The conclusion of the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy marks the end of an emotional journey for Viking chieftain Hiccup and his dragon companion, Toothless. Over the course of three films, audiences have witnessed their growth, facing battles, losses, and discoveries. In How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, the duo must make a life-altering decision that will change the course of history for both dragons and Vikings alike. As the adventure unfolds, their bond is tested like never before.
Hiccup, now the chief of Berk, dedicates himself to creating a safe haven for dragons and humans to coexist. However, with the increasing number of dragon hunters, Berk becomes overcrowded and vulnerable. When the menacing Grimmel, a notorious dragon hunter, targets Toothless, Hiccup realizes that Berk is no longer safe. Determined to protect the dragons, he embarks on a mission to find the fabled Hidden World, a sanctuary where dragons can live freely without human interference.
How to Train Your Dragon 3 (Photo: Universal Pictures)A New Home, a Final Battle, and the Heartbreaking Choice for Peace
As Grimmel attacks Berk, Hiccup leads his people and dragons on an exodus across the ocean, hoping to find the Hidden World. Eventually, they discover an island rich in resources and begin to settle there, naming it New Berk. Although Hiccup initially envisions it as a temporary refuge, the island proves to be an ideal permanent home for the Berkians. However, Grimmel soon tracks them down, leading to a final confrontation that forces Hiccup to make a difficult decision regarding the fate of dragons and humans.
Following an intense battle in which Grimmel is defeated, Hiccup realizes that as long as humans and dragons coexist, the dragons will never be truly safe. Understanding that their presence puts them at risk, he makes the painful decision to let them go. Toothless, now the Alpha of the dragons, leads them to the Hidden World, symbolizing the end of an era. Though it means saying goodbye to his lifelong friend, Hiccup recognizes that it is the best choice for the dragons’ survival and freedom.
Throughout the movie, love plays a significant role, not only between Toothless and the Light Fury but also between Hiccup and Astrid. As their relationship deepens, they eventually marry and start a family. Years later, Hiccup is shown as a mature and bearded leader, living a peaceful life with Astrid and their two children. However, despite the happiness of his new life, he has never forgotten his bond with Toothless.
How to Train Your Dragon 3 (Photo: Universal Pictures)A Reunion of Friends and Families: Growth, Sacrifice, and the Power of Farewell
Years after their separation, Hiccup takes Astrid and their children on a journey to the entrance of the Hidden World. At first, Toothless does not recognize his old friend, but a familiar gesture rekindles their bond. Now a proud father himself, Toothless introduces his family to Hiccup and his children. The moment serves as a touching reunion, reaffirming the deep connection between them, even though they now belong to different worlds.
At its core, How to Train Your Dragon is a coming-of-age story. The trilogy follows Hiccup’s transformation from an outcast boy to a wise leader, showing his struggles, victories, and the sacrifices he must make. Letting go of Toothless signifies his growth and maturity, proving that true leadership sometimes means making painful choices for the greater good. It reflects a universal theme of moving forward while cherishing the past.
Beyond Hiccup’s personal journey, the trilogy conveys an important message about coexistence and self-improvement. The dragons leave because humans’ destructive tendencies make their world unsafe. However, Hiccup leaves the possibility open that one day, when humans learn to live in harmony, the dragons may return.
This message resonates deeply, reminding both young and adult audiences of the importance of understanding, peace, and growth. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World thus delivers a fitting and heartfelt conclusion to an unforgettable saga.
