Elder Dragons
Elder Dragons are a classification of creatures in the Monster Hunter series. In Monster Hunter 4, three specific Elder Dragons appear. Dah'ren Mohran is a giant sand dwelling Elder Dragon that attacks a sandship on its way to Val Habar. Kushala Daora is a metallic skinned Elder Dragon that threatens the capital city of Dundorma. Shagaru Magala is identified as a golden Elder Dragon that emerges when Gore Magala sheds its skin, becoming its adult form.
- Classification
- Elder Dragon
Lore & Background
In Monster Hunter 4, the player first encounters an Elder Dragon when a giant Dah'ren Mohran attacks the sandship taking them to Val Habar. The Hunter protects the ship long enough before the Guild's Ace Hunters arrive to drive the beast away. Later, after the Caravan reaches Cathar, the Hunter learns that the Frenzy Virus was carried by Gore Magala, which suddenly vanished, having shed its skin to become its adult form: a much more dangerous golden Elder Dragon, Shagaru Magala. The Hunter takes on Shagaru Magala when it threatens Cathar, and on its demise, finds that the Article is a scale taken from Shagaru Magala. Finally, the Guild needs help in the capital city of Dundorma, where another powerful monster, Kushala Daora, a metallic skinned Elder Dragon, has been spotted. The Hunter helps secure the city's defense in anticipation of an attack by the dragon. While the Hunter searches for materials to build a weapon against the Elder Dragon, numerous rare golden Wyverns known as the Seregios have suddenly made frequent appearances all over the world. The Ace Hunters discover the resurgence of the Frenzy Virus, and further investigations reveal these two events are caused by a Seregios that has gone Apex. However, as the Hunter goes out to hunt the Apex Seregios, the Kushala Daora begins assaulting Dundorma. The Ace Hunters manage to successfully defend the city when the Hunter returns, and with their combined efforts they use the newly created weapon to drive away the Elder Dragon.
In Their Own Story
In Monster Hunter 4, the player's character first encounters an Elder Dragon when a giant Dah'ren Mohran attacks the sandship taking them to Val Habar. The Hunter protects the ship long enough before the Guild's Ace Hunters arrive to drive the beast away. Later, after the Caravan reaches Cathar, the Hunter learns that the Frenzy Virus was carried by Gore Magala, which suddenly vanished, having shed its skin to become its adult form: a much more dangerous golden Elder Dragon, Shagaru Magala. The Hunter takes on Shagaru Magala when it threatens Cathar, and on its demise, finds that the Article is a scale taken from Shagaru Magala. Finally, the Guild needs help in the capital city of Dundorma, where another powerful monster, Kushala Daora, a metallic skinned Elder Dragon, has been spotted. The Hunter helps secure the city's defense in anticipation of an attack by the dragon. While the Hunter searches for materials to build a weapon against the Elder Dragon, numerous rare golden Wyverns known as the Seregios have suddenly made frequent appearances all over the world. The Ace Hunters discover the resurgence of the Frenzy Virus, and further investigations reveal these two events are caused by a Seregios that has gone Apex. However, as the Hunter goes out to hunt the Apex Seregios, the Kushala Daora begins assaulting Dundorma. The Ace Hunters manage to successfully defend the city when the Hunter returns, and with their combined efforts they use the newly created weapon to drive away the Elder Dragon.
Did You Know?
- Dah'ren Mohran is a giant sand dwelling Elder Dragon that attacks a sandship on its way to Val Habar.
- Shagaru Magala is the adult form of Gore Magala, emerging when Gore Magala sheds its skin.
- Kushala Daora is described as a metallic skinned Elder Dragon that threatens the capital city of Dundorma.
- The Article the Caravaneer carries is revealed to be a scale taken from Shagaru Magala.
- The Hunter and Ace Hunters use a newly created weapon to drive away Kushala Daora from Dundorma.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines an Elder Dragon classification?
This group consists of apex predators that possess unique abilities capable of altering the environment or triggering natural disasters. They are distinct from standard monsters due to their immense power and rarity within the ecosystem.
Why are they considered a global threat?
Their emergence often signals ecological instability, forcing the Hunter's Guild to intervene before widespread destruction occurs. Many species can withstand conventional weaponry and require specialized tactics to defeat.
Do all Elder Dragons attack humans on sight?
While aggression is common when provoked or during territorial disputes, some remain aloof and only engage if their habitat is disturbed. Their motivations are typically driven by instinct rather than malice toward civilization.
What makes their materials so sought after?
Parts harvested from these beasts contain potent energy that allows artisans to craft superior gear with elemental resistances. Equipping such items significantly enhances a hunter's survivability against high-level threats.
How do specific species like Kushala Daora fit in?
Individual members display unique traits, such as metallic scales or sand-dwelling habits that differentiate them from the broader group. These variations allow hunters to identify and prepare for specific environmental hazards associated with each dragon.
More in Guilds & Organizations
Elsewhere in the Monster Hunter universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record