- "Draco" is dragon in Latin, but it is also the name of an important antagonist in the Harry Potter series. Furthermore, the dragon can be interchanged with the serpent, which is the symbol or mascot of the Slytherin house. Slytherin is the house of many of the most dangerous and evil characters in Rowling's series. Finally, the dragon can be a symbol of Lord Voldemort, Harry Potter's nemesis.
- "Dormiens" is a gerundive of "dormire," which means "to sleep" in Latin. The adjective defines a calm state of the dragon and infers the irascible nature of the beast. The word also can describe the Hogwart's school as a bastion or safe space in a dangerous world. These interpretations are important to the plot of the Harry Potter books, as Lord Voldemort's power diminishes and Hogwart's serves as the main setting.
- "Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus" is equivalent to the phrase, "Let sleeping dogs lie," and it advises individuals to avoid stirring up trouble. Ironically, the phrase is the antithesis of actions by the books' protagonist, Harry Potter. Nevertheless, the phrase itself is symbolic of the authority, knowledge and experience of Hogwart's administration and teachers.
- "Draco Dormiens" is the first work in a series of Harry Potter fan fiction by Cassandra Claire. The series centers on the character Draco Malfoy and embellishes Rowling's story of the character presented in the Harry Potter books. Cassandra Claire's work can be found in the references.
- Many other interpretations of the meaning of draco dormiens are given on Harry Potter fan sites, some of which are given in the resources. J.K. Rowling's fan base has created new mythologies and understandings of the works of the author, and many do not believe the phrase "draco dormiens nunquam titillandus" is only a motto.
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