The apex predator of every mythology that dared to dream one up, the European dragon is a city-sized, fire-breathing, flying fortress covered in scales harder than diamond. Its hoard of gold is matched only by its hoard of destruction—entire kingdoms have burned at the whim of a single irritated wyrm. Countless knights have tried to slay one; the dragon remembers none of their names.

The undisputed king of the African savanna, the lion commands respect with a bone-crushing bite force and claws that can shred steel-drum lids. Hunting in coordinated prides, a male lion's 550-pound frame and thunderous roar can be heard from five miles away. Few animals dare challenge this apex predator on its home turf.