Ruth (dragon)

In Anne McCaffrey's fictional "Dragonriders of Pern" series, the dragon Ruth plays a central role in several of the novels. Ruth is the only white dragon described in the series, and is much smaller than the other dragons in the series' ninth pass timeline. In "Dragonquest", Ruth hatches near the end of the novel. The dragon’s story is expanded upon in the novel "The White Dragon".

Origins

In "Dragonquest", the gold dragon Ramoth lays a clutch of eggs, one of which McCaffrey describes as small with an unusually tough shell. The weyrfolk of Benden Weyr assume that the egg will not hatch, and begin to depart from the Hatching Ground when all the other hatchling dragonets have impressed with human dragonriders. The character Lord Jaxom jumps from the bleachers to the Hatching Ground to assist the unborn dragonet by breaking open the shell. Jaxom inadvertently Impresses the dragon.

After Impression, the Council decides that it has no problem with the young Lord’s bond with Ruth, as it is believed that Ruth will not live long. He does survive to maturity, although he is much smaller than the other dragons. In order to avoid the animosity of the Lord Holders, Lessa and F'lar carefully guide the Lord and dragon. Lord Jaxom is able to fly on Ruth, and is trained to go "between".

"The White Dragon"

Lord Jaxom becomes frustrated with various restrictions, such as the inability to take Hold of Ruatha, and the refusal of Dragonrider status. He rebels, and attempts to teach Ruth to chew firestone. He discovered serendipitously the draconic ability to travel through time while practicing going between, as well as Ruth's innate ability to orient himself in time. After Lord Jaxom and Ruth emerge amidst Threadfall, the Weyrfolk consent to give him firestone training.

Unique traits

In addition to his small size, Ruth is notable for his hide, which though commonly regarded as white, appears to be composed of pale hues from all dragons. It is possible that Ruth is a neuter, and indeed, "he" never shows an interest in mating. In addition to his physical attributes, Ruth is unusually willing to speak with humans besides his own rider, and has close and friendly relationships with firelizards, as well as a long memory and heightened intelligence. He also has a heightened ability to travel "between" to different times with the knowledge of exactly when and where he is in time and space.