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And then, there's the Monstrous Nightmare. Only the best Vikings go after those. They have this... nasty habit of setting themselves on fire. [src]
  Hiccup introducing the Monstrous Nightmare  

The Monstrous Nightmare is a large Stoker Class dragon that first appeared in How to Train Your Dragon.

Official Description[]

No dragon is more ferocious, or feared than the Monstrous Nightmare. This gigantic dragon has a long, snake-like neck and tail, and is covered in scales - most often red - and long sharp spines. The Nightmare's gigantic head and mouth can swallow a Viking whole. It is very aggressive and territorial, and will never run from a fight. Its fire is thick and almost liquid, clinging to walls and running down hills like a flaming river. The Nightmare also has a nasty habit of setting itself on fire.
  Dragonpedia  
This red-and-black creature with a huge wing span produces a kerosene gel fire. “He is the most dragony of the dragons, but the thing that we like is that he is the most showy. We always felt he was the Mick Jagger of dragons. He’s a natural-born performer who comes out engulfed in flames because they can set themselves on fire.
  Chris Sanders  
A stubborn and tenacious Stoker Class Dragon. Look out for its Fire Jacket: It covers itself in flames when attacking!
The Monstrous Nightmare attacks its foes with powerful streams of fire.
  Dragons: Rise of Berk  
Monstrous Nightmares are known as some of the most ferocious and aggressive dragons. As a member of the Stoker Class, these dragons are hot-headed and have a particularly strong ability to breathe fire. Monstrous Nightmares are known for setting their entire body on fire. These dragons are incredibly fearsome and can also fly at a high speed.
These creatures are usually either purple or scarlet in color with snake-like features. Sly and sneaky, Monstrous Nightmares also use their claw-tipped wings to crawl along the ground. Their intimidating glowing eyes strike fear to those who come near.
While these dragons might appear intimidating at first, it is important to remember that they can be trained. All that these belligerent dragons need is a firm hand and a confident trainer!
  School of Dragons Website[1]  
No dragon is more ferocious, or feared than the Monstrous Nightmare. This massive dragon is covered in red scales and long sharp spines. The Nightmare's gigantic mouth can swallow Vikings whole.
  DreamWorks Dragons: Wild Skies  


Development[]

Described to be the very embodiment of the typical 'western dragon' of the film, the Nightmare is said to be the most 'classic'. It is compared to being 'half lizard and half bat', since it could walk on its wings. Nightmares also have snake-like attributes in their behavior.[2]

Character Designer Nico Marlet created an 'intimidating flame motif into its shape patterns' and made sure to give it plenty of teeth--ninety seven, in fact. Nico's original concept of the Nightmare, titled Monstrous, features an even more stereotypical dragon. It has four legs, a hunched back, and rounded belly. Previously, the Nightmare only had one set of wings, but a second set was added to further distinguish it from the 'classic' dragon.

The designers wanted to add translucency to them to give a whole other level of detail when backlit. [src]
  — Sabrina Riegel, Head of Surfacing  

Modelling the wings required the consultation of an ornithologist, as there was heavy emphasis on bird anatomy, and the wings' appearance was a major focus in the film.

The animation team decided to give this dragon a somewhat vicious, liquid-based fire that could 'stick onto surfaces and roll off and splash'. The power of CGI had given them a chance to stretch the limits of film making, and Dean described that they wanted to move away from the usual propane-based fire, which is used in live-action films as it is easier to extinguish. Thus, the team gained inspiration from fire rising against the ceiling, turned the video upside-down, and gave the Nightmare's fire 'some gravity', which meant that the fire was fluid-based, not oxygen-based.

Physical Appearance[]

Egg[]

Monstrous Nightmare Egg
Monstrous Nightmare egg SoD

The Monstrous Nightmare eggs have a surface that looks like they were made of cloth or leather folded together, with a spotted pattern on the base. Its colors vary and they match the colors of the dragon to be born. In School of Dragons, however, they are brown and smooth with a pattern similar to tree bark.

Hatchling to Adult[]

Monstrous Nightmares come in many different colors such as purple, blue, scarlet, or green and possess a long, snakelike neck and tail. Unlike some other breeds of dragon, it has no forelegs, and its ground-based locomotion is similar to that of Pterosaurs, except that it has a lower profile due to its sprawled wings; it can use its claw-tipped wings to "crawl" along the floor. Their horns might be used as a visual display and in defense, but the swept back position of the horns means it is unlikely to use them in combat. In most pieces of media, this dragon possesses two rows of spikes on it's back, but in Rise of Berk the spikes are replaced by two sails. Its stripe skin patterns seem to mimic that of a tiger's. Find more information on this here. The Monstrous Nightmare is 60 feet long, has a wingspan of 68 feet and weighs about 5,000 lbs. It can be noted that male Nightmares are larger than females with longer wing spikes and horns when comparing Hookfang to Girl Hookfang.

In the How to Train Your Dragon Live Spectacular, the Monstrous Nightmare has front legs and walks quadrupedally. It also lacks the tall, wavy spines running down its back. Other characteristics such as the head horns and coloration are the same as other parts of the Franchise. The differences may be due to the difficulty engineering a live action animatronic puppet.

Titan Wing[]

Titan Wing Monstrous Nightmare

In "Total Nightmare", the first Titan Wing Monstrous Nightmare was seen. While aging, they can lose their spots to have black stripes, similar to the tiger. When they are fully grown and gain barbels, some of them change color when they achieve Titan Wing age. In Rise of Berk the sails they possessed as adults become rows of separate spikes. Once they have reached this stage they grow much longer and may gain spots in more striking colors. With age, Monstrous Nightmares seem to also grow beard-like appendages under their chin as a sign of age, as seen by Hookfang in How to Train Your Dragon 2. Though this might mean that some of the same species of Monstrous Nightmares could age quite differently than others.

Abilities[]

The Monstrous Nightmare is regarded as a highly potent and formidable dragon, possessing a diverse range of abilities.

Firepower[]

Monstrous Nightmares exhale an organic Kerosene Gel, which possesses a higher temperature and greater potency compared to a typical flame. Their fire exhibits sufficient heat to rapidly incinerate a tree within a matter of seconds.

Monstrous Nightmares possesses a distinctive attack referred to as the "Fire Jacket," "Flame Jacket," or "Fire Burst." This ability enables Nightmares to envelop itself in flames, creating a visually striking maneuver that combines offensive and defensive capabilities. The appearance and effects of this technique bear resemblance to napalm or other gel-based incendiary substances, heightening its intimidating nature.

This particular creature possesses the remarkable ability to ignite any area of its body, enabling it to generate an intensified and more potent fire blast. This ability is demonstrated in both the initial movie and the School of Dragons. Additionally, it has been reported that when utilizing the Fire Jacket ability while descending a slope, the Monstrous Nightmare exhibits a visually striking resemblance to a flowing river of flames, effectively spreading the fire onto the adjacent ground.

In the Dragons: Race to the Edge episode "Dire Straits", Hookfang is shown to shoot fire bolts underwater, even though Gobber mentions in the first film that dragons getting their head wet will momentarily disable their ability to fire. However this is a mistake from the creators of Dragons: Race to the Edge as they made Toothless and Stormfly shoot fire underwater as well. Monstrous Nightmares have the ability to Fire Burst to increase their body temperature so they can dry off.

The natural form of the Monstrous Nightmare's kerosene gel saliva, was shown to be green in color. It coats the dragon's hide, allowing a Nightmare to 'flame up'. The gel is also slimy, and easy to rub on surfaces. It occurs in a large enough quantity for a Viking to collect and store for other uses. The gel is highly flammable and is one of the tools to efficiently penetrate the Death Song's amber substance. Nightmare gel isn't water-soluble, as evidenced in "Dire Straits" when Fishlegs and the Twins experiment with what might eat through dragon proof metal chains underwater, and Nightmare gel was not a good option, as it dissolves in water instead of staying intact.

It's discovered by the Dragon Club in "Fire Escape" that not only is the kerosene gel is flammable when wet, but dried gel is heat resistant and, like night fury saliva, it can be a great adhesive.

Kerosene Saliva[]

According to the Dragonpedia, Like many species, baby Monstrous Nightmares exhibit excessive drooling, which is attributed to the presence of kerosene gel in their saliva. This gel coats their scales and possesses highly volatile properties, contributing to the fire-jacket abilities of the Monstrous Nightmares. Once the gel is completely dried, it becomes highly resistant to heat and can be utilized as a fireproof adhesive.

In the game, Dragons: Rise of Berk, the description for Sven's Nightmare indicates that it "blasts poison instead of flame", which is an error on the part of the game, as Sven's Nightmare breathes fire in Dragons: Race to the Edge. However, kerosene is a toxic substance.

Senses[]

The Monstrous Nightmare has also been observed to have a well-developed sense of smell, as Hookfang was able to find Snotlout's scent in "Defiant One" after a day from being separated by the ocean. In "Snotlout Gets the Axe", Hookfang was able to sense the Armorwing before Toothless and Stormfly did.

Strength and Combat[]

Monstrous Nightmares exhibit remarkable muscular power, enabling them to generate enough force to propel substantial Viking individuals over long distances through tail strikes. Additionally, they can achieve impressive launch velocities for Gronckles carrying Viking riders by employing wing strikes. Notably, a Monstrous Nightmare showcased its superior strength by effortlessly crushing the Mangler, a device created by Hiccup, with a single foot stomp.

Monstrous Nightmares exhibit a notable assortment of physical characteristics that bestow them with exceptional armament as dragons. Their jaws, claws, tail, and horns function as formidable weaponry in battle.

Monstrous Nightmares possess slender necks endowed with well-developed musculature, enabling them to efficiently bear substantial loads, such as the weight of Vikings. This is evidenced by their ability to transport young individuals like Snotlout and Gobber the Belch, even when burdened with additional saddle weight. Hookfang, a notable Monstrous Nightmare, has exhibited the impressive strength of this species by being capable of propelling a Night Fury using its mouth, despite experiencing dental discomfort. Furthermore, Hookfang has demonstrated the capacity of Monstrous Nightmares to elevate the entire mass of a Fireworm Queen. In the episode titled "Snow Way Out," Hookfang effortlessly carries two Snow Wraiths, one confined within a cage and another ensnared in a net, exclusively utilizing its feet, while also accommodating the added weight of Snotlout.

Monstrous Nightmares exhibit significant combat prowess, as demonstrated by their ability to engage in confrontations with Night Furies, as seen in Hookfang's two encounters with Toothless. It is believed that Monstrous Nightmares possess an inherent determination to never back down from a fight. However, if a Monstrous Nightmare perceives that it is outmatched by a highly formidable adversary, it will choose to retreat from the confrontation.

Speed and Agility[]

Nightmares have been shown to be quite fast on land, in water, and in the air. Hookfang was able to catch up with Toothless in "Thawfest", though it is possible that this was the result of Snotlout's training and Snotlout has a headstart. Nightmares on land have been observed as fast runners while doing so in a straight line. They are agile and fast fliers as they are able to go around trees and dodge many arrows, as demonstrated by Hookfang and Fanghook. Nightmares are also capable of making flips in the air.

Climbing[]

Monstrous Nightmares are excellent climbers on many different types of terrain, and shown to climb mountains and Viking catapult towers as seen in the first film. They can also climb stone/metal walls while running quickly.

Intelligence[]

Monstrous Nightmares have shown to be very intelligent such as if they get the respect that they want from their riders, they can learn great skills over a day as demonstrated by Fanghook. But if they don't get sufficient respect from their riders they will sometimes prank them and outsmart them, like how Hookfang has demonstrated many times on Snotlout.

Wing Blast[]

They have an ability that Astrid discovered, known as a Wing Blast, when she temporarily became Hookfang's rider in "A Tale of Two Dragons". They use their large, powerful wings to create a blast of wind that is so strong, it can even blow a fully-grown Hideous Zippleback to the ground. It's even able to push back the weight of a Gronckle with the extra weight of a heavy rider while pulling up dragon root. Hookfang can create a condensed ball of flame with greater power by flying in circles and projecting fire in the center, then blasting them with a wing gust.

Endurance and Stamina[]

Monstrous Nightmares have high stamina and endurance, as was proven multiple times in the series. A Monstrous Nightmare from the first film took the attacks from Stoick with his large hammer or his bare hands. Hookfang even proved to take the attacks from Toothless the Night Fury with addition to taking a hit from a thrown hammer. Their durable skin is able to bounce an arrow off, and the skin on their head is shown to be quite durable in the "Defiant One". Though it is quite possible that a larger arrow such as one from Dagur's Crossbow might be powerful enough to get through the skin of Nightmare as Hiccup learned Dagur killed a wild Nightmare. They are able to endure a Deadly Nadder magnesium blast that is powerful enough to melt solid rocks, and are able to endure a very powerful lighting blast from wild Seashockers while continuing to fly. The Monstrous Nightmare has great stamina as they are able to travel long distances. In the first film, Hookfang was able to run the whole arena when released from his cage and chase Hiccup and Astrid, in addition to fighting with Toothless.

A Monstrous Nightmare such as Hookfang can easily be incapacitated if struck by a lightning bolt, causing it to plummet from the sky. Consequently, it requires a period of recuperation before it can resume flying. It remains uncertain whether, in the absence of any protective measures, the dragon would drown in the ocean or survive the fall from a high altitude to the ground.

Jaw Expansion and Jaw Strength[]

Like snakes, the Monstrous Nightmare is stated open their jaws wide enough to swallow an adult Viking whole, which is shown when Hookfang is able to fit Snotlout in his mouth.

According to Dragons: Rise of Berk, Monstrous Nightmares are able to chew through anything, even the cages that they are trapped in. Though other media, like Race to the Edge, has shown this to be false.

Swimming[]

Monstrous Nightmares have also been observed to be fast and agile swimmers, as Hookfang proved.

Hunting and Fishing[]

According to Dragonpedia, as hatchlings, they are skilled hunters. Just like modern carnivores, Monstrous Nightmares seem to chase their prey down to tire them out before attacking, as shown by Fanghook hunting wild boar on land. They could hunt in solitary or as a pack if needed.

With their swimming ability, they can hold their breath and fish, which can be hooked on their spines. And they do that to keep their fish warm to eat later. They might use their spines to hold more fish to feed their young at the nest as they can store fish both in their mouth and on their spines.

Heat Resistance[]

Monstrous Nightmares are extremely heat resistant, as they are able to light themselves on fire with no adverse effects. They also don't seem to mind hot climates as shown by Hookfang in "Dragon Down" who stayed in an active volcano for a long period of time. After 1300 Years they also live in the Fire Realm, proving once again their resistance.

Titan Wing Abilities[]

A Titan Wing Monstrous Nightmare represents the mature stage of development for this species, displaying heightened physical attributes and abilities that contribute to increased strength and overall bulk.

Their range of fire is increased so targets can be hit from a further distance. Their fire breath seems to be quite brighter then average size Nightmare's.

Titan Wing Nightmares have proven to possess exceptional strength, demonstrated by their ability to effortlessly propel sizable dragons such as Hookfang, weighing approximately 5,000 pounds, with a mere movement of their head. They are also capable of forcefully striking other dragons out of the air by employing the power of their tail.

They also have appeared to be much more bold than the average Nightmare, as Hookfang's Nemesis came back repeatedly despite being outnumbered. Even when the rest of the Dragon Riders came to assist Hookfang.

The Titan Nightmare exhibits a heightened level of physical resilience compared to an average Nightmare. This enhanced durability enables it to withstand the impact of average dragon blasts and collisions with various objects such as trees and terrain, even when traveling at high speeds.

A Titan Nightmare has a higher stamina and speed than a normal Monstrous Nightmare. As proven to be fast enough to catch up to Hookfang who has been enhancing his speed for years of hard training. The Titan Nightmare even showed their determination is greater than an average Nightmare as they were willing to continue fighting.

Since they are 'fully' grown and as big as their species can get as a Titan Wing, their ability to wing blast could be more powerful than average Nightmare's.

Weaknesses[]

Powerfull noises can render a Nightmare

Monstrous Nightmares are susceptible to common dragon weaknesses such as Dragon Root, Eels, Blue Oleander, Dragonvine, and Grimora parasites. A dragon root arrow could render them weak and vulnerable for some time, but they can recover fast. As shown in the first film, Monstrous Nightmares can be easily disoriented by clattering objects together or loud screeches from other dragons like the Screaming Death or Sentinels, but this could be said for most dragons.

Hookfang is exhausted

Flame Loss[]

The primary vulnerability of this dragon species lies in the loss of their fire burst, which serves as a protective mechanism against hypothermia. Deprivation of this ability can potentially result in fatality. As per Fishlegs' observations, the fire burst can be lost due to factors such as advanced age, extreme fatigue, or physical injury. Indications of this condition include the development of flaky skin, pale coloration, a decrease in altitude during flight, and the inability to generate illumination.

One can tie up their snout so they're unable to use their Fire Burst.

Large Size[]

While the Monstrous Nightmare's large size is a strength, it can also be used against them.

The titan MN cant make turns fast

Due to a Monstrous Nightmare's long tail, they can't pull up in time when charging in a full speed dive. They are very fast when running in straight line but bad at making turns as stated by Ruffnut in "The Night and the Fury". Also, Titan Wing Monstrous Nightmares are unable to maneuver as quickly as younger ones and have difficulty making sharp turns while in flight due to their size. It is also shown in "Snotlout Gets the Axe" that, like other dragons, if a Monstrous Nightmare's tail is compromised like being pinned to the ground then they will immediately crash and cause whoever is on them to fly and land on the ground.

Hookfang tries to go stealthier

As shown by Hookfang in "Cast Out, Part 1", and "Not Lout", Monstrous Nightmares have hard times sneaking up on prey or adversaries due to their heavy bodies, and tend to stomp loudly on the ground, with 'pitter-patter' noises when they are walking, which gives their prey a chance to escape. Although in some episodes like in "Turn and Burn" and the first movie, Monstrous Nightmares, like the one that attack Hiccup in the first movie, have no problem with stealth, implying that stealth is mostly easy for them when their prey is distracted.

Behavior and Personality[]

The Monstrous Nightmare exhibits a naturally fearless and proud disposition. They possess exceptional strength, placing them among the most powerful dragons. They are well aware of their own capabilities and exude confidence. Monstrous Nightmares display a high level of aggression, particularly during combat. They are reputed to be the first to engage in battle and the last to withdraw.

Monstrous Nightmares, known for their fiery disposition and impulsive nature, tend to prioritize incinerating their surroundings before considering alternative actions, according to the Dragonpedia.

In "Heather Report, Part 2", Snotlout discovered that the Monstrous Nightmare experiences pleasure when its horns are pressed against the ground, and Astrid successfully managed to tame one by employing this technique. Tuffnut mentioned that the ground felt soft when he was pinned down by his sister, suggesting that the ground's texture might play a role in this process, potentially requiring it to be soft and comfortable. Subsequently, this dragon reappeared and came to Astrid's rescue.

According to Gobber the Belch, at highly effective strategy to counter a Nightmare creature is to immobilize its mouth by firmly closing it, rendering its massive jaws unable to open. This can be likened to the way a crocodile's mouth can be constrained. It is worth noting that while the rest of the Nightmare's body retains full mobility, limiting its ability to maneuver sharply around corners. Additionally, it should be noted that Nightmares exhibit impressive speed when moving in a straight line by stated of Ruffnut.

Despite their name, Monstrous Nightmares are known to have a softer side. In DreamWorks Dragons: Wild Skies, they love the smell of scented flowers. In "Dragon Down", Hookfang at least is known to be fond of eating rats so it is possible that all Monstrous Nightmares like eating rats. At several points of Dragons: Riders of Berk, Hookfang occasionally dozed off or was distracted by leaf, chasing a seagull, or anything else, sometimes they don't even notice that an object as big as a rider falling off them. Being a hot-headed, feisty dragon, they will attack anyone in its way if spooked. Every time Monstrous Nightmares attempt to fight off Toothless, they are blinded by their aggressiveness that Night Furies are a far bigger threat than they think.

While other babies, which drool regularly, baby Nightmares are much different as they slobber packs of punch that their kerosene gel composition makes it akin to lighter fluid.

When born, baby Monstrous Nightmares hatch fast and fiery. They are quick to be separated from the rest of the litter and assert their independence within minutes of their birth, but this hasn't been confirmed as shown on the Dragon Breeding Island when some baby Nightmares were still with their parents. They were shown to be eager to join their parents when setting off the return migration to Berk but like all the others baby dragons, they are unable to fly well due to their small wing and the strong winds that are preventing them to take off.

It was revealed in the episode "Total Nightmare", In the case of female Monstrous Nightmares, they possess the ability to summon males of their species, even if they are not their mates. This was exemplified when Hookfang assisted a female dragon of his kind in protecting her eggs from a Titan Wing Monstrous Nightmare. It has been observed that male Monstrous Nightmares exhibit a strong resolve to respond to such distress calls.

Their mating habits are similar to a lion's, as seen in Total Nightmare; rival Monstrous Nightmares who are fighting for a mate will want to destroy the predecessor's eggs, much like a new alpha male wanting to destroy the previous alpha's cubs.

These dragons are also extremely territorial, protecting their young and helping other individuals of the same kind. In "Total Nightmare", Hookfang was helped a female dragon take care of her eggs. He also pit himself against a larger, stronger Titan Nightmare which was attacking them in order to dominate over it and protect the eggs.

The Titan Wing Monstrous Nightmare has shown to be fiercer and much more aggressive compared to average Monstrous Nightmares. They will fight for dominance over a female Monstrous Nightmare to have their own family, such as male lions do with a pride. Possibility that the Titan Nightmare may have killed the mate of the female Monstrous Nightmare. They will even destroy her first eggs to have their own eggs with the female.

Monstrous Nightmare can also store and heat fish by sticking them to its spines. The Nightmare can then engulf itself in flames and cook the fish, sort of like a barbecue.

If Monstrous Nightmares get a toothache, they would act strange, for example they won't eat for a few days. The dragon would then become agitated, act aggressive and then they will fire uncontrollably. As shown by Hookfang, tamed Monstrous Nightmares can also reject their owners and companions, usually only for a short while.

As seen in the comic, "Dragon Down", Monstrous Nightmares shed their scales periodically. This is a bit of a hazard for the environment and creatures around them, as the scales flame up and can start fires on the ground.

Monstrous Nightmares appear to have a hierarchical structure based on size and ability, with smaller Nightmares often showing deferential treatment to larger Nightmares, especially Titan Wing Dragons. This is evidenced in Dragons: Titan Uprising with the colossal Blazing Phoenixfire.

Though not an Alpha, many Nightmares appear to pay tribute to this living legend. They drop fresh fish at her feet, and show the utmost respect (which is saying a lot for Nightmares) while in her presence. Fishlegs is fascinated by this hierarchical behavior.
  Dragons: Titan Uprising  


Training[]

The best way to earn the trust of a Monstrous Nightmare is simply to show it the respect it deserves. Placing a gentle hand on its snout and showing you are not a threat to it is the best way to go. Hiccup even shown to Hookfang that he was no threat to him as he toss his helmet and dagger away. While Nightmares are generally tough, tenacious and rebellious, mutual respect and trust will certainly help both parties in the long run.

As demonstrated by Snotlout and Astrid, pinning a Nightmare's horns to the ground can help calm them down. Violence like grabbing any of their body parts prove to be ineffective.

Like another dragons, feeding is bonding time that was stated by Snotlout as it might be hard for inexperience youngsters like Gustav who tried to feed Hookfang and Fanghook as both weren't able to get the fish correctly as it will be result for attack as proven by Fanghook.

Helping Monstrous Nightmare with a toothache problem will show their softer side as they grow aggressively as Gobber helped Hookfang and Hiccup helped Whip-Slash who had a hook.

A Nightmare has incredible stubbornness, making them hard to control and very disobedient, as well as the fact that they are very easily distracted by butterflies and flowers.

Comparative Statistics[]


Appearances[]

How To Train Your Dragon[]

Hiccup-toothless-how-to-train-your-dragon-1 Main article: Hookfang (Franchise) / Biography

In the beginning of the film, Hiccup narrates about the Nightmare just when a Nightmare comes snapping up a watch tower, coated with flames, but was promptly defeated by Stoick.

After Hiccup shot Toothless down, he exclaimed happily, asking if anyone saw his achievement. A Nightmare emerged from behind him, causing a groan from hiccup. The next shot depicts Hiccup running away from the Nightmare. Stoick arrives at the scene just before the Nightmare corners Hiccup behind a brazer. The Nightmare runs out of shots and Stoick fights it fist-to-talon, finally, it flies away in defeat.

A Nightmare was kept prisoner at dragon training and the top of the class would've had the 'honor' of killing him. Hiccup was given the chance and instead, tries to connect to him and show the Vikings that dragons are not monsters, but after an outburst from Stoick, he becomes startled and begins to attack Hiccup in defense, until Toothless comes and protects his friend from the much bigger dragon, having no difficulty in subduing the enemy.

Later, when Hiccup is trying to get his friends to connect with the dragons and help fight the Red Death, the Nightmare is the first one he brings out. Snotlout Jorgenson is terrified enough to prepare a broken end of a spear as a weapon, in case Hookfang starts attacking, but Astrid nudges him to put it down. When Hiccup brings him closer to the others, he grabs Snotlout's arm so he can touch the dragon. Snotlout, obviously still frightened tries to resist, until Hiccup calms him and places his hand on his snout and he begins to growl in a purring manner. Snotlout's fear turns to amazement as he has made a connection. During the final battle of the Red Death, Snotlout is seen riding the Nightmare. After the events of this film, the Nightmare was named Hookfang they joined the rest of the team and appeared in almost every other episode of the series.

How to Train Your Dragon Live Spectacular[]

The Monstrous Nightmare appears in this theater production as a dragon opponent Hiccup must face to "win" the dragon games. As with the first movie, as Hiccup tries to befriend the dragon in a non-violent manner, Stoick steps in and angers it. Toothless comes to Hiccup's rescue and defeats the angry Nightmare.

Later on at the end of the production and the Vikings and dragons have united, Fishlegs is seen cooking large pancakes with a Nightmare's fire.

Book of Dragons[]

Bork and his Wife sat by a campfire and fried corn on it when the scent attracted a Monstrous Nightmare. The dragon appeared before them, and he attacked the ferocious Nightmare with the frying pan spilling the food in the process. The Monstrous Nightmare disarmed Bork, ate the food and retreated. Bork took two pieces of corn and tried to use it as a weapon against the dragon, but failed when the dragon burned Bork by lighting himself on fire (creating popcorn in the process). Hiccup said to befriend a Monstrous Nightmare by giving it respect and a gentle hand its snout.

Gift of the Night Fury[]

Hiccup-toothless-how-to-train-your-dragon-1 Main article: Hookfang's Offspring

Hookfang, along with an undefined mate, hatch eggs on the Rookery. When Hiccup uses Hookfang to fly back to Berk, his offspring try to follow, then all the dragon hatchlings follow. They have a hard time flying however, and Hiccup devises a way to get them off the island.

Dragons: Riders of Berk[]

Hiccup-toothless-how-to-train-your-dragon-1 Main article: Astrid's Monstrous Nightmare

Monstrous Nightmares are shown to inhabit Outcast Island in "Alvin and the Outcasts". Nightmares and other dragon species routinely attack the Outcast Tribe.

In "Heather Report, Part 1", the Outcasts were trying to train it, but with no results. In Part 2, he was the dragon chosen for Astrid, who was hoping for a Deadly Nadder, to train. She first tried to approach him slowly, but he flamed up, knocking her back. Astrid then tried the direct approach by grabbing his tail. This just made the dragon angry and flung her off. Astrid then remembered how Snotlout pinned Hookfang's horns to the ground to calm him down, and did the same to the fiery reptile. He was relaxed and bonded with Astrid. When Alvin brought out Heather's adoptive parents, she punched the Monstrous Nightmare's nose, after apologizing, so he would flame up and attack. He returned at the end when Alvin was about to throw Astrid off a cliff and saved her. It is assumed he is now living on Berk.

In "Defiant One", while Hiccup, Snotlout, and Toothless were stranded on Outcast Island, they encountered a large Monstrous Nightmare, which Snotlout mistakes for Hookfang until it violently blasts him into a rock. Toothless attacks it, but Hiccup calms him down by reaching out and calming the Monstrous Nightmare. The Outcasts try to attack the boys but are slightly delayed by the Nightmare who blasts fire at them.

Dragons: Defenders of Berk[]

Hiccup-toothless-how-to-train-your-dragon-1 Main article: Fanghook

Fanghook, a pink Nightmare, first appeared in "The Flight Stuff" when Gustav Larson was looking for his own dragon. After rejecting the Terrible Terror and the Deadly Nadder, he found Fanghook chasing boars, picking him because Snotlout described the Monstrous Nightmare as "the most lethal dragon in the known world." However, due to Snotlout's "training," Gustav's relationship with Fanghook was like Snotlout and Hookfang's. Gustav decides to head to Outcast Island after overhearing about the scouting mission from Trader Johan. The two easily get captured in Dagur's new trap, but are soon released by Hiccup. They then work with Snotlout and Hookfang to save Hiccup and Toothless. The next day, Gustav releases Fanghook back into the forest. After Hiccup and Snotlout leave, Gustav calls his dragon and the two continue training together in secret. The duo appeared in several other episodes and are the leader of the Auxiliary Team.

Dragons: Race to the Edge[]

Season 1[]

Hiccup-toothless-how-to-train-your-dragon-1 Main article: Hookfang's Nemesis
Hiccup-toothless-how-to-train-your-dragon-1 Main article: Girl Hookfang
Hiccup-toothless-how-to-train-your-dragon-1 Main article: Hookfire
Hiccup-toothless-how-to-train-your-dragon-1 Main article: Fangmaster
Hiccup-toothless-how-to-train-your-dragon-1 Main article: Hookblazefang

In "Total Nightmare", Snotout believes that Hookfang is going feral after he repeatedly breaks out of his stable to meet a female Nightmare. In an attempt to convince him to return, Hookfang out rightly chose the female's side. Dismayed, Snotlout announces that he does not want to be a rider anymore. The gang quickly round up more Nightmares, but Snotlout refuses, naming them Hookfire, Fangmaster and Hookblazefang as they remind him of Hookfang. They were quickly sent away. As Snotlout leaves, he sees Hookfang laying on the ground. Thinking that the female abused him, Snotlout charges forward, ready to attack. However, the arrival of a Titan Nightmare draws all their attention. The dragons charge, but the Titan sweeps them all off their feet. Snotlout realizes that the female had called Hookfang for help in protecting her young from the Titan and recounted everything to the gang when they arrive. Snotlout mounts Hookfang and lures the Titan away from the eggs with a series of winding routes, using its lack of agility against it. They quickly head to the Edge and trap themselves in the dome. They corner the Titan inside and fire at it. Finally, the Titan concedes defeat and leaves.

Season 2[]

Hiccup-toothless-how-to-train-your-dragon-1 Main article: Sven's Nightmare
Hiccup-toothless-how-to-train-your-dragon-1 Main article: Firescrapes
Hiccup-toothless-how-to-train-your-dragon-1 Main article: Cagecruncher

In "Team Astrid", Astrid helped Sven train his Nightmare. The duo then joined the Auxiliary Riders and helped defend the Edge in that episode. They also attempted to defeat the Frozen Skrill in "A Time to Skrill", but failed.

In "Night of the Hunters, Part 1", a captive Nightmare was seen inside a dragon-proof cage. While a Dragon Hunter taunted him from outside, Ryker Grimborn warned him not to as they were smarter than him. Cagecruncher lurched forward, nearly hurting the hunter. Ryker had backed off just in the nick of time, claiming that dragons weren't smarter than him.

Firescrapes can first be seen together with Scardian and the rest of the pack when they faced off Trader Johann and kidnapped Fishlegs in "Edge of Disaster, Part 1" and "Edge of Disaster, Part 2". He is later seen several times standing beside Scardian, and later patrolling at night. He was later tamed by Hiccup and aided them at Dragon's Edge to fight off Dagur.

Season 3[]

Hiccup-toothless-how-to-train-your-dragon-1 Main article: Whip-Slash

In "Follow the Leader", Tuffnut and Ruffnut attempted to get kerosene gel from a wild Nightmare. The dragon, however, attacked them and the twins were unsuccessful.

In "Stryke Out", a fighter Nightmare known as Whip-Slash is introduced. Whip-Slash was first seen fighting with Steeltrap when Ryker visited the Fight Master. When Hiccup got captured, Whip-Slash threatened him. Later, Hiccup gave him a fish but the dragon spit it out. Then, Hiccup pulled a hook out from his mouth and gave him the fish again. This time, the dragon ate the fish. Later, Whip-Slash and Steeltrap tried to melt the manacle tight from a Fighter Razorwhip's tail but failed. Whip-Slash was freed when the Dragon Riders came and drstroyed the arena.

Season 5[]

In "A Matter of Perspective", the Dragon Riders travel to Vanaheim, the final resting place of the dragons. There, they find tombs of different dragon species, including one of the Monstrous Nightmare.

Season 6[]

While they were searching for willow trees in "No Bark, All Bite", Hiccup and Stoick ran into a flock of fleeing dragons. Stoick then ordered Skullcrusher to smash into a Monstrous Nightmare that immediately light up. Toothless then shoot a blast at the dragon, scaring it away.

Many Monstrous Nightmares were summoned by the Berserker Bewilderbeast during the final battle in "King of Dragons, Part 2". They helped in fighting the Dragon Hunters and Dragon Flyers.

How to Train Your Dragon 2[]

Hiccup-toothless-how-to-train-your-dragon-1 Main article: Valka's Mercy

During Valka's recount of her experience just before leaving Berk to Hiccup, a Nightmare appeared in her flashback during a dragon raid. It was shot down and a Viking approached it, ready to end its life. Valka stepped forward and stopped him. The Viking reluctantly left for other dragons and when the Nightmare was said, it was said to join Valka.

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World[]

When the people of Berk decided to move to the Hidden World, all the Monstrous Nightmares of the island began the journey too, carrying different things, such as ships. They eventually arrived at New Berk, where they settled down for a while.

Many wild Monstrous Nightmares were among the myriad of dragons in the Hidden World who bowed down in front of Toothless and the Unnamed Light Fury, showing respect for their Alpha.

After Grimmel the Grisly captured Toothless, all the Monstrous Nightmares from Berk, along with the other dragons, came to their Alpha's help. However, Toothless ordered them to stop when Grimmel threatened to kill the Light Fury.

Fortunately, the Dragon Riders began an attack on Grimmel's ships and freed the Monstrous Nightmares, along with the other dragons, which returned to New Berk.

When the battle ended, Hiccup realized that the only way the dragons can be safe from humans was for them to go to the Hidden World. After Toothless gave the command to the dragons of Berk, all of them, including the Monstrous Nightmares, said their farewells to the Vikings and flew off to the Hidden World.

How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming[]

The Monstrous Nightmare is pictured in a Dragon Manual formerly belonging to Stoick that Zephyr Haddock finds packed away in the Haddock House on New Berk.

Dragons: Rescue Riders: Hunt for the Golden Dragon[]

A picture of a Monstrous Nightmare is seen on the wall leading to the Golden Dragon. Leyla identifies it as a Stoker Class dragon.

Dragons: The Nine Realms[]

Season 1[]

In "First Flight, Part 1", in the prologue showing the Book of Dragons, a page shows a Monstrous Nightmare attacking Vikings.

Season 3[]

In "Fire Escape", Tom leaves a trail of fish outside the Fire Realm, luring a Monstrous Nightmare out. He attempted to use the Monstrous Nightmare to test the durability of his newly constructed fire suit, but the dragon acted up in rage and fear. Once Tom stopped forcing him to comply, he gave him the last fish out of free will, showed him the special bond he had with Thunder, and ended up bonding with the fire dragon. However, the Monstrous Nightmare flew out of the fissure and was spotted by Buzzsaw and Eugene. Tom was able to calm down the dragon and bring it back to the Hidden World, where Alex used its gel to finish the fire suits.

Season 4[]

In "Journey to the Snowcano", as Tom looks at the pages of the Book of Dragons, a page shows two pictures of a Monstrous Nightmare.

Comics[]

The Stowaway[]

When Hroar goes to Dragon Island in order to enrage many dragons and lead them to Berk, he does so with several Monstrous Nightmares. However, after he is thrown off his saddle, the Monstrous Nightmares and all the other dragons return to their island.

Games[]

DreamWorks Dragons: Wild Skies[]

This dragon is available on Lava-Lout Island in Wild Skies. Described as 'Stop Drop and Roll, Explosive Nightmare', training the Nightmare will unlocked the 'Stop Drop and Roll' achievement.

Dragons Hero Portal[]

Hookfang appears in this game as part of one of the rider/dragon pairs the player can choose to play as.

Dragons: Rise of Berk[]

The Nightmare is the first searchable dragon in the game. Plenty of individuals like Hookfang, his mate and offspring, Fanghook,Fangmaster, Sven's Nightmare, Girl Hookfang, Firescrapes, Cagecruncher, Exiled Monstrous Nightmare, Valka's Mercy, Whip-Slash and Liberated Whip-Wreck are available in the game.


School of Dragons[]

The Monstrous Nightmare is one of the original dragon species available for riding in this game. A Titan form as released later.

A fossilized skeleton of a Monstrous Nightmare can be seen on Auction Island, put on display by the seedy vendors there.


Dragons: Titan Uprising[]

Several Monstrous Nightmare individuals, like Merciful Nightmare, Blazing Phoenixfire, Mountain Nightmare, and Charsoul, and hybrids, like the Abomibumble, appear in this game.

Dragon Pets[]

A Monstrous Nightmare is one of the four dragons that appear in this game, along with the Deadly Nadder, Gronckle, and Night Light.

Trivia[]

  • Asterisk-TransparentThe official measurements of the Monstrous Nightmare, as released by DreamWorks Animation are 61 feet (18.59 meters) in length, and 68 feet (20.72 meters) in wingspan.
  • The Monstrous Nightmare shares some resemblances with the dragon Smaug from The Hobbit franchise. They also share some resemblance with pterosaurs, because how they walk using their wings as if they are front legs.
  • Some Monstrous Nightmares are shown to have tines on their horns like deer. For some reasons, Hookfang does not have any tines on his horns, but this actually helps Snotlout to tell him apart from other Nightmares. Aside from tines, Nightmares also get barbells on their chin.
    • In concept art, it is shown that Monstrous Nightmares have 3-5 barbells.
  • Monstrous Nightmares have a tendency to spit fire unintentionally at times, like when coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
  • Monstrous Nightmares and Cavern Crashers have a bit in common as they both use a type of flammable gel to coat their entire bodies.
  • It is possible that the Monstrous Nightmare may be able to resist the Death Song's amber attack if it performs a fire burst. This way the amber substance might break upon contact with the Monstrous Nightmare's flaming body.
  • The symbol of the Northern Alliance is that of a Monstrous Nightmare’s head with a sword running down through it.
  • It's suggested in "A Matter of Perspective" that a Monstrous Nightmare's fire burst is due to its bones also being on fire.

References[]

Monstrous Nightmare (Franchise) uses Creative Commons Licensed content from the Rise of Berk Wiki page Monstrous Nightmare. The list of authors can be found on the page revision history (view authors). ROBWiki Logo
Monstrous Nightmare (Franchise) uses Creative Commons Licensed content from the Dreamworks School of Dragons Wiki page Monstrous Nightmare. The list of authors can be found on the page revision history (view authors). SODWikiLogo

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