In the fantastical realms of animated films, two notable stories stand out for their exploration of courage, friendship, and the power to overcome one’s fears. “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Brave” captivate audiences with their richly crafted worlds and endearing characters, all while delving into the art of taming extraordinary beasts. These cinematic masterpieces not only entertain, but also hold valuable lessons, reminding us that courage takes many forms and lies within each of us, waiting to be unleashed.
In “How to Train Your Dragon,” set in the Viking village of Berk, a young misfit named Hiccup finds an unlikely bond with the enigmatic Night Fury dragon, Toothless. The film takes us on an exhilarating journey as Hiccup, armed with compassion and determination, defies his community’s long-standing tradition of dragon-slaying, and instead seeks understanding and harmony with these majestic creatures. Similarly, “Brave” transports us to the mystic Scottish Highlands, where the fiercely independent Princess Merida challenges societal expectations by refusing to conform to the customs of her noble lineage. Her courageous defiance sets forth a series of events, leading her to confront a curse and discover the strength within herself to mend her fractured family and her kingdom.
Understanding Courageous Beast Taming
A. Definition of courageous beast taming
In the world of fantasy, courageous beast taming refers to the act of forming a deep bond and connection with mythical creatures, often portrayed as dangerous or wild, through trust, respect, and understanding. It involves the taming and training of these creatures to work harmoniously with their human counterparts. This concept is prominently explored in the animated films How to Train Your Dragon and Brave, where the characters embark on remarkable journeys of beast taming.
B. Historical and cultural significance of taming mythical creatures
Taming mythical creatures has long held a significant place in human history and mythology. From the legendary tales of heroes slaying dragons to the spiritual connection between Native American tribes and their animal spirit guides, the concept of taming mythical creatures has been deeply ingrained in various cultures. These stories often contain valuable lessons of courage, resilience, and the capacity for humans and beasts to coexist.
The act of taming mythical creatures symbolizes the triumph of human spirit over fear and the conquering of unknown territories. It represents the human desire to understand and control the wild and untamed forces that exist within nature. The historical and cultural significance of this practice has helped shape the narratives of How to Train Your Dragon and Brave, lending depth and resonance to the characters’ pursuits of courageous beast taming.
In these films, the characters not only face physical challenges in taming their respective beasts but also grapple with personal growth, societal expectations, and the complexities of their relationships with these creatures. Through their journeys, the films delve into themes of fear, prejudice, empathy, patience, and perseverance, offering profound insights into the art of courageous beast taming.
Understanding the definition and historical-cultural significance of courageous beast taming sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the main characters’ relationships with their beasts in How to Train Your Dragon and Brave, which will be discussed in the subsequent section.
IMain Characters and their Relationship with Beasts
A. Hiccup and Toothless (How to Train Your Dragon)
In the movie “How to Train Your Dragon,” the main character Hiccup, a young Viking, forms an unlikely friendship with a rare and elusive dragon named Toothless. Hiccup, who is initially afraid of dragons like the rest of his village, encounters Toothless when he shoots down the Night Fury during a dragon raid. Instead of finishing the dragon off, Hiccup chooses to spare its life and help it recover.
This act of compassion and empathy sets the foundation for the development of a deep bond between Hiccup and Toothless. As Hiccup and Toothless spend more time together, Hiccup begins to learn about the true nature of dragons and challenges the long-standing prejudice held by his fellow Vikings. They embark on exhilarating adventures together, learning from each other and forging a powerful friendship that ultimately transforms their village’s beliefs about dragons.
B. Merida and Mor’du (Brave)
In the movie “Brave,” the main character Merida, a headstrong and skilled archer, has a complex relationship with a cursed bear known as Mor’du. Merida’s desire for independence and her refusal to conform to the expectations of her society leads her to inadvertently unleash a terrible curse on her mother, Queen Elinor, turning her into a bear.
Merida’s initial fear and misunderstanding of bears, symbolizing her fear of the unknown, hinder her ability to help her mother break the curse. However, as the film progresses, Merida’s journey of self-discovery and personal growth teaches her the importance of empathy and understanding. She learns to communicate with the bear version of her mother and develops a deep connection with her.
Through their shared experiences and challenges, Merida’s relationship with Mor’du becomes a catalyst for change and reconciliation within her family and kingdom. It serves as a powerful metaphor for embracing differences and breaking free from societal expectations, ultimately leading to a stronger bond between Merida and her mother.
Both Hiccup and Merida exemplify the significance of the protagonists’ relationships with the beasts in shaping their character arcs and the overall narrative of the movies. These connections highlight the transformative power of empathy, understanding, and overcoming fear, ultimately showcasing the mastery of courageous beast taming in the films “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Brave.”
IBuilding Trust and Connection with Beasts
A. Consistency and kindness in training process
Building trust and connection with beasts is a crucial aspect of courageous beast taming. In both How to Train Your Dragon and Brave, the main characters emphasize the importance of consistency and kindness in their training process.
In How to Train Your Dragon, the protagonist Hiccup learns that winning the trust of dragons requires patience, understanding, and a non-violent approach. Instead of resorting to force or aggression, Hiccup consistently shows kindness towards Toothless, the Night Fury dragon he befriends. He offers him fish, creates a prosthetic tail to help him fly, and spends quality time bonding with him. This consistent act of kindness helps the two develop a strong bond and form a deep emotional connection.
Similarly, in Brave, Merida’s relationship with her horse Mor’du is built on a foundation of consistent and compassionate training. Merida doesn’t force or dominate Mor’du but rather shows him patience and understanding. Through consistent acts of kindness and empathy, she gains his trust and loyalty. This bond proves to be invaluable in their journey together.
B. Importance of communication and understanding non-verbal cues
Another crucial aspect of building trust and connection with beasts is effective communication and understanding non-verbal cues. In both films, the main characters learn to communicate with their beasts in unique ways.
In How to Train Your Dragon, Hiccup realizes that dragons communicate not through words but through actions and body language. By observing Toothless’s non-verbal cues and understanding his needs and emotions, Hiccup forms a strong connection. It is through this understanding that they are able to work together as a team.
In Brave, Merida develops a strong understanding of Mor’du’s non-verbal cues as well. She pays attention to his body language, facial expressions, and movements to gauge his moods and desires. This attentiveness allows her to respond appropriately and build a trusting relationship with Mor’du.
By emphasizing communication and understanding non-verbal cues, both films highlight the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence in taming and training beasts. These skills not only help the characters succeed in their quests but also serve as valuable life lessons that can be applied in the real world when building relationships with others.
In conclusion, building trust and connection with beasts requires consistency, kindness, effective communication, and a deep understanding of non-verbal cues. By showcasing these elements, How to Train Your Dragon and Brave teach us important lessons in cultivating empathy, patience, and emotional intelligence in our interactions with both animals and humans.
Overcoming Fear and Prejudice
A. Hiccup’s transformation from fear to friendship
In the film “How to Train Your Dragon,” the protagonist, Hiccup, initially lives in a Viking society where dragons are seen as dangerous and must be eradicated. However, through a chance encounter with a Night Fury dragon named Toothless, Hiccup’s perception begins to shift. Despite his initial fear, Hiccup takes the time to understand Toothless and develops a deep bond with him.
Hiccup’s transformation from fear to friendship is a powerful example of overcoming prejudice. Through spending time with Toothless, Hiccup realizes that dragons are not the mindless creatures he was taught to believe. Instead, they have their own personalities, emotions, and desires. This realization challenges the societal narrative of dragons being purely dangerous and offers a counter-narrative of unity and understanding.
Hiccup’s journey is filled with moments of vulnerability, where he learns to see beyond the surface and embrace the unique qualities of Toothless. This transformation not only benefits Hiccup but also positively impacts the Viking society as a whole. Through his friendship with Toothless, Hiccup is able to bridge the gap between humans and dragons, leading to a newfound harmony.
B. Merida’s journey in challenging societal stereotypes
In the movie “Brave,” the courageous main character, Merida, challenges societal stereotypes and expectations placed upon her. In her culture, women are expected to conform to traditional roles and get married, but Merida rebels against this notion. Her refusal to follow the established path of an arranged marriage demonstrates her determination to forge her own destiny.
Merida’s journey of overcoming fear and prejudice is intertwined with her relationship with the bear, Mor’du. Initially seen as a monstrous creature, Mor’du is revealed to be a prince who fell victim to a curse. While others fear and avoid him, Merida empathizes with Mor’du and seeks to break the curse, regardless of the danger.
Merida’s journey parallels Hiccup’s transformation in “How to Train Your Dragon” as she challenges societal prejudices. She recognizes that Mor’du, just like herself, has been misunderstood due to preconceived notions and is willing to question the norms to seek understanding and unity.
By challenging the stereotypes of her society and embracing her individuality, Merida showcases the power of courage and compassion. Her journey serves as an inspiration for viewers, encouraging them to question societal norms and expectations and to have the bravery to stand up against prejudice.
In conclusion, both “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Brave” illustrate the powerful theme of overcoming fear and prejudice. Through Hiccup and Merida’s journeys, viewers are reminded of the importance of challenging preconceived notions and embracing empathy and understanding. These films serve as valuable lessons in the mastery of courageous beast taming and the ability to foster better relationships through resiliency, compassion, and the acceptance of differences.
Patience and Persistence in Training
A. Trials and setbacks faced by main characters
In both How to Train Your Dragon and Brave, the main characters face numerous trials and setbacks in their journey of training and taming their beasts. Hiccup, in How to Train Your Dragon, initially faces ridicule from his fellow Vikings for his unconventional methods of training dragons. He repeatedly fails to impress his father and the other Vikings, which leads to a lack of confidence in his abilities. Similarly, Merida, in Brave, struggles to control and tame her mother-turned-bear, Mor’du. Merida’s attempts to reverse the bear curse come with numerous challenges, including facing dangerous creatures and navigating treacherous environments.
These trials and setbacks highlight the difficulties in training mythical creatures and emphasize the importance of patience and persistence. Hiccup and Merida both must overcome these obstacles in order to build a strong bond with their respective beasts.
B. Importance of perseverance in building a bond with beasts
The main characters’ journeys in How to Train Your Dragon and Brave illustrate the vital role of perseverance in building a bond with their beasts. Hiccup’s determination to prove himself and prove that dragons can be trained and tamed is a key factor in his success. Despite his initial failures, Hiccup continues to persist and refine his training methods, ultimately gaining the trust and friendship of his dragon, Toothless.
Similarly, Merida’s persistence is crucial in her efforts to tame her mother-turned-bear. She never gives up, even when faced with adversity, and her unwavering dedication pays off as she manages to break the curse and restore her mother to human form.
These examples demonstrate that building trust and connection with mythical creatures requires consistent effort and unwavering dedication. It is through the characters’ perseverance that they are able to overcome challenges and establish a deep bond with their beasts.
By highlighting the trials and setbacks faced by the main characters, as well as the importance of perseverance, the theme of patience and persistence in training in both How to Train Your Dragon and Brave is emphasized. These films teach audiences the valuable lesson that with determination and resilience, even the most seemingly impossible feats can be achieved.
Developing Unique Training Techniques
A. Innovative approaches used in How to Train Your Dragon
In the world of “How to Train Your Dragon,” the process of beast taming is not limited to conventional methods. The film showcases a range of innovative approaches used by the characters to establish a strong bond with their dragons.
One of the most notable techniques employed in the film is the concept of positive reinforcement. Hiccup, the main character, realizes that punishment and forceful methods are ineffective in taming dragons. Instead, he discovers that rewarding desirable behavior with treats and praise leads to a more cooperative partnership. By utilizing this technique, Hiccup not only trains his own dragon, Toothless, but also helps to change the perspective of his entire Viking community towards dragons.
Another unique training technique depicted in the film is the use of the dragon training simulator. This device allows Hiccup and the other Viking trainees to practice interacting with dragons in a controlled environment. By simulating various scenarios, the trainees are able to learn and adapt their behavior without putting themselves or the dragons in real danger. This technique showcases the importance of preparation and strategic thinking in the training process.
B. Unconventional methods employed in Brave
Similarly, the film “Brave” introduces us to unconventional methods of beast taming, specifically in the context of Merida’s encounter with Mor’du, the bear.
Unlike Hiccup, who takes a gentle and patient approach to taming Toothless, Merida’s initial encounters with Mor’du are filled with fear and aggression. However, as the story progresses, Merida learns that violence and force only lead to further hostility. She realizes that the key to taming Mor’du lies in empathy and compassion.
Merida’s unconventional method involves deep reflection and understanding of her own actions and the reasons behind Mor’du’s aggression. Through this self-realization, she is able to connect with Mor’du on a deeper level and truly address the root causes of his anger. This approach of emotional intelligence and empathy ultimately allows her to tame the bear and bring peace to her kingdom.
Both “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Brave” present viewers with unique and unexpected methods of beast taming. These techniques go beyond traditional training methods and emphasize the importance of empathy, patience, and understanding. By showcasing these innovative approaches, both films inspire audiences to think outside the box and consider alternative methods when faced with challenges in building relationships with others, whether human or beast.
Emotional Intelligence and Empathy
Understanding the needs and emotions of beasts
One of the key aspects of courageous beast taming in both How to Train Your Dragon and Brave is the understanding of the needs and emotions of the mythical creatures. The main characters, Hiccup and Merida, demonstrate a high level of emotional intelligence by recognizing that beasts have their own desires, fears, and motivations.
In How to Train Your Dragon, Hiccup develops a deep connection with his dragon, Toothless, by observing and understanding his behavior. He recognizes that Toothless is not inherently aggressive and that his actions are often a result of fear or self-defense. Hiccup’s ability to identify and address Toothless’ emotional needs leads to the formation of a strong bond between them.
Similarly, in Brave, Merida learns to empathize with Mor’du, the bear who was once a human prince. As the story progresses, Merida discovers that Mor’du’s aggressive behavior is a result of his past tragedy and the curse he bears. Through her understanding of Mor’du’s pain, Merida is able to show him compassion and ultimately helps him find peace.
Empathy as a powerful tool in training and taming
Empathy plays a crucial role in the process of courageous beast taming portrayed in both movies. By putting themselves in the beasts’ shoes, the main characters are able to establish trust and make a connection with them.
Hiccup’s empathy towards Toothless allows him to design training techniques that take into account Toothless’ strengths, preferences, and limitations. Instead of imposing his will on the dragon, Hiccup creates an environment where Toothless feels safe and understood, enabling him to fully express himself. This empathetic approach enhances their training and results in a strong partnership between them.
In Brave, Merida’s empathy towards Mor’du allows her to view him not merely as a dangerous beast, but as a creature with a tragic past. Instead of solely opposing him, Merida seeks to understand his motivations and emotions. This empathy enables her to connect with Mor’du on an emotional level, leading to a transformation in their relationship.
Through demonstrating empathy, Hiccup and Merida highlight the importance of considering the needs and emotions of beasts during the taming process. They show that empathy is not only a powerful tool for training, but also a way to create genuine connections and nurture mutual respect.
Overall, emotional intelligence and empathy are crucial components of courageous beast taming in How to Train Your Dragon and Brave. The main characters’ ability to understand the emotional needs of the mythical creatures and empathize with them plays a significant role in their success. Their examples remind us of the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence in building strong relationships, not just with beasts, but also with other beings in our lives.
Overcoming Personal Limitations
A. Hiccup’s physical limitations and how he compensates
In the film “How to Train Your Dragon,” the protagonist Hiccup faces numerous challenges due to his physical limitations. Born into a Viking community where strength and bravery are highly valued, Hiccup is seen as weak and incapable by his peers. However, instead of succumbing to societal expectations, Hiccup uses his intelligence, creativity, and determination to overcome his physical limitations.
Hiccup’s main physical limitation is his lack of strength and the disability of his leg, which renders him unable to fight like his fellow Vikings. Nevertheless, he compensates for these limitations by relying on his wit and resourcefulness. He uses his knowledge of dragons to invent tools and devices that assist in training and taming them. For instance, he designs a prosthetic tail for Toothless, the Night Fury dragon, which not only helps the dragon fly better but also establishes a deep bond between the two.
Through his determination and willingness to think outside the box, Hiccup not only overcomes his physical limitations but also gains the respect and admiration of his community. He proves that strength comes in many forms and that one’s abilities should not be judged solely on physical prowess.
B. Merida’s personal growth and determination
Similarly, in the movie “Brave,” the character Merida faces personal limitations and societal expectations that she must navigate. As a princess in medieval Scotland, Merida is expected to conform to traditional female roles and agree to an arranged marriage. However, Merida rebels against these limitations and sets out on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Merida’s determination to forge her own path and challenge societal norms becomes evident through her interactions with the mystical bear Mor’du. At first, Merida sees Mor’du as a dangerous beast that she must defeat to undo a curse. However, as the story unfolds, Merida realizes the true nature of the curse and her role in breaking it.
Through her journey, Merida not only learns the importance of courage but also the value of accepting her own limitations. She discovers that her strength lies in her authenticity and the ability to defy societal expectations. Merida’s personal growth and determination serve as an inspiration, showcasing the power of embracing one’s uniqueness and following one’s own path.
In conclusion, both “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Brave” highlight the theme of overcoming personal limitations to achieve greatness. Hiccup and Merida, the main characters of the films, demonstrate that physical limitations or societal expectations should not define a person’s potential. By embracing their individuality, thinking creatively, and persisting through challenges, these characters prove that personal growth and transformation are possible for anyone. The stories encourage audiences to look beyond their own limitations and strive to be true to themselves.
Lessons Learned from Courageous Beast Taming
A. Foster better relationships through empathy and understanding
In both How to Train Your Dragon and Brave, the process of courageous beast taming teaches us valuable lessons about fostering better relationships through empathy and understanding. Hiccup, the main character in How to Train Your Dragon, initially views dragons as dangerous and fearsome creatures. However, through his encounters with Toothless, his perception shifts as he begins to understand the needs and emotions of these beasts.
By spending time with Toothless and gaining insight into his world, Hiccup develops empathy towards dragons. Through this empathy, Hiccup establishes a connection with Toothless based on trust and mutual understanding. This relationship not only transforms Hiccup’s perspective but also becomes the catalyst for bridging the divide between humans and dragons in their community. The lesson here is that through empathy and understanding, we can forge stronger bonds and build better relationships with beings that we once feared or misunderstood.
Similarly, Merida’s journey in Brave illustrates the importance of empathy and understanding in developing better relationships. Merida challenges societal stereotypes and defies the expectations placed upon her as a princess. In her interactions with Mor’du, the fierce and cursed bear, Merida learns to empathize with his plight. She discovers that underneath the terrifying exterior lies a tragic story of a prince who made a grave mistake.
This understanding leads Merida to approach Mor’du with compassion rather than fear. She realizes that by empathizing with his suffering, she can help break the curse and restore him to his original form. This lesson highlights the power of empathy in opening doors to reconciliation and healing.
B. Importance of embracing individuality and differences
Another lesson learned from courageous beast taming in both films is the importance of embracing individuality and differences. In How to Train Your Dragon, the dragons represent a diverse range of species, each with distinct characteristics and abilities. Hiccup recognizes the value and strengths in these differences and appreciates that diversity is what makes their group stronger.
Through the process of training dragons, Hiccup learns to celebrate individuality and encourages others to do the same. This acceptance of differences not only fosters a sense of inclusivity within their community but also paves the way for a harmonious coexistence between humans and dragons.
Similarly, Merida’s story in Brave emphasizes the importance of embracing individuality. As a strong-willed and independent princess, Merida challenges the traditional notion of what a princess should be. She rejects the idea of marriage as her sole purpose and instead embraces her love for archery and adventure.
Through her journey, Merida demonstrates the power of being true to oneself and celebrating individuality. Her refusal to conform to societal expectations not only leads to her personal growth but also has a transformative effect on her relationships with her family and the entire kingdom.
In conclusion, the mastery of courageous beast taming in How to Train Your Dragon and Brave offers valuable lessons for us in modern society. By fostering better relationships through empathy and understanding, and embracing individuality and differences, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive world. These films remind us of the power that lies within the connections we make, both with beasts and with one another.
Conclusion
A. Impact and relevance of courageous beast taming in modern society
In conclusion, the mastery of courageous beast taming showcased in the films “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Brave” has a profound impact on modern society. These movies explore the importance of understanding and connecting with mythical creatures, which can be seen as a metaphor for our own relationships with animals and the natural world.
The films highlight the significance of empathy and emotional intelligence in building bonds with beasts. This parallels the need for humanity to foster better relationships with animals, recognizing their needs and emotions. It reminds us that mutual respect and understanding with creatures that are different from us can lead to the development of harmony and cooperation between species.
Furthermore, courageous beast taming serves as a powerful metaphor for our interactions with other human beings. Just as the characters in the movies overcome fear and prejudice to form deep connections with mythical creatures, we too can overcome societal stereotypes and prejudices in order to foster meaningful relationships with others. By embracing individuality and differences, we can promote inclusion and a more harmonious society.
B. Final thoughts on the mastery of courageous beast taming in How to Train Your Dragon and Brave
The films “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Brave” masterfully depict the art of courageous beast taming, providing valuable lessons and insights. These movies teach us that building trust and connection with beasts, overcoming fear and prejudice, and demonstrating patience and persistence are essential in forming deep bonds. They also remind us of the importance of developing unique training techniques and employing emotional intelligence and empathy in our interactions with both animals and fellow human beings.
Through the journeys of Hiccup, Toothless, Merida, and Mor’du, we are inspired to challenge societal norms and embrace our own individuality. These films remind us that with determination, personal growth is possible, and we can overcome our own limitations.
At its core, courageous beast taming teaches us to have respect and empathy for all living creatures, whether they are mythical or real. By applying the lessons learned from these films, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive society, where deeper connections and understanding between species and individuals can be achieved.
Therefore, the mastery of courageous beast taming in “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Brave” serves as a reminder of the importance of courage, empathy, and understanding in our own lives, and the potential for nurturing harmony and cooperation in our relationships with both beasts and humans alike.