Unleash the Dragon Magic: Mastering How to Train Your Dragon Tropes & Techniques for Epic Storytelling
How To Train Your Dragon is an epic animated action-adventure movie that has become an instant classic among audiences of all ages. From the first time you watch it, you're immediately drawn into the magical world of dragons and the story of Hiccup, a young Viking who befriends and trains a dragon named Toothless.
While the movie is a masterpiece on its own, it's no secret that it relies on some tropes to tell its compelling tale. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most prevalent How To Train Your Dragon tropes and how they contribute to the overall story.
The coming-of-age trope
One of the main driving forces behind How To Train Your Dragon is the coming-of-age trope. Hiccup starts as a clumsy, ostracized outcast in his Viking village, but through his encounters with Toothless and his newfound ability to train dragons, he undergoes a transformation into a confident leader. This heroic arc is an essential aspect of any coming-of-age story, and it's no different here.
The unlikely friendship trope
The movie also leans heavily on the unlikely friendship trope. Hiccup and Toothless represent two vastly different worlds that shouldn't be able to coexist, but through their shared experiences, they form a bond that transcends genetic differences and cultural norms. Their friendship is a heartwarming reminder that true connections can be made when we open ourselves up to what's unfamiliar.
The teacher-student trope
Hiccup's relationship with Toothless also fits within the teacher-student trope. Toothless is initially seen as a threat to Hiccup's mission to prove himself to his father and the rest of the Vikings, but as Hiccup learns more about dragons and their behavior, he becomes a skilled trainer who can teach others how to interact with them. This mentor-mentee dynamic is integral to Hiccup's growth and development as a character.
The classic villain trope
No epic hero's journey would be complete without a classic villain trope, and How To Train Your Dragon certainly delivers in that regard. The dragon-slaying Dragon Master, Drago Bludvist, is an imposing figure who seeks to control all dragons and eliminate anyone who opposes him. His presence creates a sense of urgency and danger that propels the story forward and raises the stakes for Hiccup and his fellow dragon riders.
The redemption trope
Redemption is another significant theme in How To Train Your Dragon. Character flaws are highlighted throughout the movie, such as Hiccup's initial deception of his father, but ultimately, these flaws are overcome through introspection and the pursuit of a higher purpose. Even Stoick, Hiccup's initially strict father, undergoes a redemption arc when he sees the error of his ways and comes to trust his son's abilities.
The triumph against all odds trope
The climax of How To Train Your Dragon revolves around the triumph against all odds trope. Hiccup, Toothless, and their fellow dragon riders must face off against an army of dragons controlled by Drago, who seems unbeatable at first glance. But through strategy, teamwork, and sheer force of will, they're able to defeat Drago and save the day.
The underdog trope
Finally, the underdog trope is incredibly prevalent in How To Train Your Dragon. As mentioned earlier, Hiccup starts the movie as an outcast who's seen as weak and useless by the other Vikings. But through his determination and newfound skills, he's able to earn their respect and become a hero in his own right. This trope is particularly appealing to audiences who have felt underestimated or marginalized in their lives.
The power of acceptance
Overall, How To Train Your Dragon is a testament to the power of acceptance, growth, and trust. The tropes used in the movie may be familiar, but they're executed with such heart and nuance that they feel fresh and exciting. By the end of the story, you'll undoubtedly feel a renewed sense of hope and optimism for what's possible when we embrace what's different and work together towards a common goal.
In Conclusion
Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or someone who's never seen it before, How To Train Your Dragon is guaranteed to be an exciting, emotional journey. If you're looking for a spectacular animation that pushes the boundaries of storytelling, you won't find a better example than this beloved film. So why not grab some popcorn, settle in, and watch as Hiccup and Toothless take flight once again?
"How To Train Your Dragon Tropes" ~ bbaz
The Tropes in How To Train Your Dragon
How To Train Your Dragon is a franchise that has swept the hearts of viewers with its vibrant animation, lovable characters, and exciting storyline. The story follows a Viking teenager named Hiccup and his dragon Toothless as they navigate a world where Vikings and dragons have been at odds for centuries. Like all stories, How To Train Your Dragon employs various tropes to tell their tale.The Chosen One Trope
One of the most common tropes found in any adventure or coming of age story is the chosen one trope. In How To Train Your Dragon, Hiccup is the unlikely hero who ultimately saves the day. He starts out as the weak link in his Viking community, but he manages to rise above his status and become the leader his people need.The chosen one trope is often used to help audiences relate to the protagonist. Everyone dreams of being special, and following a character that undergoes transformation gives us hope that we can do the same.The Love Triangle Trope
Another trope in How To Train Your Dragon is the love triangle trope. Hiccup's best friend Astrid provides the romantic complication in the second film, where she finds herself torn between Hiccup and Eret, son of Eret. The love triangle trope adds tension to the story and provides an opportunity for character development.However, not every movie or book needs a love triangle to be successful. It can often detract from the main plot and feel forced. In How To Train Your Dragon, this trope has been handled well and has provided another layer of depth to the characters.The Mentor Trope
The mentor trope is another frequently used device in fiction, where the hero is guided by someone wise and experienced. In How To Train Your Dragon, Hiccup is mentored by his father, Stoick the Vast, until he perishes. The epitome of a great Viking leader, Stoick passed down his skill set to his son and helped him to discover the key to understanding dragons.The mentor trope is essential in helping the hero understand their challenges and grow to become the better version of themselves. It also serves as a way to impart wisdom to younger characters in significant pursuit.The Betrayal Trope
The betrayal trope is another common device used in storytelling. In How To Train Your Dragon, the primary antagonist, Drago Bludvist, betrays Hiccup during an attempt to broker peace between the dragon-respecting Berkians and his own army, leaving them vulnerable to attack.This trope adds a layer of complexity to the relationship between protagonist and antagonist. It poses a reflective variation on the usual hero-versus-villain plot and highlights that even the best-intentioned people can make questionable moral decisions.The Underdog Trope
The underdog trope is another well-loved and employed narrative trope, which is about rooting for someone who starts out in a weaker position. In How To Train Your Dragon, Hiccup is the ultimate underdog. Lacking the physical strength of his fellow Vikings, he eventually triumphs through his wit and his interaction with extraterrestrial beings.By giving us a character who struggles at first and works hard while improving himself through difficulties, the underdog trope offers a relatable storyline and motivates viewers to believe in themselves to overcome obstacles.The Redemption Trope
The redemption trope implies a character’s transformation from villain to hero. In How To Train Your Dragon, Toothless, the protagonist’s closest ally, started out as the face of his troublesome relationship with dragons.Through their journey together, Toothless underwent a redemption arc which allowed him to correct his past actions and become the sidekick who helps in restoring peace.The Dreamer Trope
The dreamer trope is yet another frequently employed device that’s used to remind people that it's perfectly okay to have high hopes for oneself. In How To Train your Dragon, Hiccup is a vivid example of a dreamer; his dream of becoming a dragon trainer becomes a reality due to his unrelenting focus on that goal.This trope allows viewers to see a world outside of their own, one where imaginations can run wild and aspirations for the future to become achievable goals.The Sacrifice Trope
The sacrifice trope implies any character’s selfless deed towards a larger good. In How To Train Your Dragon, Stoick sacrificed himself so that his son and their community could be saved from harm.This narrative device gives the story more meaning, adding an emotional connection that holds it together, while also showing that the protagonist has grown more from the tragic event.The Friendship Trope
The friendship trope often goes hand-in-hand with themes of compassion, loyalty, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. In How To Train Your Dragon, the protagonists formed a strong bond between themselves and their dragons through mutual compassion, understanding, and acceptance.It is always refreshing to see such a warm and genuine relationship unfold in stories. The connection roles in perfect harmony, leaving viewers breathless.The Family Trope
Overall, How To Train Your Dragon relies heavily on its portrayal of family dynamics, whether among characters of blood relation or just friends that become family. The bonds shared between characters help emphasize great acts of love, freedom, and bravery.No matter your age or background, engaging in family tropes, whether picturesque or problematic, can always lend power to your narrative and help viewers relate to characters on a personal and emotional level.Conclusion
Overall, How To Train Your Dragon makes use of these basic storytelling tropes to tell an engaging and exciting tale that transcends its family-oriented genre. The series has touched the hearts of audiences of all ages with its relatable characters and positive vibe. What appears formulaic can be a successful device when utilized effectively and thoughtfully to deliver an unforgettable story.How to Train Your Dragon Tropes:
Introduction:
How to Train Your Dragon is a animated movie that depicts the story of a young viking boy named Hiccups desire to prove himself to his tribe and father by capturing and killing a dragon. However, instead of killing it, he befriends it and discovers a new outlook on the previously feared creatures. In this article, we will explore the common storytelling tropes used in How to Train Your Dragon, and compare them with other movies and stories that utilized the same tropes.The Chosen One:
The Chosen One trope is a common plot device in which the protagonist is selected by fate or destiny to fulfill a significant role. In How to Train Your Dragon, Hiccup is a prime example of this trope as he is chosen by the dragon Toothless to become his rider and the vikings' dragon ambassador. The same trope is seen in movies such as Harry Potter, where Harry is chosen by fate to defeat the dark wizard Voldemort.Comparison:
While Harry Potter and How to Train Your Dragon both utilize the Chosen One trope, the difference lies in the execution. Harry Potter's destiny is established from the beginning of the series, while Hiccup's journey is more of an unexpected twist. Moreover, Harry's destiny is intertwined with a larger story arc - defeating Voldemort - while Hiccup's journey is more personal, focusing on his growth and newly-formed bond with Toothless.Father-Son Relationship:
The Father-Son relationship trope is used in many forms of media, from books to movies. In How to Train Your Dragon, Hiccup and his father Stoick the Vast's dynamic reflects this trope. Stoick wants Hiccup to take over his role as chief and is disappointed in Hiccup's inability to fit into the traditional viking way of life.Comparison:
The relationship between Hiccup and Stoick, while similar to many other stories, is unique in its execution because their conflict stems from their vastly different outlooks on life. While in other media, the father might be demanding or abusive towards the son, in How to Train Your Dragon, Stoick is protective of his son and only wants what he thinks is best for him.The Underdog:
The Underdog trope is a classic story that resonates with audiences because it instills a sense of hope and triumph over adversity. In How to Train Your Dragon, Hiccup is the underdog as he is smaller and weaker than the other vikings in his tribe. However, through ingenuity and determination, he manages to tame and train Toothless and ultimately saves his tribe from the dragon's wrath.Comparison:
The Underdog trope is used in countless movies, from Rocky to Karate Kid, because it is relatable and inspiring. The difference in How to Train Your Dragon is that Hiccup proves he can be strong in his own way and that his intellectual prowess is just as valuable as physical strength.Friendship:
Friendship is a common theme across all genres of storytelling, but in How to Train Your Dragon, it takes on a unique significance. Hiccup and Toothless form a bond built on mutual respect and trust, which is tested throughout the movie.Comparison:
The power of friendship is a common theme in many stories, but How to Train Your Dragon adds a new dimension to it by incorporating the idea that even vastly different species can form an unbreakable bond. The bond between Hiccup and Toothless transcends race and species, making it a unique and heartwarming aspect of the movie that sets it apart from other movies that use friendship as a trope.The Villain:
No story is complete without a villain, and in How to Train Your Dragon, the main antagonist is undoubtedly the dragon known as the Red Death. The Red Death is a monstrously large dragon that has been attacking Hiccups village for years, causing much destruction and fear.Comparison:
The villain in movies and stories can take various forms - human or non-human - but what sets the Red Death apart is its size and fear factor. The Red Death towers over the other dragons and is feared by all, adding to the severity of the situation at hand.The Redemption Arc:
Redemption arcs are a popular trope in storytelling as they add character depth and offer hope for those who have made mistakes. In How to Train Your Dragon, Astrid's character goes through a redemption arc when she realizes the importance of befriending and understanding dragons.Comparison:
The Redemption Arc has a long history in storytelling and is often utilized as a way to show the evolution of a character. In How to Train Your Dragon, Astrid's arc offers an interesting perspective into viking society. While Stoick, Hiccup's father, believes that the only way to live with dragons is to kill them, Astrid learns that there is another way - that is, by forming a bond and gaining their trust.In Conclusion:
How to Train Your Dragon is a beloved animated movie that has touched many with its heartwarming story and endearing characters. However, beyond its surface level, How to Train Your Dragon also utilizes many classic tropes and themes that have been used for centuries. Despite this, the movie manages to add an interesting twist to these tropes, making it stand out from other movies that use the same themes.How To Train Your Dragon Tropes
The Introduction of How to Train Your Dragon Tropes
How to Train Your Dragon is a 2010 American 3D computer-animated action-fantasy film that was produced by DreamWorks Animation. The story is set in a mythical Viking world and follows the adventure of a young Viking named Hiccup. He aims to prove himself as a dragon slayer but eventually became the first one to train a dragon.It’s not a typical coming-of-age fantasy, but how to train your dragon tropes put the story in such a uniqueness that it emotionally engrosses the viewer from start to finish.This article seeks to explore some tropes found in the How to Train Your Dragon film franchise and explains why they are essential to the story.Relationship Troubles
One prominent trope in the HTTYD is the romantic tension between the main character and another character, usually of the opposite sex, causing dramatic events that create obstacles that stand between their achievement.The relationship troubles trope is particularly noticeable in the second installment of the movie series, which sees Hiccup and his long-time girlfriend, Astrid, struggling to find time for their budding romance amidst the escalating conflict of the story.Why This Tropes Matter?
The relationship troubles trope provides depth and a realistic feeling to the characters' lives. The situation accurately depicts how difficult it can be to balance romance with responsibilities, duties, and battles.The Underdog Protagonist
One more How to Train Your Dragon trope is featuring the underdog or unlikely hero protagonist. The underdog protagonist trope usually presents a character who is weak, alone, or outcast but has enough bravery and determination to take on colossal challenges. Hiccup's character is an underdog because he was doubted by his people and lacked the physical prowess of dragon slayers. Still, he overcame these limitations and became a skilled dragon trainer worthy of admiration by all.Why This Tropes Matter?
The underdog protagonist trope is compelling in this movie, particularly because it highlights values such as determination, perseverance, and resilience that are inspiring for viewers who face similar situations in their lives.The Absentee Parent Trope
Another common trope is the absentee parent trope. It involves absent parents or guardians, leaving their child vulnerable to danger or struggling without guidance. The HTTYD franchise features this trope to create background events and a sense of longing and loneliness for the main character. In the case of How to Train Your Dragon, Hiccup’s mother gets lost, and his father is focused entirely on training his son to become a ruthless dragon slayer. This left the young Viking to fend for himself and enabled him to develop his dragon training skills.Why This Tropes Matter?
Although sad, this trope can help depict the hardships that single-parent families and children who have lost a parent go through. Additionally, it helps to show how the protagonist's journey can be affected by a missing parental figure.The Misunderstood Villain Trope
The misunderstood villain trope entails that the villain is not wholly evil, and there might be a reason for their actions. In HTTYD series, the producers use this trope when introducing the character of Toothless. A Night Fury dragon reduced to an injured, frightened animal becomes friends with Hiccup, and their relationship serves as a turning point for the series' plot.Why This Tropes Matter?
This trope is significant as it helps establish the underlying motive of characters traditionally presented as pure villains. This enables viewers to develop empathy and understanding of the villains' actions.The Coming of Age Trope
The coming of age trope focuses on the transitional period and growth from adolescence into adulthood. The HTTYD franchise shows this journey through Hiccup's experiences, transitioning from a young boy in the first movie to a young man leading his tribe in the second and final installment.Why This Tropes Matter?
The coming of age trope is highly relatable as many people go through similar experiences. The journey in the HTTYD series displays an accurate reflection of changes during adolescent years, including self-discovery, maturation, and the choices one must make growing up.The Overcoming Fear Trope
The overcoming fear trope refers to the protagonist's journey to overcome their fears and gain confidence. In the HTTYD film franchise, Hiccup faces several overwhelming situations but conquers doubt and fear to become a successful dragon trainer.Why This Tropes Matter?
Stories utilizing the overcoming fear trope inspire and motivate viewers to conquer their anxieties. It also reminds them that success requires overcoming challenges and not letting fear dictate their actions.The Self-Discovery Trope
The self-discovery trope reflects a character's journey to self-awareness or understanding of themselves. In the HTTYD series Hel, Hiccup realizes he has more in common with dragons than he ever imagined. This leads him to bond with Toothless and discover his true strength.Why This Tropes Matter?
This trope can help viewers understand how self-discovery is essential in defining oneself. It serves as a reminder that sometimes it takes new experiences to uncover one's true abilities.The Heroic Journey Trope
The heroic journey trope involves the protagonist enduring a series of challenges to confront their greatest foes. HTTYD shows Hiccup embarking on a journey to find himself, facing challenges or battles that test his mettle and prepares him to face the enemy in the franchise's climactic final act.Why This Tropes Matter?
The heroic journey trope can teach viewers about the importance of determination as they struggle through life's trials. The journey provides rewarding growth, pushing past comfort zones towards goals.The Redemption Trope
The redemption trope refers to a character's path to absolving themselves of wrongdoing. The HTTYD series uses this trope when Hiccup’s father acknowledges the error in his ways and adopts his son’s peaceful approach to dragon relationships.Why This Tropes Matter?
This trope shows that people can learn and make amends for their past actions, no matter how terrible they seemed. It also teaches the importance of not holding grudges but forgiving others and moving forward in one's life.Conclusion
In summary, HTTYD utilizes several tropes to create a compelling storyline that grips viewers from start to finish. The tropes range from character archetypes such as the misunderstood villain and underdog protagonist to storytelling devices such as overcoming fear and self-discovery. Every event creates an organic feeling of tension and conflict, driving the plot forward while providing rich characters with identifiable flaws and relatable experiences.How to Train Your Dragon Tropes
If you loved the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, chances are, you already fell in love with its interesting and engaging tropes. Tropes, in simple terms, refer to storytelling devices or conventions that authors use repeatedly throughout their narrative. They give the narrative a sense of structure, direction, and familiarity, which can be compelling for readers or viewers. However, some tropes can be predictable and even cliche. The question is, do How to Train Your Dragon tropes offer something new and exciting? Let's find out!
One of the most engaging tropes employed by the franchise is the unlikely hero trope. In the story, Hiccup, a small and seemingly weak Viking, becomes the hero who saves both dragons and his village from threats. This trope has been used countless times, but it still resonates with viewers because it inspires hope that anyone can become a hero, regardless of their initial limitations.
Another trope that is prevalent in the franchise is the grimdark trope. This trope refers to stories that have bleak and serious themes, and How to Train Your Dragon certainly has its share of those. For instance, the franchise touches on themes of loss, betrayal, and the consequences of violence. While the franchise is not completely grim dark, it adds depth to the narrative and gives it a sense of realism.
Additionally, another trope present in the franchise is the coming-of-age trope. It portrays the protagonist's growth as he comes to terms with his own identity. In the first movie, Hiccup starts as an awkward teenager who desperately wants to prove himself to his father, Stoick. By the end of the film, Hiccup finds himself and learns that he is capable of more than he thinks. It's a classic trope that resonates with viewers because it reflects a universal experience of growing up.
The franchise also employs the enemies to friends trope effectively. When Hiccup meets Toothless, he starts out as an enemy trying to kill the dragon. However, over time, they form a bond and become friends. This trope is compelling because it shows how even the strongest differences in a relationship, such as those between enemies, can be resolved through understanding and acceptance.
Another trope in the franchise is the wise old mentor. Stoick takes on this role, guiding Hiccup and offering him wisdom throughout the series. This trope adds depth to the narrative by giving us an insight into the cultural traditions of the Vikings, which are essential to the world-building of the series.
The franchise also employs a variation of the wife husbandry trope, where a young men falls in love with or is infatuated with an older woman as a means of developing him romantically. In How to Train Your Dragon, Hiccup's romantic interest, Astrid, helps him grow in confidence and drive him towards being a better person, but ultimately, their relationship is developed in a much healthier way than many iterations of this trope as we see their friendship and mutual respect grow first.
Additionally, How to Train Your Dragon uses the tragic villain trope. A tragic villain is a character who has understandable motivations for their actions, but they're still direct antagonists to the primary characters. Drago Bludvist from How to Train Your Dragon 2 fits this trope well by being a victim of personal loss and trauma. His actions are deplorable, but his backstory gives viewers a chance to sympathize and understand why he became the way he did.
Lastly, the franchise uses the wise fool trope in the form of Snotlout Jorgenson. While he's often portrayed as the comic relief and the epitome of the silly and overly-hyper teenage boy, he has moments where he shows unexpected insight and perspective. This trope reflects how even someone who seems foolish and immature can have moments of courage and wisdom.
In conclusion, How to Train Your Dragon tropes are engaging, heartwarming, and cleverly executed. They add depth and dimension to the narrative while still feeling familiar and comforting for viewers.
We hope this article helped you understand how these tropes are used in the franchise and why they work. Thank you for reading!
People Also Ask About How To Train Your Dragon Tropes
What Are Tropes in How to Train Your Dragon?
Tropes in How to Train Your Dragon are storytelling devices or conventions used in the movie or the book series. These devices create a common language between the writer and the audience, making it easier for them to understand each other.
What Are the Common Tropes Used in How to Train Your Dragon?
Common tropes used in How to Train Your Dragon include:
- The Chosen One trope - where a specific character is destined to bring change or save the day.
- The Underdog trope - where the hero comes from humble beginnings and must overcome challenges to achieve success.
- The Redemption Arc trope - where villains can become heroes through character development.
- The Power of Friendship trope - where friends come together to solve problems and achieve success.
- The Mentor trope - where a wise, experienced figure guides the main character along their journey.
How Do the Tropes in How to Train Your Dragon Affect the Audience's Perception of the Story?
The use of common tropes in How to Train Your Dragon creates a sense of familiarity and comfort among the audience. They already know what to expect, which makes it easier for them to follow the story and connect with the characters emotionally. In fact, tropes can evoke powerful emotions and reactions from audiences as they tap into our common experiences and beliefs.
What Makes the Use of Tropes in How to Train Your Dragon Unique?
While the use of tropes in How to Train Your Dragon may be common, the movie and the book series' execution of these tropes is what makes them feel unique. The characters have depth and complexity, making them relatable and compelling. Additionally, the story has its unique twists and turns, keeping the audience engaged and guessing.
What Can We Learn from the Tropes Used in How to Train Your Dragon?
The use of tropes in How to Train Your Dragon shows that even if storytelling conventions might be predictable, they are still useful devices for enabling greater communication between narrative creators and their audiences. By blending familiar elements with new and original ideas, creators can strike an engaging balance that leaves audiences eagerly anticipating more.
Post a Comment for "Unleash the Dragon Magic: Mastering How to Train Your Dragon Tropes & Techniques for Epic Storytelling"