Ruined Dragon

The Ruined Dragon, also known as the Lord of Lightning, is the boss of the Ruined Kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey.

History
Not much is known about the Ruined Dragon’s past, although the brochure of Crumbleden gives speculation that he may be the one responsible for bringing ruin to the kingdom.

Sometime during the game's events, Bowser manages to either manipulate or take control of the dragon via a crown pinned to the dragon’s head. When Mario and Cappy use the Odyssey to reach Bowser's Castle, Bowser arrives on the Ruined Dragon and orders the dragon to shoot down the Odyssey, forcing it to land in Crumbleden.

While gathering Moons to repair the Odyssey, Mario and Cappy make their way to the top of a large tower, where the Ruined Dragon emerges from the clouds to engage the two. The dragon uses his electrical breath to create multiple buzzsaw-like blades to chase Mario, before slamming his head onto the tower, creating electrical waves Mario can jump over to avoid being shocked. The dragon will then rest some seconds after the last wave. Mario must then make his way to the dragon’s head as he recharges, pulling out the pins with Cappy to uproot the crown, allowing Mario to Ground Pound on the dragon’s exposed head. As the dragon takes damage, he will create more buzzsaws and waves, as well as a few more pins holding down the crown. After three hits, the Ruined Dragon is defeated and exposes a Multi Moon, enough to repair the Odyssey.

Unlike other bosses, the Ruined Dragon does not explode or leave after defeat; instead he remains hanging on to the tower for the rest of the game. He can even be interacted with should Mario return to the tower, stating that he’s “too tired” to move. A hidden Moon can be found by throwing Cappy at his right horn.

The dragon can be re-fought using a portrait in Peach’s castle. While the rematch is identical to the first, the only difference being the waves create a zigzag pattern that should be jumped or ducked under, and the floor is made out of ice, making it trickier to dodge the buzzsaws.

Trivia

 * The Ruined Dragon has a very realistic appearance compared to the cartoonish details normally used in characters in the ‘’Mario’’ franchise.