The Bewilderbeast is an ancient, legendary species of Titan Wing dragon known for its massive size, commanding presence, and rare ability to control other dragons through a form of telepathic or sonic influence. Revered and feared in equal measure, Bewilderbeasts serve as alpha dragons, often seen as kings or queens among their kind. They play a central role in How to Train Your Dragon 2 and the broader lore of the franchise, embodying themes of leadership, loyalty, and the struggle for dominance.
Appearance[]
The Bewilderbeast is a colossal, ice-covered dragon whose sheer size rivals or even surpasses that of the Red Death. Its body is stocky and heavily armored with thick, icy-blue scales and jagged white protrusions that resemble frozen spines or glacier shards. It has a massive head with a crown of long, curved tusks resembling those of a mammoth or walrus, giving it a regal yet primal appearance.
Its wings are vestigial and not suited for flight; instead, the Bewilderbeast moves by walking and swimming, favoring cold, aquatic environments such as arctic seas and ice caverns. A long, segmented tail and powerful limbs allow it to traverse icy terrains with surprising grace despite its enormous bulk.
Its glowing eyes and icy breath give it an ethereal, ancient aura, as though it were a living glacier or elemental force of nature.
Behavior[]
The Bewilderbeast is a highly intelligent, calm, and noble creature, often taking on the role of a guardian or ruler among dragons. It does not attack without provocation and seems to favor peace over conflict. However, when challenged or its domain is threatened, the Bewilderbeast becomes a devastating force of nature.
As an Alpha Dragon, the Bewilderbeast possesses a rare and powerful ability to emit deep, resonant sonic pulses from its throat and horns. These pulses can mentally influence and control other dragons, bending their will to its own. Dragons under its influence will obey it absolutely, whether through loyalty or submission, making the Bewilderbeast the apex of the dragon hierarchy.
Its behavior can vary depending on how it has been treated: in the wild, a Bewilderbeast may act as a benevolent protector, but if captured or corrupted, it can become a tool of oppression, just like the Bewilderbeast owned by Drago Bludvist.
Abilities[]
The Bewilderbeast is among the most powerful dragons in existence, both in terms of raw strength and unique abilities:
- Ice Breath: Instead of fire, it exhales a super-cooled blast of icy vapor capable of instantly freezing entire ships, dragons, or fortresses in solid ice. It uses this power to create walls, bridges, and barriers or to immobilize enemies in battle.
- Dragon Control: The most feared power of the Bewilderbeast is its ability to control other dragons. Through low-frequency roars and a specialized organ in its throat, it can dominate the minds of dragons within a large radius. Only other Alpha-level dragons (like another Bewilderbeast or a Night Fury) can resist or counter this influence.
- Physical Might: With a massive frame and thick armor, the Bewilderbeast can withstand attacks from most dragons. Its tusks and tail are powerful weapons capable of shattering icebergs and fending off attackers, including other Titans.
- Aquatic Mastery: Though grounded on land, the Bewilderbeast is also an excellent swimmer and prefers arctic or marine habitats. It can dive deep into freezing waters and use its icy breath to shape its underwater realm.
Story[]
The Bewilderbeast plays a central role in How to Train Your Dragon 2, where two individuals vie for dominance using the power of Alpha dragons.
One Bewilderbeast serves as a peaceful guardian of the dragon sanctuary established by Valka, Hiccup’s long-lost mother. This gentle giant, bonded with Valka, protects hundreds of dragons and keeps them safe under its guidance.
The other, captured and weaponized by the ruthless dragon hunter Drago Bludvist, is used to conquer and subjugate dragons through fear. Drago’s Bewilderbeast defeats Valka’s in a brutal battle for dominance, piercing its throat and claiming the title of Alpha, thereby enslaving all dragons under its command—including Toothless, momentarily.
In the film’s climax, Hiccup and Toothless defy the Bewilderbeast’s control, proving that love and loyalty are stronger than domination. Toothless ascends to the role of Alpha after resisting its control and defeating the corrupt Bewilderbeast in a climactic battle. This event breaks the mental grip on the other dragons and solidifies Toothless’s place as the new, respected Alpha.