Works of derivative fiction based on the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise comprise a significant subgenre within fan-created content. These narratives extend, reimagine, or otherwise alter the established storylines, characters, and settings of the original books and films. One example includes a story where Hiccup develops a new type of dragon training method, or where Astrid takes on a leadership role earlier in the timeline.
The creation and consumption of these fan-generated stories offer several benefits to both writers and readers. For authors, it provides a space for creative exploration and skill development, often without the constraints of commercial publishing. For readers, it provides access to a vast library of content tailored to specific interests and desires within the established universe, allowing for further engagement with beloved characters and themes. This kind of creative output represents a continuation of the narrative beyond its official conclusion.
Further analysis of this creative output will delve into its prevalent themes, common character pairings, and notable trends within the fan community. This will include discussion of how these stories both adhere to and deviate from the source material, and the impact they have on the perception and evolution of the “How to Train Your Dragon” mythos.
1. Alternate Universes
Alternate Universe (AU) settings represent a prevalent type within “How to Train Your Dragon” derivative fiction. This framework allows authors to transplant characters and established relationships into new contexts, diverging significantly from the original canon. The core appeal lies in exploring “what if” scenarios and reimagining familiar personalities within unfamiliar circumstances. The cause stems from a desire to explore uncharted territories and reimagine characters.
A significant element within AU creations is the systematic alteration of core components. For instance, an AU might feature Vikings in a modern-day setting, dragons as shapeshifters, or even a world where Hiccup and Toothless meet under drastically different circumstances, such as space travel. The importance of AU within “How to Train Your Dragon” rests on its capacity to revitalize familiar figures, allowing writers and readers to see these characters through a fresh lens and tackle novel conflicts. For example, an author might place the dragon riders in a high school setting, exploring themes of adolescence and social dynamics alongside the core dragon-riding themes. The practical significance is that it provides limitless possibilities to expand existing characters’ experiences.
In summary, the use of AUs in these fan works is a driving force for creative variance. By divorcing themselves from the constraints of established continuity, authors are free to experiment with themes, relationships, and plot structures. This is important for understanding the appeal and the sheer scope of the world. Alternate Universe iterations thus represent a dynamic and imaginative branch of “How to Train Your Dragon,” allowing for diverse interpretations and explorations of the source material’s fundamental elements.
2. Character Relationships
Character relationships form a central pillar of derivative narratives based on the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise. These stories frequently delve into the pre-existing connections established in the source material, expanding upon them, reinterpreting their dynamics, or forging entirely new bonds between characters. The desire to explore the emotional intricacies and potential of these relationships serves as a primary motivator for both writers and readers within the fan community. The importance of this resides in its ability to build new worlds for the original. For example, a common exploration involves deepening the bond between Hiccup and Toothless, examining the challenges and rewards of their unique partnership. Similarly, the romantic connection between Hiccup and Astrid often serves as a focal point, with stories charting their evolving relationship through different stages of life or under varying circumstances. There are also stories exploring previously non-existent relations, such as new characters who befriend or challenge existing protagonists.
Beyond romantic pairings, the intricate web of familial and platonic relationships within the Viking village of Berk provides fertile ground for exploration. Sibling dynamics, mentor-mentee relationships, and the bonds between dragon riders and their dragons all receive considerable attention. Fan-created content often seeks to address perceived gaps or under-explored potential within the canon, providing deeper insight into the motivations, vulnerabilities, and personal growth of individual characters. For instance, stories might focus on the complex dynamic between Stoick and Hiccup, attempting to reconcile their differing viewpoints and bridge the gap in their understanding of one another. Others may focus on Snotlout’s relationships with other members of the group, showing his insecurities and vulnerabilities. In practice, this reveals the hidden depths of the plot and expands the world beyond the source material.
In summary, character relationships serve as a critical ingredient in the recipe of “How to Train Your Dragon” derivative narratives. They provide a framework for exploring themes of love, loyalty, friendship, and personal growth, allowing authors to expand upon established storylines and create new, emotionally resonant experiences for readers. While challenges exist in remaining true to the essence of the characters while simultaneously pushing their boundaries, the exploration of these relationships remains a key factor in the continued popularity and evolution of the fan-created landscape.
3. Canon Divergence
Canon divergence represents a significant element within “How to Train Your Dragon” derivative fiction, signifying a departure from the events, timelines, or established characteristics presented in the original source material. It provides a framework for exploring alternative narratives and addressing unmet desires within the established universe.
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Altered Plot Points
This facet involves modifying key events from the original storyline, resulting in ripple effects that change the course of the narrative. For instance, a story might explore the consequences of Hiccup failing to befriend Toothless, or Astrid making a different decision during a pivotal moment. This divergence allows authors to explore alternative outcomes and their impact on the characters and the world. The effect could be a darker or more challenging scenario for the main characters.
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Character Survival/Death
A common form of canon divergence involves characters who die in the original material surviving, or vice-versa. This deviation can create opportunities for new storylines and character development. As an example, a storyline could examine the implications of Stoick the Vast surviving the events of the second film, affecting Hiccup’s leadership and the future of Berk. Conversely, a story might explore the impact of a different character’s death on the community. The ramifications of either shift can fundamentally alter the overall trajectory of the plot.
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Relationship Changes
This entails altering the nature or development of established relationships. A narrative might explore a romantic pairing that never occurred in the canon, or delve into the consequences of a friendship fracturing. For example, the dynamic between Hiccup and Astrid could be re-imagined, or the bonds between the dragon riders could face unforeseen challenges. These changes allows authors to explore different facets of the characters and the impact of interpersonal connections.
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Worldbuilding Alterations
Canon divergence can extend to modifying the established world itself, introducing new elements or altering existing ones. This could involve discovering new dragon species, exploring previously unknown regions, or changing the political landscape of the Viking world. For instance, a story could introduce a new faction of dragon riders with different ideologies, or explore the consequences of Berk forming alliances with other tribes. This form of divergence expands the scope of the world and allows for the introduction of new conflicts and opportunities.
These facets of canon divergence collectively contribute to the expansive and dynamic nature of fan-created content based on “How to Train Your Dragon.” By exploring alternative realities and challenging the established narrative, authors can create stories that resonate with readers seeking novel experiences and deeper engagement with the beloved characters and world.
4. Expanded Lore
The concept of “Expanded Lore” plays a critical role in the landscape of “How to Train Your Dragon” derivative fiction. It denotes the addition of new information, histories, cultures, species, and other worldbuilding elements beyond what is explicitly established in the original books, films, and television series. A primary cause for the prevalence of expanded lore stems from fans’ desire for a deeper, more intricate understanding of the fictional universe. This desire often arises from unanswered questions or unexplored possibilities left open by the canonical material. The importance of expanded lore lies in its capacity to enrich the existing world, offering new avenues for storytelling and character development. For example, fan-created stories frequently introduce previously unmentioned dragon breeds with unique abilities and cultural significance, or explore the histories and customs of Viking tribes beyond Berk. Another example involves detailing the ecological systems of the archipelago, including flora, fauna, and geographical features absent from the primary narratives. These contributions, while non-canonical, broaden the scope of the universe.
The effect of this worldbuilding addition is multifaceted. From a creative standpoint, expanded lore grants authors greater flexibility and creative license, allowing them to craft narratives that push the boundaries of the established world. From a reader’s perspective, it offers the opportunity to immerse themselves in a richer, more complex fictional environment. Real-life examples include extensive wikis and fan communities dedicated to cataloging and developing these non-canonical elements, showcasing the collaborative effort to expand the universe. The practical significance of understanding expanded lore is that it provides a lens through which to analyze the motivations and creative choices of fan authors, revealing the extent to which they engage with and build upon the foundational elements of the “How to Train Your Dragon” mythos.
In summary, expanded lore represents a powerful force in the “How to Train Your Dragon” fan fiction ecosystem. It allows for creative enrichment of original source content. Challenges exist in maintaining consistency and coherence when adding to an established fictional world, but the benefits of expanded lore in terms of creative potential and community engagement make it a central and enduring aspect of these works.
5. Missing Scenes
Derivative narratives based on the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise frequently incorporate “Missing Scenes” to enrich the source material. These additions seek to fill perceived gaps in the established storyline, develop character relationships, or explore unexplored aspects of the world, and demonstrate how “how to train your dragon fanfiction” adds to the existing content.
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Bridging Plot Gaps
Missing scenes are used to address perceived inconsistencies or unresolved plot threads within the canon. For instance, a story might detail the events leading up to a character’s decision or provide context for an unexplained action. One example might be a scene detailing Hiccup’s initial design process for Toothless’s prosthetic tail, showcasing the challenges and innovations involved. These interpolations provide a more seamless narrative flow and enhance the logic of the established world, illustrating how “how to train your dragon fanfiction” addresses inconsistencies.
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Character Development
These scenes are also utilized to deepen the audience’s understanding of characters’ motivations and emotional states. This could involve depicting private moments of reflection, previously unseen interactions with other characters, or explorations of their past. A possible instance is a scene showcasing Astrid’s training regimen and internal struggles as she prepares for a leadership role, further fleshing out her character beyond her combat prowess. By adding these layers, the world is enhanced by “how to train your dragon fanfiction”.
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Relationship Building
Derivative works can insert scenes that focus on the development of relationships between characters, be they romantic, platonic, or familial. These scenes often explore the nuances of these connections, highlighting moments of vulnerability, conflict, or shared understanding. A likely scenario is a scene illustrating the early stages of the friendship between Hiccup and Fishlegs, showing their shared interests and overcoming their social awkwardness. These connections allow the expansion of “how to train your dragon fanfiction” to reach new heights.
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World Exploration
Missing scenes can expand the scope of the “How to Train Your Dragon” universe by showcasing unexplored locations, cultures, or aspects of dragon lore. This could involve depicting interactions with other Viking tribes, exploring hidden islands, or delving into the history of dragons and their relationship with humans. An example would be a scene illustrating a Viking settlement with different dragon taming practices, providing a contrast to the methods used on Berk and enriching the overall world. This enhancement builds a foundation for “how to train your dragon fanfiction” to thrive.
By filling in these perceived gaps and offering new perspectives on established characters and events, missing scenes contribute significantly to the richness and depth of “How to Train Your Dragon” derivative narratives. These additions can enhance the overall experience for readers, allowing for a more complete and satisfying engagement with the beloved franchise and contributing to the continued interest and growth of “how to train your dragon fanfiction.”
6. Age Changes
Age changes, a common trope in derivative narratives based on the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise, involve alterations to the characters’ ages, either aging them up or down from their original portrayals. The cause behind this alteration is often a desire to explore different themes, relationship dynamics, or narrative possibilities that would not be feasible with the characters’ established ages. For example, aging up the characters can facilitate exploration of mature themes such as marriage, parenthood, or leadership challenges in a more realistic context. Conversely, de-aging characters can allow for explorations of childhood vulnerabilities, formative experiences, or alternative origin stories. The importance of age changes lies in their ability to offer a fresh perspective on familiar characters and storylines, providing authors with a canvas to explore uncharted territory within the established universe. This demonstrates “how to train your dragon fanfiction” finds ways to re-imagine source content.
Real-life examples of age changes in this fan-created content include stories where Hiccup and Astrid are depicted as adults navigating the complexities of ruling Berk after Stoick’s passing, or narratives where the dragon riders are portrayed as children discovering dragons for the first time. Another practical application of this trope involves aging down adult characters to teenagers or children to explore alternate relationship dynamics, such as a story where Stoick raises Hiccup as a single father after Valka’s early death, or where the dragon riders are all children who discover dragons. The use of this trope is clearly a creative expansion of “how to train your dragon fanfiction” and its flexibility.
In summary, age changes represent a significant tool in the arsenal of “How to Train Your Dragon” fanfiction authors. The practice adds an element that can challenge perceptions of established characters and narratives. While challenges exist in maintaining consistency with the characters’ core personalities and motivations, the potential for innovative storytelling and exploration of new themes makes age changes a recurring and impactful element within this derivative content. Ultimately, they highlight the adaptability of “how to train your dragon fanfiction” and its ability to cater to a wide variety of reader preferences.
7. Fix-It
The “Fix-It” trope constitutes a significant subcategory within “how to train your dragon fanfiction.” These narratives are characterized by their attempts to rectify perceived flaws, unsatisfying plot resolutions, or character deaths present in the original source material. This form of fan-created content reflects a desire to reshape the established narrative to align with the author’s and audience’s preferences.
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Character Revival
A prevalent form of “Fix-It” focuses on resurrecting characters who died in the original “How to Train Your Dragon” installments. This is particularly evident in stories that bring Stoick the Vast back to life after his death in How to Train Your Dragon 2. The reasoning behind this is that the fan audience misses him from the original. This trope aims to mitigate the emotional impact of the original canon. In such narratives, the characters typically have expanded dialogue and greater importance to the plot than the original Stoick.
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Resolution of Unsatisfying Endings
Many “how to train your dragon fanfiction” pieces classified as “Fix-It” seek to provide more satisfying conclusions to unresolved storylines or relationships. For instance, a story might explore an alternative outcome to the third film, where dragons do not depart from the human world. In this, fan-created content addresses perceived shortcomings in the original narrative’s resolution, offering a different sense of closure.
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Addressing Perceived Character Inconsistencies
“Fix-It” narratives also aim to correct perceived inconsistencies in character behavior or development. An example would be a storyline that modifies Snotlout’s actions to be more sensitive and useful to the rest of the Viking group. In this fashion, they make sure his behaviour is in keeping with his personality traits, but altered to be more useful. This ensures a smooth and logical transition into the canon events, without sacrificing his character traits.
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Mitigating Tragic Events
Another common characteristic is the prevention of tragic events that occurred in the original material. For instance, the death of a beloved dragon, the destruction of a significant location, or a major conflict that caused widespread suffering might be averted in a “Fix-It” story. The goal is often to create a more optimistic or emotionally satisfying narrative outcome and creates a more welcoming backdrop for further stories.
These facets of the “Fix-It” trope collectively demonstrate a desire to reshape the “How to Train Your Dragon” universe to better align with audience expectations and preferences. While these narratives inherently deviate from the canon, they reflect a deep engagement with the source material and offer a means for fans to explore alternative possibilities and emotional resolutions within the beloved franchise. The rise of “Fix-It” in “how to train your dragon fanfiction” shows a desire to maintain continuity, while simultaneously rectifying perceived errors or shortcomings.
8. Crossovers
Crossovers represent a distinct category within “how to train your dragon fanfiction,” characterized by the integration of characters, settings, and plot elements from other fictional universes into the “How to Train Your Dragon” world. These fusions explore the possibilities of interaction and conflict between disparate mythologies, offering authors opportunities for creative worldbuilding and character dynamics. The integration is not limited to animation, but also includes various other media.
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Character Interaction
Crossover stories frequently involve interactions between characters from “How to Train Your Dragon” and those from other franchises, such as Harry Potter, Marvel, or Star Wars. These encounters can range from friendly collaborations to adversarial conflicts, exploring how characters from different backgrounds and with differing abilities navigate new circumstances. The result highlights character traits in unexpected scenarios. These interactions drive the core plot, with the personalities being set into new territory.
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Worldbuilding Blending
The merging of different fictional worlds is a key element of crossover content. This can involve integrating magical systems from Harry Potter into the Viking world of Berk, or transporting dragons to the futuristic settings of Star Wars. This is a complex and challenging part of plot creation. The blending must align with the original plot of “how to train your dragon fanfiction”, to keep cohesion. Authors usually choose franchises that have a connection, if possible.
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Thematic Exploration
Crossovers provide a platform for exploring shared themes between different franchises. Stories might examine the concepts of friendship, courage, or overcoming prejudice in the context of two distinct universes. For example, a crossover with X-Men could address themes of acceptance and tolerance towards those who are different. This allows the authors to convey familiar values. The value of “how to train your dragon fanfiction” lies in that it offers a unique perspective on the original canon.
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Power Dynamics and Conflicts
The juxtaposition of characters and abilities from different universes often leads to the exploration of power dynamics and conflicts. A crossover with the DC universe might examine how the dragon riders of Berk would fare against superpowered villains, or how their methods of diplomacy and problem-solving differ. Conflict builds suspense, while setting the scene for more “how to train your dragon fanfiction” plot points.
These facets of crossover content highlight the potential for creative innovation within “how to train your dragon fanfiction.” By integrating elements from diverse fictional universes, authors can create novel and engaging narratives that appeal to a broad audience, expanding the reach and appeal of the franchise beyond its established boundaries. Crossovers allow for “how to train your dragon fanfiction” to thrive, because it can be incorporated into various themes.
Frequently Asked Questions about “How to Train Your Dragon Fanfiction”
This section addresses common inquiries and misconceptions regarding fan-created narratives based on the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise. It aims to provide clear and concise information about the nature, scope, and considerations surrounding these works.
Question 1: What constitutes “How to Train Your Dragon Fanfiction?”
Answer: This encompasses any narrative work, written by fans, that utilizes the characters, settings, or concepts from the “How to Train Your Dragon” universe. These works can include original stories, alternate universe scenarios, character explorations, and more. It is based on the original source material.
Question 2: Is “How to Train Your Dragon Fanfiction” considered legal?
Answer: Generally, creating fanfiction is considered a transformative use of copyrighted material and falls under fair use doctrines. However, it’s essential to avoid commercializing or profiting from these works without the copyright holder’s permission. This avoids legal issues.
Question 3: Where can examples of fanfiction be found?
Answer: Numerous online platforms host fanfiction, including Archive of Our Own (AO3), Fanfiction.net, and Wattpad. These sites offer extensive search and filtering options to locate stories based on specific characters, themes, or relationships. These websites are specifically for that function.
Question 4: What are common themes explored in fanfiction?
Answer: Recurring themes include character relationships (romantic, platonic, familial), exploration of unexplored lore, alternate universe scenarios, and addressing perceived gaps or shortcomings in the original canon. These works contribute to the creative universe.
Question 5: What should one consider before writing fanfiction?
Answer: Prior to writing, one should familiarize themselves with the established canon, consider the desired scope and themes of the story, and respect the boundaries and preferences of the fan community. This allows you to successfully build your story.
Question 6: How can one contribute to and engage with the “How to Train Your Dragon Fanfiction” community?
Answer: Engagement can involve writing and sharing stories, providing constructive feedback to other authors, participating in online forums or groups, and attending fan conventions. There are many ways to get involved.
Understanding these aspects helps navigate the world of fan-created stories, and encourages further discussion and collaboration within the community.
The subsequent sections delve into further analysis and commentary.
Crafting Compelling “How to Train Your Dragon Fanfiction”
This section provides essential guidelines for authors seeking to create engaging and well-received derivative works based on the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise. Adherence to these suggestions can enhance the quality and impact of fan-created narratives.
Tip 1: Maintain Character Consistency: Characters should retain their core personalities and motivations, even when placed in alternate scenarios. Deviations should be gradual and logically justified.
Tip 2: Respect Established Lore: Familiarize oneself with the canonical details of the “How to Train Your Dragon” universe. While deviations are acceptable, wholesale disregard for established facts can alienate readers.
Tip 3: Develop Believable Relationships: The dynamics between characters should be well-developed and realistic, even when exploring new or non-canonical pairings. Readers should be able to understand and empathize with the relationships depicted.
Tip 4: Craft Engaging Plots: Stories should have a clear narrative structure with rising action, climax, and resolution. Avoid aimless meandering or excessive reliance on established plot points. Add something the “how to train your dragon fanfiction” community wants.
Tip 5: Utilize Vivid Descriptions: The world of “How to Train Your Dragon” is rich with detail. Employ descriptive language to immerse readers in the settings, characters, and events of the story. By making the world real, it will enhance the story.
Tip 6: Proofread and Edit: Ensure that the writing is free of grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and inconsistencies. A well-edited story enhances readability and demonstrates professionalism. If it is not readable, no one will want to engage.
Tip 7: Solicit Feedback: Share works with other fans and solicit constructive criticism. Feedback can help identify areas for improvement and enhance the overall quality of the story. Getting feedback is a good way to improve your “how to train your dragon fanfiction”.
By prioritizing character consistency, respecting established lore, and focusing on strong storytelling, authors can contribute positively to the “How to Train Your Dragon Fanfiction” community. Attention to these details will foster a quality piece of work.
The subsequent section concludes by summarizing the key insights discussed throughout the article.
Conclusion
This exploration of “how to train your dragon fanfiction” has illuminated its multifaceted nature. From alternate universes and character relationships to canon divergence and expanded lore, the analysis has revealed a dynamic and evolving landscape of fan-created content. This derivative fiction reflects a deep engagement with the source material, offering avenues for creative expression, community building, and the exploration of uncharted narrative territories.
The continuing growth and evolution of this fan-generated ecosystem are assured. As the original franchise expands and new audiences discover its appeal, the demand for “how to train your dragon fanfiction” will continue to grow. The “how to train your dragon fanfiction” community fosters creativity, imagination, and a shared passion for storytelling. Further research is warranted to fully understand this phenomenon.
