Identity, Legacy and Compassion in How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019): An In-Depth Analysis of the Hero’s Journey
Released in 2019, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, the third and final installment of the beloved How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, directed by Dean DeBlois, continues to captivate audiences with its rich masterful storytelling and the intricate plot, detailed characterizations, breathtaking animation, and profound themes such as masculinity and leadership, family legacy, cultural heritage, empathy towards animals, individuality, and identity while offering a unique portrayal of European elements through the lens of US-American mass media. The animation movie follows the journey of Hiccup, a young Viking chief, and his dragon, Toothless, as they face new challenges and discover hidden realms in their exploration of the unknown.
Plot Overview
The story picks up a year after the events of How To Train Your Dragon 2. Hiccup, now the chief of Berk, has created a utopia in which humans and dragons co-exist peacefully, but their peace is threatened by the appearance of dragon hunters led by Grimmel the Grisly, a ruthless villain determined to capture or kill all dragons hunter – and most assidously looking for Toothless. Simultaneously, Toothless discovers a female Night Fury, dubbed the Light Fury, leading him to question his role beside Hiccup. As Grimmel’s attacks intensify, Hiccup alongside his friends and fellow dragon riders, decides to embark on a quest to find the mythical Hidden World, a safe sanctuary for dragons beyond the edge of the world, to protect his people and their dragon companions. The journey tests Hiccup’s leadership, courage, and the bond between him and Toothless, as he must confront his insecurities, the responsibilities of leadership, and the impending separation from Toothless who chooses to join his mate, Light Fury. Ultimately, Hiccup learns to let go, allowing Toothless to lead his kind while he embraces his responsibilities as a leader of his people.
Character Analysis
Hiccup or Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, voiced by Jay Baruchel, is the protagonist whose journey from an awkward, misunderstood, hesitant young boy to a wise, confident and courageous leader is at the heart of the entire trilogy. In How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, Hiccup grapples with his identity as a leader and the weight of leadership as well as the legacy of his father, Stoick, without the support of his dragon, Toothless. He embodies a modern interpretation of masculinity, one that values intelligence, compassion, and empathy over brute strength, as his character arc is deeply intertwined with themes of family legacy, as he strives to live up to his late father’s expectations while forging his own path. Most evidently, his relationship with Toothless exemplifies his growth, showcasing themes of independence and maturity.
Toothless, the Night Fury, is Hiccup’s loyal dragon companion and friend, as his character symbolizes the deep bond between humans and animals, showcasing mutual respect and understanding. In this installment, Toothless experiences his own journey of self-discovery as he meets the Light Fury within a subplot exploring themes of individuality and identity, highlighting Toothless’s growth and his eventual role as a leader among dragons. Thus, the introduction of the Light Fury challenges Toothless to explore his instincts and desires, representing a journey towards self-discovery and eventual independence.
Astrid Hofferson, voiced by America Ferrera, is Hiccup’s girlfriend and a fierce warrior, his steadfast partner, as she represents the balance of strength and sensitivity, supporting Hiccup while also challenging him to become a better leader, providing unwavering support and wisdom. Astrid’s character development includes her evolving relationship with Hiccup, which is based on mutual respect and partnership, defying traditional gender roles, as she displays strength, independence, and the importance of partnership in leadership.
Grimmel the Grisly, voiced by F. Murray Abraham, is the antagonist hatred for dragons contrasts sharply with Hiccup’s empathy and whose cunning and ruthlessness make him a formidable foe: driven by a desire for control and domination, he represents the antithesis of Hiccup’s empathetic leadership. Grimmel’s character highlights the destructive nature of viewing animals purely as trophies or tools for personal gain while delving into the darker aspects of human nature and the pernicious potential of fear and hatred.
Though deceased, Stoick the Vast’s legacy looms large, as his past actions and values influence Hiccup’s decisions, emphasizing the importance of family legacy and cultural heritage.
The Light Fury symbolizes the unknown and the wild, as her presence challenges Toothless and Hiccup to confront change and the natural order, highlighting themes of adaptation and coexistence.
The supporting cast includes the dragon riders Snotlout, Fishlegs, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut, each bringing their unique personalities and humor to the story, as well as Valka, Hiccup’s mother, who plays a crucial role, offering wisdom and support to her son. These characters contribute to the rich tapestry of Berk’s community, emphasizing themes of teamwork and diversity.
Main Themes
Masculinity and Leadership: Hiccup’s leadership style contrasts with traditional depictions of Viking masculinity. Thus, rather than relying on brute strength, Hiccup’s approach is characterized by empathy, innovation, and collaboration: unlike typical male heroes, often aggressive and domineering in their demeanor, Hiccup’s strength lies in his compassionate intelligence, the ability to forge connections and the willingness to embrace change. This progressive representation significantly encourages a broader understanding of masculinity, challenging the stereotype of the warrior leader and promoting a more nuanced understanding of strength and courage. Hiccup’s journey underscores the fact that true leadership and bravery are rooted in understanding and compassion rather than physical prowess.
Family Legacy and Cultural Heritage: How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World’s focus on family legacy and cultural heritage is deeply rooted in European traditions, visible in Hiccup’s reverence for his father and his desire to honor Stoick’s memory, which align with the European value of respecting one’s ancestors. Yet, the film also encourages breaking free from the past to nurture a new pathway in life, reflecting a dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation. Thus, while the shadow of Stoick influences Hiccup’s actions throughout the movie and results in Hiccup’s struggle to live up to his father’s legacy and find his own trajectory highlights this theme and reflects the broader societal expectation to honor and build upon the achievements of previous generations. Thus, in Hiccup constantly measuring himself against the memory of his father, Stoick the Vast, whose shadow looms large over his decisions, the movie illustrates the tension between honoring one’s heritage and finding an independent direction. Hiccup’s ultimate realization that he can honor his father’s legacy while being true to himself is a poignant resolution to this theme.
Moreover, the Viking culture vividly depicted in How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, with its emphasis on community and tradition, underscores the importance of cultural heritage: architecture, customs, and values of Berk. The entire trilogy draws heavily from Norse mythology and Scandinavian culture, presenting them in a way that is accessible and appealing to a global audience. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World itself, with its ethereal beauty and sense of mystery, evokes the awe and wonder of ancient myths and legends. In addition, Hiccup’s efforts to protect both his people and their dragon companions illustrate a commitment to preserving and respecting cultural values while embracing change.
Empathy Towards Animals: A significant aspect of How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is its emphasis on empathy towards animals, e.g., dragons, most obvious in Hiccup’s relationship with Toothless, based on mutual respect and understanding, which is a testament to the deep bond that can exist between humans and animals and in unfathomable contrast to Grimmel’s exploitation and cruelty. The movie advocates for treating animals with kindness and respect, challenging the exploitative attitudes represented by Grimmel and the dragon hunters. Furthermore, the empathetic portrayal of dragons deeply questions the historical view of dragons as fearsome creatures, presenting them instead as intelligent, emotional beings capable of forming profound connections with humans. This perspective aligns with modern environmental and animal rights movements, advocating for a harmonious coexistence with nature and encouraging a broader message of compassion and respect for all living beings.
Individuality and Identity: Both Hiccup and Toothless face journeys of self-discovery and growth. Thus, while Hiccup learns to lead without relying on Toothless, discovering his inner strength and confidence, Toothless, on the other hand, explores his identity as he connects with the Light Fury and embraces his role as a leader. These parallel journeys underscore the importance of individuality and the courage to pursue one’s true self. Although universal, individuality and identity resonate with existentialist philosophy originating in Jean-Paul Sartre’s (1905-1980) writings, which emphasize the importance of personal authenticity and self-discovery in the name of responsible freedom. Hiccup and Toothless’s journeys reflect the existential quest for meaning and the willingness to embrace one’s true self, echoing philosophical traditions from several European thinkers in recent decades and amplified by receptive audiences as a fundamental aspect of personal growth. In this train of thoughts, while the journey of self-discovery is pivotal for both Hiccup and Toothless, Hiccup’s realization that he must let Toothless go to fulfill his destiny mirrors his own need to step into his role as a leader independently.
European Elements and Their Portrayal US-American Mass Media
It is no secret that How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, like the entire trilogy, while produced by an American studio, is steeped in European elements and draws heavily on European mythology and culture, particularly Norse and Viking elements from the North, which form the backdrop of the story. The depiction of Berk, with its rugged landscapes and Viking architectural designs, the characters’ outfits and even their names immerse viewers in a world inspired by Scandinavian heritage, with the dragons themselves, resembling mythical creatures from European folklore, further reinforcing this connection. At the same time, it is important to note that the movie adapts these elements to fit a larger, more comprehensive narrative: hence, the Vikings in the movie, while retaining certain traditional characteristics, are portrayed through the filter of the lens of US-American mass media and with a modern sensibility which emphasizes inclusivity, empathy, and progressive values, often romanticizing and simplifying historical and cultural elements for more comfortable, more convenient appeal leading to financial success at the box-office and with critics. This adaptation reflects the ways US-American mass media often reinterprets European cultural elements to resonate with contemporary audiences.
Therefore, thus idealized depiction which romanticizes the Viking culture aligns with the American fascination with rugged individualism and heroism: in its portrayal of the Vikings as brave, adventurous, and noble, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World simplifies the complexities of Viking history, but it also serves to introduce young audiences to aspects of European heritage in an engaging way. Ultimately, the movie blends European cultural elements with universal themes, making the story resonate with a global audience, in a procedure which might be labeled cultural fusion: the depiction of dragons, inspired by various mythologies, adds a fantastical atmosphere which transcends cultural boundaries and reflects the globalization of storytelling, a process in which local traditions are reimagined and shared through the cinematic medium.
Last but by no means least, the theme of empathy towards animals and the environment can be interpreted as a merging of late-modern values in both US-American and European societies. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World ’s message about co-existence, environmentalism as respect for nature and its non-human inhabitans highlights the interconnectedness of cultural narratives in addressing universal concerns beyond historical and geographical constraints.
Conclusion
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World masterfully weaves together a rich tapestry of themes, character arcs, and cultural elements, audaciously addressing through the lens of the animated medium current concerns such as masculinity and leadership, family legacy and cultural heritage, empathy, individuality, and identity, and offering unexpected insights into the human condition as well as lessons to be integrated into the educational curriculum. By integrating European cultural motifs with universal themes, the movie transcends its origins and bridges cultural divides, delivering a compelling narrative both specific in its setting and universal in its themes, able to resonate with audiences worldwide. This final installment not only concludes Hiccup and Toothless’s journey but also leaves viewers with lasting reflections on self-growth and compassionate self-discovery as well as the importance of honoring the past without allowing it to become a burden. As the series concludes, it leaves behind a legacy of storytelling which celebrates the power of compassion, courage, and the enduring bonds between humans and the natural world.
