Health & Wellness within the 'How to Train Your Dragon' Franchise

Screenshot from the television show 'Race to the Edge'

The How to Train Your Dragon franchise’s various media forms target different audiences which benefit and detract from health and wellness among children in different stages of development.

The television show, Dragons: Rescue Riders targets Pre-K and elementary school children. Positively, this show teaches social and moral lessons of helping others. The main characters, Dak and Leyla, spend their days defending their home and helping others. In Season 1, Episode 1 Leyla states, “Free. We just like to help others.” The basis for this show instills a positive moral and social lesson to take action for the greater good. Although, the reason this show was created is where the negative aspect comes into play. The town, characters, and dragons are a friendlier looking version of the How to Train Your Dragon films. This was strategically done, so the child grows up with the brand and continues to immerse themselves further in the world as they get older. This Pre-K targeted show prolongs the life and profit of their brand.

The television show, Dragons: Race to the Edge targets children 7 and up. Positively, this show promotes mental growth through the character Hiccup, who’s driven by exploration and discovery. Fishlegs positively promotes his love for history through lines such as there's, “No greater thing than knowledge.” Negatively, this show detracts from wellness physically and socially. “Fantasy violence” and fighting occur in almost every episode, and some characters work as “official weapon testers.” Socially, even though one of the main characters Astrid, is a female, she is often rescued by Hiccup. The negatives seen in this show are seen more consistently displayed than positive aspects.

In addition to television, this franchise also offers apps based around time and money - two addictive factors. For instance, as you collect dragon eggs, you can wait and come back or pay, and instantly watch it hatch. Both options have negative mental impacts on the user that rely on instant gratification and the urgency to return.

The content made from this franchise walks a fine line, balancing health and wellness through positive and negative aspects.

Screenshot from the television show 'Dragons: Rescue Riders'