Introduction

Released in 2014 by DreamWorks Animation, How to Train Your Dragon 2, directed by Dean DeBlois, builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor How to Train Your Dragon in 2010 and continues the epic saga of Hiccup and his dragon, Toothless. More than its prequel, this installment delves more deeply into the characters’ development, explores a wider spectrum of thematic elements such as masculinity, family legacy, historical heritage, empathy towards animals, individuality, and identity and from more diverse perspectives, while more nuancedly showcasing elements of European culture through the lens of American mainstream media.

Plot Overview and Characters

The story of How to Train Your Dragon 2 takes place five years after the events of the first film: it follows Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel), the son of Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler) as he navigates his roles as both the future chief of Berk and an explorer. The once hostile relationship between dragons and Vikings has transformed into a harmonious co-existence, so that the Viking village of Berk has embraced dragons, integrating them into their daily lives. Hiccup, now a young adult, and his friends Astrid (America Ferrera), Snotlout (Jonah Hill), Fishlegs (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), and the twins Ruffnut (Kristen Wiig) and Tuffnut (T. J. Miller), continue to train and bond with their dragons.Hiccup, spends his time scrutinizing uncharted territories with Toothless. During one of their adventures, they discover a secret ice cave, home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, who turns out to be Hiccup’s long-lost mother, Valka (Cate Blanchett). Valka reveals that she has dedicated her life to protecting dragons from humans who seek to exploit or harm them. The central conflict arises when the villainous Drago Bludvist (Djimon Hounsou), a power-hungry warlord who seeks to conquer the world using dragons, emerges: he threatens the peace in Berk and forces Hiccup’s father, Stoick the Vast, to prepare for war. On the other hand, Hiccup believes he can change Drago’s mind and prevent an armed conflagration – while throughout the movie, Hiccup has been grappling with his identity and responsibilities, he has to ultimately confront Drago in a climactic battle which tests his leadership and the bond between him and Toothless, so that he faces his destiny and the legacy of his family.

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III is the main protagonist: he embodies a blend of vulnerability and bravery, being characterized by technical inventivity, compassion, a progressive outlook on life as well as flexibility and creativity. Burdened by his father’s expectations and inherited identity stereotypes, throughout his journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance in the world and understanding his legacy, Hiccup strives to balance his adventurous spirit with the responsibilities of leadership – whether he likes it or not. Furthermore, Hiccup’s relationship with his dragon Toothless is central to his character development, bringing into foreground his empathetic, non-violent nature and his staunch faith in a harmonious co-existence between humans and no-humans – in particular, dragons. In a nutshell, Hiccup’s character embodies the struggle between the pressure to adhere to traditional requirements of masculinity and the inner calling to forge a new pathway that values empathy and understanding. Toothless, the Night Fury dragon, is both Hiccup’s loyal companion and a powerful symbol of the bond between humans and dragons as well as crucial to Hiccup’s identity and growth, as their their bond exemplifies trust and the potential for harmony between humans and non-humans. His character construction and progression is profoundly significant as he evolves from a playful, affectionate dragon to the alpha of all dragons by the movie’s end: his transformation underscores the themes of growth and leadership parallel to Hiccup’s own journey, albeit less self-aware.

Valka, Hiccup’s mother, who was presumed dead, is a complex character who adds depth to the narrative. Valka is a fierce protector of dragons, whom she loves, and she lives in the wild to rescue and care for them. Her character introduces themes of maternal strength and alternative forms of heroism, compounded by her love for dragons and her dedication to their protection, which echoes elements of empathy and conservation. Moreover, Valka’s estrangement from her family and her eventual short-termed reunion with Hiccup and Hiccup’s father, Stoick the vast, highlight the theme of family legacy and the reconciliation of past and present.  In his turn, Stoick the Vast, Hiccup’s father and the chief of Berk, represents traditional masculinity and leadership as well as traditional Viking values and masculinity. His character arc in the film is poignant, as he learns to accept Hiccup’s unorthodox methods and views on leadership, and as he reconnects with Valka and ultimately sacrifices himself to save his son and the dragons. Stoick’s relationship with Hiccup is complicated, filled with both tension and deep love, yet pivotal to the theme of legacy, as he passes on the mantle of leadership to his son. Drago Bludvist serves as the movie’s antagonist, embodying tyranny and cruelty: a ruthless warlord, he employs fear and rage to dominate, control and enslave dragons and humans alike. His character contrasts sharply with Hiccup’s ideals, bringing into the spotlight the destructive potential of power when left unchecked and when driven by toxic aspirations of unlimited control. Drago’s lack of empathy and his drive to dominate dragons set the stage for the movie’s exploration of the consequences of such a worldview.

Among secondary characters, Astrid Hofferson stands out as Hiccup’s girlfriend and fellow dragon rider: brave and loyal, she appears as Hiccup’s trusted confidant and reliable supporter, while her character balances strength and sensitivity, challenging traditional gender roles. A seasoned Viking and close friend of Stoick, Gobber the Belch provides comic relief and wisdom, with his character adding depth to the depiction of Viking life and culture. Finally, Eret “Son of Eret”, although initially a dragon trapper working for Drago, undergoes substantial development as he switches sides several times, displaying themes of redemption, the power of individual choices and the necessity of self-aware responsibility.

Themes and Motifs

The film challenges traditional notions of masculinity through its portrayal of Hiccup and Stoick. Hiccup’s journey reflects a departure from traditional Viking masculinity, characterized by brute strength and aggression, towards a new model of masculinity which values empathy, intellectual curiosity, emotional openness, diplomacy and social intelligence. Stoick’s eventual acceptance of Hiccup’s unconventional approach to leadership signifies a generational shift from physical aggressiveness to wisdom and compassion, exemplifying the evolving understanding of what it means to be a man and a leader, in tune with the times.

Leadership as family legacy and self-awareness as cultural heritage are central themes, with Hiccup navigating the expectations placed upon him by his father with his own vision for Berk and the newly discovered heritage from his mother. This struggle mirrors broader themes of cultural heritage, in which the past informs but does not dictate the future. In addition, the movie emphasizes the importance of accepting, understanding and embracing one’s roots while building up a unique pathway: Hiccup’s journey reflects the reconciliation of familial influences and personal aspirations, on the powerful, rich background og the Viking culture, inspired by Scandinavian history and mythology. Thus, How to Train Your Dragon 2 pays honest hommage to European cultural heritage through its depiction of Viking traditions, architecture, and societal structures, while addressing concern of careful preservation and deeply felt respect, as seen in Valka’s sanctuary for dragons and the integration of dragons into Berk’s quotidian life.

A significant theme in How to Train Your Dragon 2 is empathy and respect towards animals, in this specific case, towards dragons, embodied in the bond between Hiccup and Toothless and in and Valka’s dedication to dragon welfare: this narrative advocates for a respectful and symbiotic relationship with nature, contrasting with Drago’s exploitative and violent approach. This theme encourages viewers to consider ethical treatment of animals and the importance of co-existence.

Finally, Hiccup’s quest for identity and individuality is a core element of the story, being as much about self-discovery as it is about external challenges. His journey emphasizes the importance of individuality and staying true to one’s beliefs, even in the face of opposition. Equally important, his struggle to define himself apart from his father’s expectations and societal norms resonates with audiences, especially young viewers facing similar dilemmas. How to Train Your Dragon 2 celebrates the uniqueness of each character on his/her/its quest for a higher self in the realm of individual potentialities, thus stimulating the inner desire for self-acceptance and expression of one’s true self despite external constraints and negative circumstances.

European Elements and the Portrayal in US-American Mainstream Media

While an US-American production, How to Train Your Dragon 2 integrates numerous European elements and is heavily inspired by Scandinavian culture and mythology. In turn, this portrayal aligns with a broader trend in US-American media to reimagine European cultural elements in ways capable to appeal to global audiences.The setting of Berk and its Viking inhabitants draw from Norse traditions, providing a romanticized and adventurous depiction of medieval Scandinavia;  the depiction of Viking society, with its emphasis on clan loyalty, warrior ethos, and maritime prowess, is a central aspect of the movie’s setting and narrative.

The European influence is obvious in the movie’s visual aesthetics, from the design of the characters’ attire to the architecture of Berk; the dragons themselves, constructed on the basis of various mythological creatures from European folklore, add to the cultural richness of the story: the filmmakers’ decision to portray dragons not as mere monsters but as sentient beings with their own social structures and individual emotions appears as a nuanced take, reminiscent of the deeper storytelling traditions of European myths.

More importantly, the portrayal of European elements through an American lens brings a fresh perspective to the familiar themes of Viking lore in a different political-economic context. The movie’s emphasis on empathy, individuality, and progressive values reflects contemporary American ideals, while still respecting and honoring the historical and cultural roots of its setting. This blend of cultural elements creates a narrative that is both universal and specific, inviting broader audience to mindful entertainment while maintaining a distinctive cultural flavor. Thus, the movie presents a juxtaposition of traditional European heroism and modern American ideals: Hiccup’s character can be seen as a modern reinterpretation of the classical European hero, who combines valor with compassion and intellectual curiosity; in doing so, contemporary values are mixed with historical attributes, resulting in an energizing atmosphere of global beauty. One step further, Berk’s unconditional acceptance of dragons into its inhabitants’ everyday life appears as a metaphor for cultural integration and harmony between the familiar and the unfamiliar. This theme resonates with European histories of cultural exchange and co-existence, albeit through a fantastical lens. The same applies to the depiction of a great variety of dragon species co-existing among themsleves and with humans, profoundly reflecting the ideals of diversity and inclusivity. Last but not least, Valka’s sanctuary for dragons and her role as their protector bring forth themes of environmental stewardship, a concept firmly rooted in many European cultures, reminding of the importance of preserving natural habitats and respecting wildlife, aligning with broader environmental concerns and movements.

Conclusion

How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a powerful movie with inconspicuous layers of significance, exploring themes of masculinity, family legacy, cultural heritage, empathy towards animals, and the quest for individual identity, therefore extending its impact beyond the thrilling action and stunning animation. Through its compelling characters and engaging narrative, the movie offers a modern take on traditional European-inspired stories of mythological origins, reimagined through the lens of US-American mainstream media and amalgamating European cultural elements with US-American contemporary values. Hiccup’s journey self-discovery and visionary leadership, from a young explorer to a responsible leader, supported by a diverse and dynamic cast of relatable, memorable characters, alongside his bond with Toothless, provides a heartwarming, enduring tale, able to resonate with global viewers of all ages, encouraging them to embrace empathy, respect for diversity, and the courage to forge their own pathways in life. The movie’s success lies in its ingenuity and power to balance action, humor, and profound themes with educational value, making it a standout entry in the animated movie genre.