The Fate of the Bewilderbeast: From Alpha to Oblivion?
The story of the Bewilderbeast in the How to Train Your Dragon universe is a complex and often tragic one, filled with power, control, and ultimately, demise. Several Bewilderbeasts appear throughout the franchise, each with their own distinct fate. The most significant Bewilderbeasts, however, are the one controlled by Drago Bludvist, and the one residing at Valka’s Sanctuary. Drago’s Bewilderbeast was defeated by Toothless in How to Train Your Dragon 2, leading to Drago’s retreat. Valka’s Bewilderbeast was killed by Drago’s Bewilderbeast during the same confrontation, and a subsequent Bewilderbeast is implied to have taken residence in her Sanctuary. To truly understand the complete picture of the Bewilderbeast let’s delve into the details of the various appearances and fates of these magnificent creatures.
The Role of the Bewilderbeast in the Dragon World
Alpha Dragons and Their Power
The Bewilderbeast is not just any dragon; it’s an Alpha Dragon, holding the highest rank in the dragon hierarchy. These colossal creatures possess the unique ability to control other dragons, essentially acting as their leader and protector. This control is exerted through a combination of presence, authority, and potentially, some form of mental influence. The Alpha’s power is absolute, making them both revered and feared within the dragon world. An Alpha’s actions have significant consequences for the dragons under their command.
Drago’s Bewilderbeast: A Symbol of Tyranny
Drago Bludvist, a ruthless warlord, used a Bewilderbeast to enslave dragons and build his army. This particular Bewilderbeast was a dark and menacing creature, reflecting the tyrannical nature of its master. Drago’s control over the Bewilderbeast, and subsequently over other dragons, highlights the dangers of unchecked power and the exploitation of natural hierarchies.
Valka’s Bewilderbeast: A Protector of Peace
In stark contrast to Drago’s dragon, Valka’s Bewilderbeast served as a guardian of peace and harmony at her sanctuary. This Bewilderbeast was snow-white and calm, embodying the tranquility and compassion that Valka fostered within her dragon haven. This Bewilderbeast protected dragons, a task which ultimately cost it its life.
The Fate of Drago’s Bewilderbeast
The Battle for Supremacy
The climax of How to Train Your Dragon 2 sees a fierce battle between Drago’s Bewilderbeast and Toothless, empowered by his bond with Hiccup and enhanced with plasma. This battle is not just a physical confrontation; it’s a struggle for control over the dragon world. Toothless, fueled by his loyalty and newfound strength, challenges the Bewilderbeast for the title of Alpha.
Defeat and Retreat
In a dramatic showdown, Toothless defeats Drago’s Bewilderbeast by breaking its left tusk, shattering its authority and forcing Drago to retreat into the ocean. This defeat signifies the triumph of freedom and compassion over tyranny and control. It is heavily implied that both Drago and his Bewilderbeast perished following this retreat, though their ultimate fate remains unconfirmed.
The Death of Valka’s Bewilderbeast
A Tragic Sacrifice
During the battle between the two Bewilderbeasts, Drago’s Bewilderbeast kills Valka’s Bewilderbeast by impaling it with its tusks. This tragic event underscores the brutality of Drago’s ambition and the lengths he is willing to go to achieve his goals. The death of Valka’s Bewilderbeast leaves a void in the dragon world, but it also paves the way for Toothless to rise as the new Alpha and usher in an era of peace.
The Legacy and Possible Successors
A New Bewilderbeast at Valka’s Sanctuary
In the game Dragons: Titan Uprising, another Bewilderbeast is said to have moved into Valka’s Sanctuary in the Frozen Tundra. This suggests that the legacy of the Bewilderbeast continues, with new individuals emerging to fill the role of Alpha and protector. Whether this new Bewilderbeast shares the same benevolent nature as Valka’s remains to be seen.
The Mystery of the Bewilderbeast Egg
The Race to the Edge series introduces a Bewilderbeast egg, which Valka is seen picking up at the Dragon Sanctuary. The fate of this egg is never fully revealed, leaving fans to speculate about its potential to hatch and produce a new generation of these powerful dragons. The ambiguity surrounding the egg adds another layer to the Bewilderbeast’s story, hinting at the possibility of future appearances.
The Ongoing Relevance of the Bewilderbeast
Symbolism and Themes
The Bewilderbeast serves as a potent symbol of power, control, and leadership within the How to Train Your Dragon universe. Its presence raises important questions about the nature of authority, the responsibility that comes with power, and the potential for both good and evil within individuals.
Games and Expanded Universe
The Bewilderbeast’s continued presence in games like Dragons: Titan Uprising and other expanded universe content demonstrates its enduring popularity and relevance within the franchise. These appearances allow fans to further explore the world of dragons and delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Bewilderbeast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Bewilderbeast
1. How big is the Bewilderbeast?
The Bewilderbeast is a dragon of immense size, reaching lengths of approximately 520 feet and heights of around 160 feet. This makes it the largest known dragon species in the How to Train Your Dragon universe.
2. What are the powers of a Bewilderbeast?
A Bewilderbeast’s primary power is its ability to control other dragons, influencing their behavior and commanding their loyalty. They can also freeze water into powerful ice blasts, which they use for both offense and defense.
3. How many Bewilderbeasts are known to exist?
There are three confirmed Bewilderbeasts in the How to Train Your Dragon franchise: Drago’s Bewilderbeast, Valka’s Bewilderbeast, and the Bewilderbeast in Dragons: Titan Uprising. The existence of other Bewilderbeasts is possible, but unconfirmed.
4. Who is stronger, the Red Death or the Bewilderbeast?
The Bewilderbeast is significantly larger and more powerful than the Red Death. The Red Death relies on fire and brute force, while the Bewilderbeast possesses the ability to control other dragons and unleash devastating ice attacks.
5. What happened to the Bewilderbeast egg from Race to the Edge?
The fate of the Bewilderbeast egg remains unknown. It is never mentioned in the subsequent movies, leaving its ultimate destiny a mystery. It’s possible the writers intended it to be a plot point for future stories that never materialized.
6. Is Toothless a Titan Wing dragon?
Toothless is not a Titan Wing at the time of How to Train Your Dragon 2. While he displays a blue glow during his challenge to Drago’s Bewilderbeast, this is a dominance display, not a Titan Wing ability. Titan Wings are much older and larger dragons.
7. Can a Bewilderbeast control a Screaming Death?
Yes, a Bewilderbeast can control a Screaming Death. As an Alpha Dragon, the Bewilderbeast’s authority extends to even the most formidable dragons, including the Screaming Death.
8. How did Toothless defeat Drago’s Bewilderbeast?
Toothless defeated Drago’s Bewilderbeast by first withstanding a barrage of attacks and then landing a final blow that destroyed its left tusk. This act broke the Bewilderbeast’s authority and forced it into submission.
9. What is Valka’s Sanctuary?
Valka’s Sanctuary is a hidden haven where Valka resides with a multitude of dragons, protecting them from harm. It serves as a refuge for injured or vulnerable dragons, and represents Valka’s commitment to peaceful coexistence between humans and dragons.
10. What methods do Valka and Drago use to control dragons?
Both Valka and Drago use rods to call and control dragons. While their methods are similar, their intentions are vastly different. Valka uses her rod to communicate and guide dragons, while Drago uses his to enforce his will and enslave them.
11. Is the Chimeragon related to the Bewilderbeast?
The Chimeragon is a hybrid dragon in the School of Dragons game that resembles the Bewilderbeast. It is an amalgamation between the Bewilderbeast and the Sentinel, combining the traits of both species.
12. What does it mean to be an Alpha Dragon?
Being an Alpha Dragon means holding the highest rank in the dragon hierarchy. Alpha Dragons possess the power to control other dragons, acting as their leader, protector, and sometimes, their enslaver.
13. How does the Games Learning Society relate to the How to Train Your Dragon franchise?
While the Games Learning Society doesn’t directly relate to the How to Train Your Dragon franchise in terms of content creation, the franchise itself offers rich opportunities for learning through gameplay and narrative. The themes of leadership, responsibility, and the ethics of power explored in How to Train Your Dragon can be valuable discussion points in educational settings, particularly when analyzed through the lens of game-based learning. Discover more about the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
14. What are the different theories about what happened to Drago after his defeat?
Some theories suggest that Drago perished in the ocean after his Bewilderbeast was defeated, while others propose that he survived and continued to plot his revenge. The franchise never explicitly confirms his fate, leaving it open to interpretation.
15. What is the significance of the Bewilderbeast’s ability to freeze water?
The Bewilderbeast’s ability to freeze water symbolizes its power to control the natural world. This ability is not just a weapon; it’s also a tool for creating nests and shaping its environment, demonstrating its role as a builder and protector. The Bewilderbeast creates large nests out of ice as a habitat for the dragons it protects.