Aside from a few key characters and plot points, the book and film versions of How to Train Your Dragon differ greatly. While both center on the main characters Hiccup (a young Viking) and Toothless (the dragon he befriends), DreamWorks’ animated film portrayals reveal how far it deviates from Cressida Cowell’s first book in her series of the same name. Cowell makes extensive use of figurative language to convey comedy, vivid imagery, and a more whimsical, immersive environment. The film, on the other hand, has a more serious tone and teaches the lessons of empathy and change.
Did you know that in our English program, A Grade Ahead begins to focus on topics like compare and contrast and figurative language as early as 4th grade?
The Plot
In the book, Vikings have been capturing and training dragons for generations. Dragon training is harsh and based almost entirely on yelling – something Hiccup hates. Because of this, he struggles until he realizes his true strength: communication. His ability to understand Dragonese allows him to succeed where force fails.
The film takes a completely different approach. Vikings and dragons are at war. Dragons raid villages and steal food, and the Vikings’ goal is total extermination. Hiccup’s journey becomes one of discovery as he realizes dragons are not the monsters everyone believes them to be. The film’s plot centers on changing an entire culture, not just surviving it.
Do you want your student to focus on comprehension topics like plot? A Grade Ahead covers plot and other topics starting as young as 1st grade!
The Characters
Hiccup
Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III’s appearance and character in the film are very similar to those described in the book. He is a skinny Viking from the Hairy Hooligans tribe who stands out for both his intelligence and physical attributes. As at the start of the first film, in the book he is frequently made fun of and mocked by the other Vikings. He does, however, possess two dragons: Windwalker and Toothless, which is not the case in the movie.
Toothless
In both the book and the film, Toothless the dragon is very different. In the book, he is a small green and red dragon, thought to be a Common or Garden Dragon, but who turns out to be a baby Seadragonus Giganticus Maximus later on. Differently, the film shows Toothless he is a massive black Night Fury, the rarest and most intellectual of the dragon species. He lacks teeth, as his name implies.
Book to Movie Comparison
According to Cowell in her book, Toothless is a defiant, self-centered, and ungrateful dragon who is devoted to Hiccup. For the film, Hiccup and Toothless are shown as best friends who get along well and are sensitive to each other’s wants and needs. In the film, Toothless obeys most of the time – that is, until he believes he has a better idea than Hiccup. In the book, Toothless is small enough to perch on Hiccup’s arm, but in the film, he is a massive dragon that Hiccup enjoys flying on.
The way that Hiccup and Toothless’ connection develops is another important difference. In the film, Toothless is captured by Hiccup in order to train him in accordance with the rite of passage, which is part of the Berk villagers’ custom of catching and training dragons. But Toothless’ disobedience causes Hiccup a lot of problems, and he eventually manages to train the dragon on his own.
Most of the main characters from the book appear in the film and keep many of the same character traits. For example, Hiccup is still small, awkward, and weak by Viking standards, but he is intelligent and thoughtful.
A Grade Ahead understands the importance of characterization when it comes to comprehension, which is why we make sure to cover it in many of our English enrichment classes, such as in our 6th grade curriculum.
The Setting
The book takes place on the Isle of Berk, a small, cold, and harsh Viking island. Life there is simple and rough, with Vikings focusing on survival, fishing, and demonstrating their toughness. Dragons are common, and they are viewed as pests rather than powerful threats. The environment is comical and exaggerated, adding to the book’s lively tone and Hiccup’s portrayal as an underappreciated, regular boy.
Is your child ready to take their learning to the next level while still having fun? Do you want them to understand the difference between mood and tone? A Grade Ahead doesn’t forget about our older students, and we cover these topics and more in our 7th grade English program!
The film is similarly set on the Isle of Berk, but it is more dramatic and visually impressive. Berk is portrayed as a dangerous location where Vikings are continuously at war with dragons. The setting is steep, rocky, and surrounded by rough waters, emphasizing both danger and strength. Dragons are powerful, intriguing animals, and the environment lends itself to a deeper, more emotional story.
Setting is a topic that can help students comprehend the events in a story and feel immersed. That is why A Grade Ahead starts focusing on this topic with our younger students, such as our 2nd graders!
The Themes
The idea that kindness and intelligence are more significant than strength is one of the book’s main themes. Hiccup’s success is due to his patience, thoughtfulness, and willingness to understand dragons rather than control them.
The film’s central theme is that empathy and understanding can bring an end to conflict. Hiccup learns to communicate with the dragons, proving that enemies are not always what they seem. Since Hiccup must defy Viking norms and beliefs in order to bring about change, the movie focuses on the idea of breaking with convention and following one’s own path.
Topics like theme are often important for upper-level students to analyze, which is why A Grade Ahead developed our high school English program!
Conclusion
While How to Train Your Dragon overlaps characters, settings, and basic themes between the book and the film, the versions ultimately tell completely different stories. Cressida Cowell’s novel emphasizes humor, individuality, and the power of communication within an established Viking culture, whereas the film tells a more dramatic story about empathy, conflict, and cultural transformation.
What do you think? Have you read or watched How to Train Your Dragon? Do you prefer the book or the movie? Let us know which book-turned-movie we should explore next in the comments!
Looking for more? Call or visit an A Grade Ahead academy near you to get a free curriculum sample, take a free assessment, or sign up for a free trial class today!
Author: Pamela Crum, Teacher Coordinator at A Grade Ahead
