‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ was a
spectacular movie that touched a chord with audiences of all ages around the
world. While the first movie dealt primarily with the Vikings and their
attitude towards dragons, the sequel takes its time exploring the world of
dragons, and teaching audiences more about their interactions with each other
and with human beings. We are invited to visit the secret dragon cave that houses hundreds of previously unknown dragon species. With
dragon expert Valka as the guide, we learn about the alpha dragon the
Bewilderbeast and its ability to control all other dragon species. We are also
told about baby dragons and how they are the only ones that ignore the dragon
king. Later, we see the Bewilderbeast in action and witness its terrifying
ability to control dragons against their own will. The end of the movie, too,
deals heavily with the workings of the dragon world.
However, in spite of all the focus on
dragons, there are many fun facts that don’t make it to ‘How to
Train Your Dragon 2’. Here are some interesting details you probably don’t
know about the fire-breathing heroes of HTTYD 2 (unless you watch the cartoon series!).
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Toothless – Ha! Bet you didn’t see
that one coming! After all, with Valka’s revelation about the set of extended
spines on his back, and the unexpected revelations about his character at the
end of ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’, what more is there to know about this
Night Fury, right? Well, Toothless has a hidden ability that enables him to fly
about in dark areas where he can effectively blend in with his surroundings –
much like bats, he has an echolocation sense that helps him ‘see’ his way
around in pitch darkness. Toothless issues a plasma blast in all directions,
which bounces off nearby surfaces and returns to him, giving him an accurate
picture of his surroundings.
Gruff – Not much is revealed about this poor Hobblegruntin How
to Train Your Dragon 2 except that it was blinded by a tree snare left by
DragoBludvist’s trappers. It turns out that this dragon can still lead a happy
life thanks to the fin on its head, which allows it to sense its surroundings
and react to threats or obstacles a split-second before dragons that can
actually see.
Skullcrusher – Stoick’s pet dragon
is revealed to have an excellent sense of smell in ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’,
tracking Hiccup all the way to the ice cave merely by sniffing his fallen
helmet. What isn’t revealed is his fearsome battle skills, though the name does
give it away. With a head resembling that of a rhino, Skullcrusher can use it
as a battering ram to devastating effect.
Cloudjumper – Valka’s fearsome pet
dragon is shown to have a second set of wings in ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’.
With four wings, Cloudjumper is able to fly through the skies with extreme
agility.However, what is really unique about this dragon is its sharp
fore-talons, which it can use dextrously enough to pick the lock of a dragon
trap!
It turns out that these fantastic creatures
can do a lot more than just breathe fire and give you a ride on its back
through the skies. Imagine how cool it would be to have pets like that!
