Decoding Dragons: Unraveling the Fantasy Genre of How to Train Your Dragon
How to Train Your Dragon comfortably nests within the subgenre of high fantasy, albeit with strong elements of coming-of-age narrative and a touch of mythic fiction. It presents a fully realized, believable world steeped in its own internal logic and history, divorced from our own reality yet echoing familiar historical and cultural motifs. While incorporating fantastical elements like dragons, the story deeply explores themes of connection, understanding, and societal change, anchoring it in a resonant emotional core that transcends mere escapism.
Delving Deeper into the Fantasy Elements
The core of any fantasy story rests on its departure from the mundane. How to Train Your Dragon leaps headfirst into this, establishing a world where Vikings clash not just with each other, but with dragons, a species representing both immense power and profound misunderstanding.
High Fantasy Fundamentals
High fantasy, also known as epic fantasy, sets the stage for grand narratives in entirely constructed worlds, often with their own distinct rules, histories, and mythologies. Think Tolkien’s Middle-earth or Martin’s Westeros. How to Train Your Dragon, while not as sprawling in its world-building, shares key characteristics:
- A Self-Contained World: The Isle of Berk, while inspired by the real-world Hebrides, is a unique setting with its own established culture, traditions, and ecological dynamics.
- Mythic Underpinnings: The story draws heavily on Norse mythology, reimagining Viking life and adding dragons as a central, almost god-like element.
- Moral Dichotomies: While not strictly black and white, the conflict between Vikings and dragons presents an initial dichotomy that the protagonist, Hiccup, challenges, forcing a re-evaluation of good and evil.
- Quest and Transformation: Hiccup’s journey is a classic hero’s quest, albeit one focused on understanding and reconciliation rather than outright conquest. He undergoes significant personal transformation, challenging societal norms and ultimately reshaping his world.
The Coming-of-Age Narrative
Beyond the high fantasy elements, How to Train Your Dragon is fundamentally a coming-of-age story. Hiccup’s struggles with identity, acceptance, and his desire to break free from societal expectations are universal themes that resonate deeply with audiences. He navigates the complexities of growing up while also grappling with the unique challenges of his dragon-filled world. This focus on personal growth elevates the story beyond a simple adventure tale.
Mythic Resonance
The story also taps into the rich vein of mythic fiction. The dragons themselves are almost mythical creatures, embodying primal forces and representing the unknown. The Viking culture, deeply rooted in Norse mythology, provides a familiar yet fantastical backdrop. The characters, with their larger-than-life personalities and dramatic conflicts, echo archetypes found in ancient myths and legends. This blend of the familiar and the fantastical creates a story that feels both timeless and contemporary.
The Power of Understanding
Ultimately, How to Train Your Dragon is a story about understanding the “other.” It underscores the dangers of prejudice and the transformative power of empathy. Hiccup’s willingness to see beyond the Vikings’ ingrained fear and hatred of dragons leads to a profound shift in his society, demonstrating that even the most deeply entrenched beliefs can be challenged through open-mindedness and compassion. This message, coupled with its fantastical setting and compelling characters, solidifies How to Train Your Dragon as a significant work of fantasy that resonates with audiences of all ages. Explore more discussions about stories and video games on the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is How to Train Your Dragon fiction or nonfiction?
How to Train Your Dragon is definitively fiction. While inspired by real-world locations and cultures, the story features fantastical elements like dragons that do not exist in reality.
2. What mythology is How to Train Your Dragon based on?
The series is primarily based on Norse Mythology. The Viking characters and their culture draw heavily from Norse traditions, although the introduction of dragons adds a unique fantastical layer.
3. What is the theme of How to Train Your Dragon?
Key themes include friendship, courage, self-discovery, unexpected triumph, and, most importantly, understanding and accepting those who are different. The story emphasizes the importance of challenging prejudice and finding common ground.
4. Where is How to Train Your Dragon inspired from?
Cressida Cowell, the author of the original book series, has stated that the Hebridean islands off the coast of Scotland inspired the setting of the Isle of Berk.
5. Is Toothless based on an Axolotl?
While Toothless shares some visual similarities with an axolotl, his design was primarily inspired by cats, dogs, and horses. The animators aimed to create a creature that was both fearsome and endearing.
6. Is How to Train Your Dragon a fantasy story?
Yes, How to Train Your Dragon is undoubtedly a fantasy story. It features fantastical creatures, a unique world, and themes of heroism and adventure, all hallmarks of the fantasy genre.
7. Is How to Train Your Dragon a metaphor?
The story can be interpreted as a metaphor for humanity’s ability to demonize and misunderstand those who are different. Hiccup’s journey highlights the potential for connection and understanding to overcome fear and prejudice.
8. What animal is Meatlug based on?
Meatlug, the Gronckle dragon, is visually inspired by bulldogs, reflecting their sturdy build and somewhat grumpy demeanor.
9. What dragon is Toothless based on?
Toothless is the last known specimen of the Night Fury species, making him unique and not directly based on any specific real-world animal in terms of species.
10. Is How to Train Your Dragon a fairy tale?
How to Train Your Dragon shares elements with fairy tales, such as a fantastical setting, a hero’s journey, and a moral lesson. However, its complexity and depth elevate it beyond a simple fairy tale narrative.
11. Why is Hiccup named Hiccup in How to Train Your Dragon?
In the story, it’s explained that it is a Viking tradition to call the runt of the litter “Hiccup.”
12. What is the relationship between Hiccup and Toothless?
Hiccup and Toothless share a deep bond of friendship and brotherhood. They are leaders of their respective species and would sacrifice anything for each other.
13. Are dragons real or fantasy?
Dragons, particularly fire-breathing ones, are creatures of fantasy. While the term “dragon” is sometimes used to describe real animals, the dragons depicted in How to Train Your Dragon are entirely fictional.
14. Why is he named Toothless?
Hiccup names the dragon Toothless because his teeth are retractable, making him appear toothless when he is not attacking or eating.
15. How did Toothless get his scar?
Toothless has a scar on his chest from a battle with the Green Death dragon. He also has scars on his leg from a fight with a Razorwhip dragon.