Although I have used a gif from the second film, I really want to take a moment to appreciate the trilogy as a whole on this subject. I want to tackle the inherent danger of any interaction between humanity and the dragons, how this is balanced in the films, and why it makes the friendship Hiccup has with Toothless all the more remarkable. I was particularly pleased with two scenes in the third film... so let's dive in!
Dragons are dangerous. That was established pretty clearly in the first film. They burnt down the village, and according to Stoick they were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Berkians (and that's JUST Berk. Other islands were also clearly being attacked as well. If you believe Drago's backstory, which I do, then entire villages were taken, decimated, children left with nothing). However, at the end of the first film, we see that these kinds of actions are not necessarily what most of the dragons would want to be doing. Occasionally a queen would abuse its power, and then the smaller dragons would be forced to ravage the surrounding islands in order to keep from being eaten themselves. This doesn't change the fact that the dragons are deadly animals. It's pretty clear from the franchise that they are more than able and willing to eat humans.
Still, without a queen, and with the offer of peace and shelter, hundreds of dragons came to Berk and lived in harmony with Vikings. The end of the first film was so hopeful. Hiccup had befriended the deadliest of dragons, and through that friendship, he had taken a critical first step towards peace. It had not been an easy step to take: if the normal dragons are to be considered dangerous, Toothless should be considered absolutely lethal. I'm not trying to downplay his kindness or his empathy but just watch the first film. How many times does his being close to Hiccup put the boy or those close to him at risk? He and Hiccup nearly fall to their deaths, Toothless jumps maw first at Astrid, he almost kills several Vikings in the ring (according to Stoick), and worst of all he renders Hiccup's father helpless beneath him and prepares to end the Chief's life. Toothless is incredibly dangerous, and Hiccup is taking a huge risk when he befriends him.
Then we move forward five years in time. Toothless has grown incredibly close to Hiccup. He's started to emulate things like mannerisms and speech. Toothless and Hiccup have proven that, despite the initial risk, they can co-exist as more than just allies, but as the best and closest of friends. The two practically share a soul by the time the second movie starts. Dragons are also shown to be much more peaceful than was ever seen in the first film. Valka has been openly welcomed into their society, and with the proper behavior, Hiccup is easily able to survive a dark cave full of the deadly creatures. It becomes very clear in the second movie that dragons are genuinely not vicious creatures, and Valka is deeply convinced that humanity is the problem in the equation (this, however, can't be completely true in the light of the Red Death).
But then we see the Red Rage. We see Toothless succumb to the instincts that dwell deeper in him than we could have ever imagined. His ties with Hiccup look like they mean nothing against that primal requirement to heed the commands of the Alpha. Toothless kills Hiccup's father. That friendship between boy and dragon cost both of them more than they could have ever imagined. All that time, Hiccup had been so confident that he was starting to understand dragons, that dragons were amazing and beautiful creatures, and in many ways he was right. But he didn't know everything. He hadn't fully viewed what it was to be a dragon. Yes, there was freedom, but there was also this terrifying set of instincts and the potential for nightmarish slavery. Hiccup didn't stop believing in Toothless, and the dragon overcame the Red Rage. He proved Drago wrong, saved the village, and took on the mantle of Alpha himself.
So, just in the first two movies, it's clear that though dragons are by no means evil creatures, that doesn't make them safe.
In the third film, we see Hiccup continuing to embrace the risk of coexisting with dragons. And it's not only the risk of the dragons themselves, it's also the risk of the wicked outside world. It puts Berk on a knife edge... but the dragons themselves seem deeply happy, and the Berkians openly embrace being called "Dragon People". It's actually stunning to see this bustling utopia.
However, for all their good nature, dragons are still shown to be dangerous in the third film. I always worry that the threat of dragons themselves will be forgotten in the movies... especially when we have cunning and evil human villains. But that most certainly didn't happen in the third film. The Light Fury takes two deadly shots at Hiccup... and then she tries to throw him to his death just a day or so later! But that's not the best display... the best display is when Hiccup and Astrid are seen by the Rumblehorn in The Hidden World. Suddenly hundreds of dragons rush towards them, mouths open, ready to defend their home and rip the humans limb from limb. Even with his authority as Alpha, Toothless is barely able to keep Hiccup safe.
So, clearly, even the most kind and peaceful human is at risk. It's a risk Hiccup often feels is worth taking, but it is risky.
Finally, we get the end of HTTYD3. We get Hiccup seeing Toothless after so many years spent apart. Toothless goes back to his first movie self, a regal and terrifying beast. He lands on the ship, not recognizing Hiccup. Astrid hides the children back from him. All it takes is for that dragon to make a decision, and every human on that boat would die in an instant. He's so terrifically powerful... and he is genuinely terrifying.
But Hiccup reaches out, he trusts again, and this time it isn't going to take a touch. Toothless catches that old familair smell... that body language, and he tackles Hiccup to the ground and slobber's him in extreme excitement.
And that's why I love that the dragons are dangerous. It makes what Hiccup and Toothless have feel special and feel real. In the real world... opening up to other people is risky. Every friend you make is a potential person who could deeply hurt you. But as HTTYD3 so clearly put it, love is worth the risk and worth the cost. I adore the knife-edge tension that can exists between Hiccup and Toothless because it makes all the sweet and trusting moments feel so much more precious! They are like stars against a black sky of risk... which is why Forbidden Friendship, Toothless Found, and Once There Were Dragons are probably my three favorite scenes from the franchise. Those are the moments that shine the brightests... because they are surrounded by the most tangible risk. And the fact that that risk is Toothless himself... well, let's just say I'd be more than happy to put my life on the line for a dragon like that!
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