Episode 20 of Riders of Berk, “How to Train Your Dragon,” poses a seemingly impossible challenge: can Hiccup, with his unwavering belief in the potential for understanding, truly tame the chaotic and unpredictable Dagur the Deranged? The answer, perhaps surprisingly, is a qualified yes, achieved not through direct control, but through a delicate balance of manipulation, understanding, and leveraging Dagur’s own twisted sense of honor and loyalty.
The Psychology of the Deranged
Dagur the Deranged isn’t merely a villain; he’s a complex character driven by a tumultuous mix of insecurity, a thirst for power, and a deeply ingrained sense of rivalry with Hiccup. Understanding these motivations is crucial to comprehending how Hiccup even begins to influence him. Dagur operates on a different set of rules than most Vikings, valuing strength, cunning, and, paradoxically, a twisted form of loyalty. Traditional training methods are utterly useless against him; instead, Hiccup must employ a more nuanced and psychological approach.
The Power of Validation (Twisted Edition)
One of the key strategies Hiccup unknowingly employs is the validation of Dagur’s perceived intelligence and strategic prowess. Even when Dagur is clearly outmatched or pursuing a flawed plan, Hiccup subtly acknowledges his supposed “genius.” This feeds into Dagur’s ego and makes him more susceptible to Hiccup’s suggestions, even if those suggestions ultimately benefit Berk. It’s a dangerous game of manipulation, but it’s a necessary one when dealing with someone as volatile as Dagur.
Exploiting the “Enemy of My Enemy” Principle
The episode effectively utilizes the “enemy of my enemy” principle. By temporarily aligning with Dagur against a common threat (such as Alvin the Treacherous), Hiccup creates a temporary bond. This doesn’t magically transform Dagur into a friend, but it does establish a fragile connection built on mutual self-preservation. This alliance is temporary and fraught with peril, but it demonstrates Hiccup’s willingness to work with even his most dangerous adversaries for the greater good.
The Limits of Influence
Importantly, the episode doesn’t suggest that Dagur is fundamentally changed. He remains unpredictable and prone to bursts of violence and erratic behavior. Hiccup’s influence is limited to guiding Dagur’s actions in specific situations, not fundamentally altering his personality. Dagur’s “training” is more about containment and direction than genuine rehabilitation.
FAQs: Understanding Dagur and Hiccup’s Complicated Relationship
Here are some frequently asked questions about Hiccup’s attempts to influence Dagur in “How to Train Your Dragon” episode 20, and the broader context of their relationship within the Riders of Berk series:
1. Why doesn’t Hiccup simply imprison Dagur permanently?
While imprisoning Dagur might seem like the most logical solution, it’s often impractical. Dagur is incredibly resourceful and escapes captivity frequently. Furthermore, keeping him locked up requires a significant amount of resources and manpower. Hiccup, always seeking peaceful solutions, prefers to try and find ways to mitigate Dagur’s destructive tendencies rather than simply containing them. Hiccup prioritizes understanding and diplomacy, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.
2. Does Dagur genuinely respect Hiccup?
The nature of Dagur’s feelings towards Hiccup is complex and contradictory. He undoubtedly harbors resentment and a desire to prove himself superior. However, there’s also a grudging respect for Hiccup’s intelligence, courage, and dragon-riding abilities. This respect is often masked by Dagur’s bravado and antagonistic behavior. Dagur’s respect is born of rivalry and a twisted sense of admiration.
3. What is the significance of Dagur’s obsession with Heather?
Dagur’s infatuation with Heather stems from his desire for power and control. He sees her as a valuable asset and a potential queen to his envisioned empire. However, his feelings are largely superficial and self-serving. He struggles to understand genuine connection or empathy. Heather represents power and control in Dagur’s twisted worldview.
4. How much of Dagur’s “derangement” is genuine, and how much is an act?
It’s difficult to definitively categorize Dagur’s mental state. He likely suffers from some form of personality disorder, but he also consciously exaggerates his eccentricities to intimidate and manipulate others. His “derangement” is a mixture of genuine instability and a calculated performance. The line between madness and manipulation is blurred with Dagur.
5. What are the long-term consequences of Hiccup’s attempts to manipulate Dagur?
Hiccup’s manipulation of Dagur, while sometimes effective in the short term, carries significant risks. It reinforces Dagur’s belief in his own cunning and can lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous consequences. Furthermore, it blurs the ethical lines of Hiccup’s leadership, forcing him to make difficult choices with questionable moral implications. Hiccup’s choices come with a heavy ethical cost.
6. Does Dagur ever genuinely learn from his mistakes?
While Dagur occasionally demonstrates moments of self-awareness, he rarely internalizes these lessons or alters his behavior in a meaningful way. He is prone to repeating his mistakes, often with even more disastrous results. Dagur’s capacity for genuine learning is severely limited.
7. How does Stoick the Vast feel about Hiccup’s interactions with Dagur?
Stoick, being a more traditionally minded Viking, is generally wary and disapproving of Hiccup’s attempts to reason with Dagur. He believes that Dagur is beyond redemption and that the only way to deal with him is through force. However, he ultimately trusts Hiccup’s judgment, even when he disagrees with his methods. Stoick’s traditional views clash with Hiccup’s progressive approach.
8. What role does Toothless play in mitigating Dagur’s actions?
Toothless serves as a silent observer and a powerful deterrent. His presence often prevents Dagur from acting on his most violent impulses. Toothless’s loyalty to Hiccup also demonstrates the strength of their bond and serves as a stark contrast to Dagur’s lack of genuine connection. Toothless is a symbol of the bond Dagur can’t comprehend.
9. Are there any similarities between Hiccup and Dagur?
Despite their vastly different personalities and motivations, there are subtle similarities between Hiccup and Dagur. Both are driven by a desire to prove themselves, and both struggle with feelings of inadequacy. However, Hiccup channels his insecurities into innovation and empathy, while Dagur uses them as fuel for aggression and manipulation. Both are driven by a need for validation, but express it differently.
10. How does Riders of Berk differ from the films in its portrayal of Dagur?
Riders of Berk provides a more nuanced and complex portrayal of Dagur than the films initially do. The series delves deeper into his motivations and insecurities, revealing him as a more three-dimensional character than a simple villain. This allows the audience to understand, if not sympathize with, his actions. The series offers a more in-depth exploration of Dagur’s character.
11. What does this episode teach us about diplomacy in the face of extremism?
“How to Train Your Dragon” episode 20 highlights the challenges and complexities of diplomacy when dealing with extremist ideologies. It demonstrates that even the most dangerous individuals can be influenced, but that such influence requires a delicate balance of manipulation, understanding, and a willingness to compromise. The episode illustrates the complexities of negotiating with extremism.
12. What is the ultimate outcome of Hiccup’s relationship with Dagur throughout the series?
Without giving away major spoilers, Hiccup and Dagur’s relationship remains complex and volatile throughout the Riders of Berk series and beyond. While Dagur never fully transforms into a “good guy,” he does occasionally demonstrate moments of unexpected loyalty and even cooperation. Their relationship serves as a constant reminder that even the most seemingly irredeemable individuals are capable of surprising actions. Their relationship is a testament to the power of unexpected alliances and complicated rivalries.
Conclusion: A Fragile Truce and the Enduring Power of Hope
Ultimately, “How to Train Your Dragon” episode 20 doesn’t offer a simple solution to the problem of Dagur the Deranged. Instead, it presents a nuanced and realistic portrayal of the challenges of dealing with individuals driven by chaos and insecurity. Hiccup’s attempts to influence Dagur are a testament to his unwavering belief in the potential for understanding and the enduring power of hope, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. While the truce is fragile and the future uncertain, Hiccup’s actions demonstrate that even the most unlikely individuals can be reached, if only through a combination of cunning, empathy, and a willingness to gamble.