The Woman with the Dragon

Woman with a Dragon is the third volume in a four-part anthology of Czech and Slovak female speculative fiction authors (see the Lehké fantazijno project). It again includes 13 short stories representing the genre diversity of speculative fiction (fantasy, sci-fi, horror, post-apocalyptic, humour, alternative history, etc.) while also portraying the ability of both heroines and heroes to act freely, to protect, and to destroy. The dragon is a mythical creature, a symbol of the element of fire and a symbol of power. A dragon does not submit to any dogmas or rules; it acts freely, even unbound, because it is not constrained by artificially created prejudices and boundaries of what is and is not possible. Its unpredictability and ability to control the elements make it dangerous. Its traits also include competitiveness, insatiable ambition, irritability, and intolerance. Dragons are therefore often seen as symbols of destruction and chaos and depicted as bloodthirsty beasts that bring ruin, as well as symbols of the devil. Because they possess magical powers, they are considered teachers of magic and givers of magical swords. They are said to have the ability to protect not only themselves but also their kin and all those they embrace. It is also claimed that they bring good fortune, which is why dragons in many legends are associated with wealth and treasure.

The book is again in B6 format, with 346 pages, a hardback cover, a colour cover by Jana Šouflová, and black-and-white illustrations inside by Jaroslav Svoboda.

The foreword was written by Zdeněk Rampas, lifetime president of the Czechoslovak Fandom, organiser, publisher, editor, and editor-in-chief of the Interkom newsletter, and the afterword was added by Polish Bohemist and translator of SF literature, Joanna Czaplińska.

Short Stories

Jela Abasová: One of a Thousand Eyes
Vendula Brunhoferová: Lord of the Wasteland
Zuzana Droppová: The Armchair
Edita Dufková: Cross Nails
Kristina Haidingerová: The Beast and the Devil
Zuzana Koubková: Princess Bohunka's Nightmare
Dana Krejčová: A Drop of Dragon's Blood
Petra Machová: The Last Dance
Tereza Matoušková: Ash and Blood
Petra Neomillnerová: Shadow of the Wild
Scarlett Rauschgoldová – Darth Zira: No Way Back
Petra Slováková: The Trick
Anna Šochová: How Fairies Disappear