Túrin has some information regarding the spirit and the body of the dragon:
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Children of Húrin
His power is rather in the evil spirit that dwells within him than in the might of his body, great though that be.
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Though it's Túrin's
own conclusion, if true, it would strongly suggest that the "fire" and the "hypnotizing" abilities come from the spirit, for the dragon proper is refered to as just the body (compare Túrins words: "His power is rather in the evil spirit that dwells
within him").
Morgoth probably transferred subcreative power and lore to the drangon's spirit; a similar process took place with Sauron and the Witch-King:
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Letters, #210
There, put in command by Sauron, he [the Witch-king] is given an added demonic force.
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Therefore, this wouldn't require the body of the dragon to possess an "indwelling fire" at all: the fire would be produced at the spitting. But, of course, the body would have to be strong enough to withstand the fire next to which it would stand.
Many suggested that the indwelling spirit would be lesser Maiar-like, but I found something possibly contrary in the Silmarillion:
Quote:
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Originally Posted by The Silmarillion
He [Glaurung] was yet young and scarce half-grown, for long and slow is the life of the dragons, but the Elves fled before him to Ered Wethrin and Dorthonion in dismay; and he defiled the fields of Ard-galen.
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Would this suggest that dragons
die, for "long and slow" are their lives? Would this be possible being them Maiar?