Dragons

The word “dragon[s]” is mentioned in the Book of Mormon three times. The first is in 2 Nephi 23:22, but is taken from Isaiah, 

"And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces; and her time is near to come, and her day shall not be prolonged. For I will destroy her speedily; yea, for I will be merciful unto my people, but the wicked shall perish."

The Nephites obtained from the Brass Plates before they left Jerusalem (1 Nephi 5) which contained this prophecy of Isaiah.

The word “dragon” or “dragons” was used in the Old Testament numerous times. This beast is sometimes referred to as living in the sea or fresh water with grass, reeds, and rushes. This would lead us to think of the crocodile, which could in many ways be construed as a dragon. In the New Testament John the Revelator used the word “dragon” in Chapter 12 of Revelation, solely to refer to evil forces, in other words, Satan. 

Now let us look at the word “dragon” as used in the other two verses in the Book of Mormon: Mosiah 20:11 - describes the people of Limhi who, fought for their lives and their families,

"...they were not half so numerous as the Lamanites. But they fought for their lives, and for their wives, and for their children; therefore they exerted themselves and like dragons did they fight."

Alma 43:44 - describes the people of Limhi who, fought for their lives and their families,

"And they were inspired by the Zoramites and the Amalekites, who were their chief captains and leaders, and by Zerahemnah, who was their chief captain, or their chief leader and commander; yea, they did fight like dragons, and many of the Nephites were slain by their hands"

Site:  Palenque, pg. 9

Schele Number:  131

Description:  tablet of the slaves. the iconography and composition recall the palace tablet (sd126); however, instead of identifying a palenque ruler, the text concerns events in the life of chak suutz', sahal to ahkal mo' naab iii. three individuals are seated on human and supernatural benches. the male on the left holds a drum major headdress decorated with a jester god while the female on the right lifts an eccentric flint and flayed face shield.