How to Train Your Dragon 2 is the epic continuation of DreamWorks’ beloved animated saga, directed by Dean DeBlois. It deepens the emotional and narrative layers of the first film while expanding the world of dragons and Vikings in breathtaking ways. Set five years after the original, this sequel manages to be fun, emotional, and heart-wrenching all at once.
Detailed Summary
The Peaceful Island of Berk
The movie begins with a completely transformed Berk. The Viking villagers now live harmoniously with dragons—riding them, racing them, and treating them as family members. Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel) and his loyal Night Fury, Toothless, are now seasoned flyers exploring uncharted territories and mapping the world.
Hiccup’s father, Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler), is proud but worried that his son isn’t ready to take his place as chief. Hiccup, on the other hand, is more interested in freedom and discovery than leadership.
Discovery of Dragon Trappers
During one of his flights, Hiccup and Astrid (America Ferrera) discover a group of dragon trappers led by Eret, son of Eret (Kit Harington). They learn that these trappers are capturing dragons for a mysterious warlord named Drago Bludvist (Djimon Hounsou). Drago is building an army of dragons to conquer the world.
Hiccup, ever the idealist, believes he can reason with Drago and prevent a war, while Stoick warns him that Drago is beyond negotiation.
The Hidden Sanctuary and the Return of Valka
In a stunning twist, Hiccup discovers a massive icy dragon sanctuary, guarded by the Bewilderbeast, a colossal alpha dragon capable of controlling other dragons with its roar. There he meets a masked dragon rider who reveals herself to be Valka, Hiccup’s long-lost mother (voiced by Cate Blanchett).
Valka has spent 20 years rescuing dragons from trappers and living among them in peace. The reunion between mother and son is heartfelt and emotional—Hiccup realizes that his passion for dragons comes from her.
Drago’s Attack and the Clash of Alphas
Stoick eventually tracks down Hiccup and is reunited with Valka, leading to a touching moment of reconciliation between the long-separated couple. However, their happiness is short-lived as Drago’s army attacks with his own Bewilderbeast.
In a massive battle, Drago’s alpha defeats Valka’s Bewilderbeast, asserting control over all dragons—including Toothless. Under Drago’s command, the mind-controlled Toothless fires a plasma blast that tragically kills Stoick, as he tries to protect Hiccup. This moment marks the film’s emotional peak—a heartbreaking, shocking twist that forever changes Hiccup’s character.
Hiccup’s Grief and Resolve
After Stoick’s funeral, Hiccup is devastated but finds new determination. He realizes he must become the chief his father believed he could be. With the help of his friends, he infiltrates Drago’s forces and confronts him directly.
The Final Battle
Hiccup manages to break Toothless free from Drago’s control through sheer trust and friendship. Together, they face Drago’s Bewilderbeast. Toothless challenges the massive dragon, overcomes it with courage, and becomes the new Alpha, freeing all dragons from Drago’s influence.
Hiccup then proclaims himself chief of Berk, uniting dragons and Vikings once more.
Movie Ending
The film ends with Berk mourning Stoick’s death but celebrating Hiccup’s rise as their new chief. Hiccup and Toothless, now both leaders in their own right, solidify their bond more than ever. The villagers rebuild, dragons return to their home, and peace is restored—for now.
The closing scene mirrors the spirit of the first film: Hiccup and Toothless soar through the skies of Berk, reaffirming their bond and setting the stage for their future adventures. It’s both a satisfying conclusion and an emotional passing of the torch—from father to son, from fear to understanding.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, How to Train Your Dragon 2 does not have a post-credits scene. However, it ends with a heartfelt dedication to the late Christopher Mintz-Plasse, who voiced Fishlegs’ dragon in behind-the-scenes sequences, and a hint toward more adventures to come in the trilogy’s conclusion.
Type of Movie
This is an animated action-adventure fantasy with strong emotional themes about leadership, family, and identity. It combines coming-of-age storytelling with sweeping fantasy world-building and dazzling animation.
Cast
- Jay Baruchel as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III
- Cate Blanchett as Valka
- Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast
- America Ferrera as Astrid Hofferson
- Djimon Hounsou as Drago Bludvist
- Kit Harington as Eret, Son of Eret
- Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Kristen Wiig, T.J. Miller as the dragon riders
Film Music and Composer
The music is composed by John Powell, who returns from the first film. His score blends sweeping orchestral themes with Celtic influences. The emotional centerpiece, “Where No One Goes,” performed by Jónsi (of Sigur Rós), perfectly captures the adventurous and emotional tone of the movie.
Filming Locations
Although animated, the film’s environments were inspired by Scotland, Norway, and the Faroe Islands, lending the landscapes their rugged, misty aesthetic. These visual inspirations ground the fantasy in a believable, natural world.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Award Nomination – Best Animated Feature
- Golden Globe Award – Best Animated Feature Film (Winner)
- BAFTA Nomination – Best Animated Film
- Annie Awards – Multiple wins including Best Director and Best Music
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Director Dean DeBlois wrote the film as the second act of a planned trilogy, inspired by The Empire Strikes Back.
- The production used a new lighting and rendering system by DreamWorks, making the visuals more realistic than any prior film.
- Cate Blanchett joined the cast after her children introduced her to the first film.
- Hiccup’s facial animation was redesigned to better reflect maturity and emotional depth.
Inspirations and References
The film draws heavily from Cressida Cowell’s book series, but the storyline is mostly original. DeBlois was inspired by epic fantasy sagas like The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, focusing on themes of legacy, family, and leadership.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Several early drafts showed Drago being defeated more dramatically (even frozen solid by Valka’s Bewilderbeast), but the final version emphasized Toothless’s evolution into Alpha instead. A deleted scene also depicted more of Hiccup and Valka bonding over dragon flight.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While based loosely on Cressida Cowell’s novels, the movie series diverges greatly. In the books, dragons can talk and the tone is more comedic. The film adopts a more cinematic and emotional approach, focusing on Hiccup’s growth and his connection with Toothless.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Hiccup and Toothless’s synchronized flight scene over the clouds.
- The emotional reunion between Hiccup and Valka.
- Stoick’s death, one of DreamWorks’ most powerful and tragic moments.
- Toothless becoming the Alpha in the film’s epic finale.
Iconic Quotes
- Stoick: “You have the heart of a chief and the soul of a dragon.”
- Hiccup: “We are who we are, and that’s who we should be.”
- Valka: “You are your father’s son, but you are also your mother’s.”
- Hiccup: “This is Berk. It’s my home.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The movie subtly foreshadows Stoick’s fate through dialogue and visual parallels to Hiccup’s earlier actions.
- Gobber hints at being gay—a first for a DreamWorks film—through a light-hearted line.
- The dragon sanctuary resembles Norse mythological depictions of Valhalla.
- The name “Drago Bludvist” is derived from Old Norse roots meaning “Dragon Blood.”
Trivia
- It was the first DreamWorks Animation sequel to win a Golden Globe.
- Hiccup’s flight suit was inspired by WWII aviator gear.
- Toothless’s animation was partly based on a combination of cat and dog behaviors.
- It was the first DreamWorks film rendered using their new “Apollo” animation system.
Why Watch?
Because it’s one of those rare sequels that matures with its audience. It deepens the world, raises emotional stakes, and offers stunning animation with genuine heart. Whether you’re here for dragons, emotional storytelling, or breathtaking visuals, this film delivers all three.
Director’s Other Movies
- How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
- How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
- Lilo & Stitch (2002)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
- The Lion King (1994)
- The Iron Giant (1999)
- Big Hero 6 (2014)
- Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
