How to Train Your Dragon (Part 2): Individuation
2025年11月 Author: Shelly Mok
Individuation is a core concept in Jungian psychotherapy. Simply put, it refers to living out the true self, achieving self-realization, restoring one’s authentic nature, and seeking life’s purpose and meaning. These ideas sound highly appealing and are often used as selling points in self-help and spiritual development courses. Indeed, self-growth is a natural instinct of life. However, while these interpretations are accurate, they are overly simplistic and can lead to the misconception that individuation is synonymous with the pursuit of individualism.
Jung’s idea of individuation is not merely about living out the true self, nor is it about severing connections with others. Instead, it is about becoming an individual while simultaneously establishing a healthy relationship with the collective. It involves finding one’s unique path and place within the group. This dynamic is beautifully illustrated in the story of Hiccup, the protagonist of the animated film How to Train Your Dragon.
Hiccup: A Different Kind of Hero
In fairy tales, heroes are often not grand or powerful figures but rather small, overlooked, or even disdained characters. These individuals may fail to meet the expectations of their society or families. Hiccup is precisely this kind of character.
In the Viking tradition, the ultimate goal is to slay dragons. The Viking chief, Hiccup's father, saw eradicating dragons as the sacred mission of their tribe. However, Hiccup was physically weak, introverted, and lacked the bravery and masculinity expected of a Viking. Consequently, he was not accepted by his peers, who saw him as inept and a liability. Even Hiccup’s father was disappointed in him. Yet, Hiccup desired to prove himself a Viking by killing dragons in his own way, seeking the approval of his tribe. His father's mission became the tribe’s mission, and it also became Hiccup’s mission.
Turning Point: Connecting with the True Self
Hiccup’s story took a pivotal turn when he encountered the Night Fury. He successfully captured the mysterious dragon in the dark of night with his own invention. However, when he prepared to kill the Night Fury with his dagger, he was struck by the dragon’s helpless gaze, which mirrored his own inner fear and turmoil (this can be understood as reclaiming his shadow projection, as discussed in a previous article). Empathy compelled him to release the dragon, and in doing so, he gained a new understanding of himself. He realized that he could not kill dragons the way his tribe did. Dragon-slaying was a tribal value, but it was not his. Differentiating this difference between himself and his tribe is a crucial step in individuation. It also requires the courage to connect with one’s authentic self in the face of collective pressure.
Gradually, Hiccup became intrigued by the Night Fury. He discovered that the dragon, which he later named Toothless, lacked teeth, which is a symbolic dissolution of aggression. They soon developed a bond of mutual trust through close, daily interaction. Hiccup also followed his inner voice, channelled his creativity and engineering skills to design and refine a mechanical tail for Toothless, enabling the dragon to fly again. Together, they soared through the skies.
Hiccup exhibited a different kind of courage in the process. It is not the traditional Viking bravery in battle, but the courage to explore the unknown, to understand the darkness, and to create a new future. Living out the true self requires curiosity and bravery. It involves continuously confronting and integrating the darkness, shadow, and unknown that Toothless represents, thereby achieving greater wholeness in life. Individuation values wholeness, not perfection.
Between the Individual and the Collective
Ironically, Hiccup had reached the age for his initiation ceremony. Initiation was a critical rite of passage in traditional tribal societies. Boys were often required to face life-and-death challenges to be accepted as men within the tribe. While such rituals are no longer common in modern society, boys must still navigate similar psychological challenges to grow up: overcoming dependence on their mothers, integrating into the structure of the paternal world, taking on responsibilities, and earning recognition.
In Hiccup’s case, tradition demanded that he complete trials of dragon-slaying and fire to be accepted as a true Viking. By leveraging his knowledge of Toothless, Hiccup successfully passed the trials and was even proclaimed a dragon-slaying warrior by the shaman. He would need to slay a dragon on the day of his initiation.
Hiccup was caught in a tug-of-war between tradition and the true self, the collective and the individual, us (the Vikings) and them (the dragons), hatred and understanding. He had to respond to the questions:
What kind of Viking can I become?
What kind of man am I?
How can I face Toothless and the dragon race as a whole?
These questions lie at the core of Hiccup’s internal conflict and represent the opposing forces that individuation seeks to reconcile in individuation journey.
Transcending the Opposites
On the day of the initiation, with Astrid’s understanding and support, Hiccup made a bold choice: to tame a dragon in front of the tribe instead of slaying one. This broke tradition and shattered the tribe’s expectations. His father was devastated, their relationship fractured, and Toothless was captured. The chief exploited Toothless to lead the tribe in an attack on the dragon nest, unwittingly endangering everyone.
In the end, Hiccup rose to the occasion. He taught his peers how to tame dragons and led them to save the tribe. In the process, Hiccup nearly lost his life but was saved by Toothless, who risked everything to protect him. The tribe witnessed the dragons’ other side and the new generation’s potential. Even Hiccup’s father came to accept his son and rebuilt the tribe’s relationship with the dragons.
A New Chief, A New Order
At the story’s conclusion, Hiccup awakened from unconsciousness, symbolizing rebirth,and saw a whole new world where the tribe and dragons coexisted in harmony. Hiccup became poised to become the new chief. As a leader, the chief symbolizes wisdom, order, authority, and strength. Hiccup ushered in a new order and a new type of masculinity: one rooted in wisdom, understanding, creativity, and the courage to face oneself and others.
Hiccup did not blindly follow his father’s expectations, nor did he abandon his tribe to walk alone. He did not betray Toothless to escape responsibility. Instead, he bravely found his path amid conflicting forces and contributed to the tribe in his unique way. This seemingly narrow and unconventional path ultimately became the only way to save the tribe. Individuation is a moral choice, one that considers both oneself and others.
The Final Symbol: Wholeness Through Loss
In the end, Hiccup lost his left leg, symbolizing the shedding of his old identity and values. When he stood side by side with Toothless, leaning on his prosthetic leg, he had answered individuation’s ultimate question: he was not the Viking his father or tribe had expected him to be, but he was true to himself. His body, though more broken than before, reflects a wholeness within. Such a Hiccup is not only right for himself but also the leader his tribe truly needs. This is a deep metaphor of individuation.
Author: Shelly Mok, Jungnian Analyst/ Counselling Psychologist
Picture: Mollyroselee