Hiccup, a young Viking in the village of Berk, struggles to live up to his tribe’s expectations as a dragon slayer. However, he befriends a rare Night Fury dragon, Toothless, and learns that dragons are not enemies but misunderstood creatures. Hiccup ultimately convinces the Vikings and dragons to coexist, changing Berk forever.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)

Five years later, Hiccup is now a skilled dragon rider and discovers new lands beyond Berk. He reunites with his long-lost mother, Valka, who has been rescuing dragons from hunters. However, a warlord named Drago Bludvist threatens their peace by controlling a powerful Bewilderbeast. In a tragic turn, Stoick, Hiccup’s father, is killed. Hiccup steps up as Berk’s new chief, defeats Drago, and strengthens the bond between humans and dragons.

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)

Hiccup, now the chief of Berk, has transformed the island into a dragon utopia. However, the growing dragon population attracts the attention of dragon hunters, including Grimmel, a ruthless dragon killer who has hunted nearly all Night Furies. Grimmel aims to capture Toothless and eliminate dragons once and for all.

Meanwhile, Toothless encounters a female Light Fury and falls in love. Hiccup realizes that Berk is no longer safe for dragons and sets out to find the legendary Hidden World, a secret sanctuary where dragons can live in peace. As Grimmel closes in, Hiccup faces his greatest challenge as a leader: choosing between his love for Toothless and what is best for the dragons.

In the final confrontation, Hiccup and his friends defeat Grimmel, but he ultimately decides to let the dragons go to the Hidden World, including Toothless. In an emotional farewell, Hiccup and Astrid marry, and years later, they reunite with Toothless and his new family, signifying the end of an era but the continuation of their bond.

• He seeks to capture Toothless and destroy the dragon-human alliance that Hiccup has built. Throughout this movie, Hiccup tries finding a way to protect his people and their dragons while dealing with an enemy who is cunning and somehow always a step ahead.

• As the dangers increase and Berk becomes unsafe, Hiccup must decide whether to stay and fight or relocate his people. This forces him to grow as a leader, which I think allowed him to learn that true leadership is about making difficult sacrifices for the greater good.

Hiccup dreams of a future where dragons and humans can live safely, even if it means seeking the mythical Hidden World.

Scene:

• Early in the film, Hiccup shares his plan to find the Hidden World with Astrid and the other dragon riders, believing it’s the only way to protect their dragons.

"With love comes loss, son. It’s part of the deal." 

(Stoick’s words in a flashback, which later inspire Hiccup to accept that he must let the dragons go for their own safety.)

Scene:

• When Grimmel captures the dragons and uses them against Berk, Hiccup risks everything to save them rather than abandoning them for safety.

"We are family, and this is what we do." 

(Hiccup to his friends, showing his strong sense of unity and responsibility.)

Scene:

• After Toothless meets the Light Fury and starts to leave, Hiccup doubts his own ability to lead, questioning if he was only strong because of his dragon.

"I was so busy trying to prove myself... I lost sight of the people I love." 

(Hiccup’s realization that leadership is about trust, not control.)

Scene:

• In the emotional farewell scene, Hiccup removes Toothless’s saddle- signaling that it’s time for him to live freely in the Hidden World.

"It's okay, bud. Go on. You’re where you belong."

(Hiccup lets Toothless go, showing his maturity and selflessness.)

Ambition and energy

• Hiccup is determined to protect his people and dragons, even when faced with overwhelming threats.

Desire to lead

• Though he initially doubts himself, he steps up as chief of Berk and takes responsibility for his people.

Honesty and integrity

• Hiccup stays true to his values, believing in peace over war and refusing to kill dragons.

Self-confidence (growing over time)

• He starts the film doubting himself but later gains confidence- realising he can lead without Toothless.

Relevant scene & quote:

After losing Toothless to the Light Fury, Hiccup doubts his leadership, believing he was strong only because of his dragon.

"I was so busy trying to prove myself... I lost sight of the people I love." – Hiccup realises that leadership is about the people, not just personal abilities.

Contingency Theory states that effective leadership depends on situational factors like followers, environment and challenges- which I noticed in Hiccup as he changes his approach based on circumstances.

He initially tries to keep dragons and humans together but later understands that letting dragons go is the best option.

• He adapts to a new leadership role as the movie progresses - making the decision of leading Berk without Toothless and relying on his people instead.

Later, it does becomes appropriate as he realises the Hidden World is a safer future for dragons, even if it means saying goodbye.

Relevant scene & quote:

Hiccup ultimately removes Toothless’s saddle, symbolising his decision to let him go.

"It's okay, bud. Go on. You’re where you belong." – Hiccup accepting that true leadership sometimes means letting go.

• He listens to Astrid’s advice when he struggles with self-doubt, showing that he values two-way communication.

• He clearly warns his people about the dangers posed by Grimmel and ensures they understand the urgency of finding a new home.

Effective in achieving goals because:

• Ensures everyone is on the same page about the mission and it builds trust and confidence among his followers.

• He praises his team’s successes and supports them through failures.

• He trains his people to be independent, ensuring they can survive without dragons.

Effective in achieving goals because:

• Ensures Berk’s people can thrive without dragons and builds confidence and resilience in his followers.

• He analyses situations carefully before deciding to do anything like relocating Berk’s people.

  
  

"We can’t win by brute force. We have to be smarter." 

Effective in achieving goals because:

• Leads to smarter, less risky decisions in battle and prevents Hiccup from making reckless actions that could endanger his people and the dragons.

Hiccup embodies transformational leadership because he inspires his people and motivates them to embrace change. His leadership is not based on force or authority but on a shared vision.

Example:

After defeating Grimmel, Hiccup lets the dragons go to the Hidden World, ensuring their safety. For me it shows he prioritises the long-term well-being of dragons over his personal bond with Toothless.

• He gives them hope and a clear vision for the future.

Hiccup’s leadership transforms both his people and himself, making him a true visionary leader. He moves beyond personal attachments and guides his people toward a new era.

• Hiccup hesitates to make decisions alone, constantly seeking support from Toothless.

Outcome:

• When Toothless meets the Light Fury and becomes distracted, Hiccup struggles with insecurity and panics, fearing that he cannot lead without him.

• Hiccup assumes he can outsmart Grimmel without fully understanding his enemy. Instead of acting cautiously, he takes unnecessary risks, leading to Toothless being captured and Berk being compromised.

  
  

Outcome:

• Grimmel outsmarts Hiccup, capturing several dragons and forcing Berk into a vulnerable position due to his misjudgement- putting his people and dragons in danger.

• He accepts feedback and trusts his team, realising that he does not have to lead alone. Instead of making every decision by himself, he delegates responsibilities and works with his people.

  
  

Outcome:

• This allows him to refocus his leadership strategy, making better-informed decisions.

• He makes a selfless decision, putting the dragons’ well-being above his personal attachment. This for me is a defining moment of his leadership maturity and growth.

Outcome:

• The dragons are safe from hunters, ensuring their long-term survival.

2. Defeat Grimmel and protect Berk.

   • He must outsmart Grimmel and prevent him from capturing Toothless and harming the dragons.

3. Prove himself as a leader without relying on Toothless.

   • Through his journey in this movie, Hiccup learns that he is capable of leading not because of his dragon but because of his own strength, intelligence, and courage.

4. Make the necessary decision to let the dragons go.

   Though it was a difficult and heartbreaking situation in this movie, at the end, Hiccup realises that the best way to protect the dragons and his people is by releasing them into the Hidden World, marking the end of an era but ensuring their safety.

Instead of using brute force, Hiccup prefers clever tactics and innovative solutions to defeat Grimmel.

"We can’t win by brute force. We have to be smarter."

Ability to Inspire and Motivate Others

Hiccup grows into a transformational leader, inspiring his people to believe in themselves. Even when facing hardship, he keeps them motivated and leads them toward a brighter future.

"You don’t need dragons to be strong. You have each other."

Compassion

Hiccup deeply cares for others, even when it means making personal sacrifices. He puts the well-being of his dragons above his own emotions, ensuring they are safe in the Hidden World.

"It's okay, bud. Go on. You’re where you belong."

Hiccup initially believes he is only strong because of Toothless. When Toothless starts to distance himself, Hiccup struggles with self-doubt and questions his own leadership abilities.

• This insecurity causes him to hesitate and make poor decisions, such as underestimating Grimmel.

  
  

Underestimating His Enemies

Hiccup assumes he can easily outmaneuver Grimmel, but Grimmel proves to be far more cunning. His confidence in previous victories blinds him to how skilled and intelligent Grimmel truly is.

• This mistake puts Berk at risk, showing that good leadership requires adaptability. Hiccup learns from this and adjusts his approach.

"With love comes loss, son. It’s part of the deal."

Hiccup learns that true leadership sometimes requires painful sacrifices for the greater good.

"You don’t need dragons to be strong. You have each other."

Hiccup reassures his people that they can thrive without the dragons and embrace change. This helps Hiccup grow into a leader who trusts in his people’s strength, rather than relying on the dragons.

"We are family, and this is what we do."

Hiccup reassures his friends and people after they leave Berk, reminding them that they must stick together- emphasising unity and teamwork while uplifting his people by making them feel like part of something greater.

Leadership is about growth and learning.

Hiccup was not born a great leader- he learned through experience, mistakes, and self-reflection.

• This teaches students and future leaders that leadership is not about perfection but about continuous improvement.

Interpersonal skills are crucial in ensuring leadership success.

Hiccup inspires trust, listens to others, and makes decisions that consider everyone’s well-being.

• In real life, successful leaders must communicate effectively, solve problems, and collaborate with others to lead effectively.

Having emotional intelligence in decision-making

Hiccup’s leadership is not just about strength- it is about understanding emotions, making tough decisions, and putting the greater good above personal desires.

• This teaches students that a leader must be emotionally intelligent, self-aware, and resilient.

Leadership is about empowering others.

Hiccup’s final lesson was that his people didn’t need dragons, they needed each other.

• For example, in business and education, leaders must develop and empower their teams so that they can thrive independently and contribute to long-term success.

Importance of leading through change and uncertainty.

Just as Hiccup had to relocate Berk and let go of dragons for their safety, organisations today face constant change (due to technology, global competition and others)

• Leaders must be adaptable, embrace innovation, and guide their teams through change.

  
  

Building Strong Team Relationships.

Hiccup’s success depended on his team and people, just as modern leaders rely on their employees.

• Organisations must foster teamwork, trust, and collaboration to thrive.