Meet Toothless
(Or perhaps you’ve already met?)
Toothless is quite possibly my favorite dragon in cinema – and it all started with some excellent storytelling. In the movie, dragons are hated for the amount of destruction they wreak upon this tiny Viking village. We find out fairly early on how many different ways Vikings have supposedly been killed by dragons. And there are all sorts of different types they’ve battled over the years – and they’re pretty well documented… all except for one: the night fury. No one has ever really seen one, but they are regarded as the single most dangerous breed of dragon in existence.
When we finally do meet the dragon, he is injured and angry, but not malicious like we had come to expect. His act of mercy gives a young boy the courage he needs to seek the dragon out and befriend it. Although certainly dangerous, the night fury is anything but evil. With an initial standoffish yet curious nature, Toothless essentially has the mannerisms of a giant house cat (much to my delight – what’s not to love?). This major perspective switch leads the young boy to consider that maybe not all dragons are as evil as they seem.
I love the mystery and the buildup surrounding the night fury breed, but the contrast between those theories and the actual creature was my favorite part of this plot. Setting up expectations right away gives you the opportunity to shatter them later on and really surprise people. It’s called a “reveal,” and it’s one of my favorite writing tools. I’m sure it’s part of the reason why How to Train Your Dragon is one of my favorite movies (it also has a great plot, loads of wonder and excitement, relatable characters, humor, and plenty of adventure). If the book I’m writing does any of these half as well, I will be in good shape.
At this point, I’ve seen the movie but have not had a chance to read the books (apparently there’s also a television series). I hear they’re all quite different from one another, but worthwhile all the same. Here’s a link to one of my favorite reviewers who’s looked into all three: The Unlikely Librarian.
The Obsessive Bookseller 
I never even thought twice about the idea that “How to train…” movie was a book(s)… Hmm… sounds like some good mindless read, but a very close runner up to Toothless would be Elliot from Pete’s Dragon (an old 1977 Disney movie) and than the cool looking dragon from The Never Ending Story.
– Krys
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Oooooh – I love those as runner-ups. Especially Elliott! It’s been a really long time since I’ve seen that movie but I like him a lot. :-)
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I know, right? lol
It was the first two dragon movies that popped into my head with cool dragons lol
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I love this film so much that my fiancé and I are going to play it at our wedding >.< Just another example of our mutual taste, Nik!
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That makes me very happy. :D I wish I had thought of it for my own wedding.
Okay, I’ll start reading Poison Study tomorrow – this has gone on long enough, ha ha.
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I love Toothless! :D I find it interesting that they gave him quite cat like characteristics. My other favourite cinema dragon is the one from Dragon Heart.
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The cat thing was an interesting choice, wasn’t it? I actually think that’s the major part of his appeal to me, LOL. The Dragon on Dragon Heart is also an excellent choice! I love the visuals and the humor on that one… Sean Connery wasn’t bad, either. :-)
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Hehee glad you agree. :) I still bawl every time I watch it!
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Me too… like a baby. But I cry at everything, haha.
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Oh my gosh, this is too big of a coincidence not to share! I was poking around another blog (The story reading ape) and I clicked on a random link on his list of book blogs. I liked it so much that I decided to follow (great taste in books!). Anyway, a couple of minutes later I got your reply and clicked on the link to your webpage in the comment area and it took me to the same spot! I guess it was meant to be, LOL.
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Haha thank you, and thanks for following! :)
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