of making her carer annoyed by choosing not to produce eggs. Though some of her mates have been very beautiful in the past, like herself, she has sometimes even turned them away without any interest at all. She is very prized by her carer as she was the first Tinsel to join EragonSaphiraRider's clan of dragons. She is very loved by most dragons in her carer's care.