The term wyrm carries its own unique flavour and history that sets it apart from the more familiar Dragon. While both terms conjure images of mythical, serpentine creatures, a wyrm is often envisioned as a more ancient and more serpentine being.
In the lore of old European mythologies, a wyrm is sometimes a limbless or wingless dragon, more like a giant, powerful serpent than the classic fire-breathing, winged dragon we might see in modern fables.
The etymology of wyrm actually stems from Old English and Old Norse words meaning "serpent" or "dragon." Over time, the wyrm became a creature of folklore that symbolized something primordial, often dwelling in dark caverns or guarding ancient treasures. In contrast, the dragon, especially in modern fantasy, has taken on a slightly more varied set of traits, sometimes even becoming a figure of wisdom or a companion rather than just a menace.