The creature known for guarding treasure and being incredibly possessive of it is the dragon, a prominent figure in various mythologies. Dragons are often depicted as powerful guardians of riches and are featured in tales such as those of Smaug in The Hobbit or the Fafnir in Norse mythology. Their fierce protectiveness over their hoards symbolizes not only material wealth but also deeper themes of greed and the dangers of excessive desire. Such tales often serve as moral cautionaries, reflecting society's values surrounding wealth, power, and the consequences of hoarding.