Cressida Cowell’s novel involves bravery, adventure, and, of course, dragons. Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, in order to become a true Viking, he must catch and train his own dragon. He is barely able to catch one, and when he does, it is the smallest of the bunch and appears to have no teeth. Hiccup must work hard to train his dragon, Toothless, who is stubborn and lazy, but has potential. His journey to become a true Viking is one with humor, friendship, and overcoming obstacles.
Cowell’s novel, though filled with wonderful characters, illustrations, and heart, is altered in its translation and message in Dreamworks’ film adaptation. Though Hiccup must still work towards becoming a Viking, dragons are the enemy in the town of Berk and Hiccup secretly trains one that eventually helps save the Vikings, redeeming himself in his father’s eyes.
The film adaptation provides Hiccup with a stronger influence on the Vikings’ change of attitude in regard to dragons – not as monsters and the enemy, but as allies and companions. The film’s events are also greatly impacted by Hiccup’s transformation from cowardly youth to courageous Viking. Hiccup does become the hero, but is joined and assisted by other Vikings-in-training, whom all train their own dragons to help save Berk.
It is difficult to compare the film to the book as they have quite different plotlines and variances in character transformations. Both are equally entertaining, inspiring, and are fun overall. This is one of those rare cases where I personally enjoyed the adaptation more than the book, though that isn’t to say the book isn’t worth a re-read or a recommendation.