The Use of Dragonskins (HTTYD/RTTE)
Hello, my fellow Furians! Welcome to another article! Today, we'll be talking about dragonskins and their usage.
In the HTTYD books, dragonskins are used to make fireproof items and are even commonly used to make fireproof suits. It's also meant to be worn as a type of body armor. Either it can refute arrows or cuts, or it was used to defend against dragon fire (since in this world, Vikings used dragons as hunting companions and steeds of war like how one uses horses and dogs). According to "How To Twist A Dragon's Tale", the Lava-Lout Tribe were particularly famous and distinctive for always wearing dragonskin suits to protect them from fire and heat, since they live on a volcanic island.
In the TV series, it's quite different. There are no scenes that provide evidence that dragonskin have anti-fire properties. At best, Eruptadon saliva does that. While Buffalord saliva is the only known cure for Odin's Scourge. However, it's also true that there hasn't been any evidence AGAINST the dragonskins used by the Dragon Hunters and Flyers having anti-fire properties. Considering their occupations, it's logical to assume that the dragonskins they wear provide some if not complete protection against fire.
Interestingly, though, in the last two films, HTTYD 2 and HTTYD 3, there are clear signs of dragon scales and dragonskins being used as direct fire protection agents.
Also, the dragonskin gear that Dragon Hunters and Flyers wear must have anti-dragon protection since they keep returning in following episodes like Stormtroopers. Though that could just be your typical DreamWorks Dragons cloning technique. 😂
That being said, though, it kinda defeats the purpose of fire protection if most of your skin and flammable clothes are exposed to flame. 😂
However, unlike in the books, in the TV series (and in the films), dragonskins also have another purpose: a statement of status and fashion.
Aside from the fact that they look aesthetically pleasing to wear, it's also a show of one's prowess and status as a man and as a warrior. As Hiccup had even said in the first film:
"Killing dragons is everything around here. A Nadder head is sure to get me at least noticed. Gronckles are tough. Taking down one of those would definitely get me a girlfriend. A Zippleback? Exotic. Two heads, twice the status. Then, there's the Monstrous Nightmare. Only the best Vikings go after those."
As such, in Archipelagoan society, even if we discount differences between the Inner Isles and the rest of the Archipelago, there is a hierarchy or meritocracy that is based on what dragons you kill, and how many of them. And it's also based on how difficult these dragons are to kill. Speaking of which, Mildew was mentioned to have been an excellent dragon slayer in his younger days.
In fact, the "Deadly Dozen" who pursue and hunt the Gang in S5's "Dawn of Destruction" and the two-part "Wings of War" episodes are all wearing dragonskins from these dragons, signifying their status and prowess as elites.
Hiccup goes on to saying this:
"No one has ever killed a Night Fury. That's why I'm going to be the first."
Night Furies were considered by many to be the ultimate prey — the coveted prize to fame, glory, and fortune. While no one on Berk had ever seen a Night Fury let alone slain one, Hiccup was desperate to kill one in order to be accepted as a Viking like the rest of his community. (Only for him to wimp out in the end and become friends with one. lol 😂😉) Had he gone through with it, he would've had a luxurious dragonskin that would've boosted his status among the many famous Viking heroes in Archipelago and Berkian history.
Interestingly, in HTTYD 3, Grimmel, the villain, and a contrasting portrayal of what Hiccup could've become, says this:
"When I was a boy and I came up on a Night Fury, I killed it where it slept. That simple act of courage made me a hero in my village."
Strangely though, he doesn't wear anything to show his prowess or achievements. For somebody who boasts about having practically slain every Night Fury in existence (a declaration that I doubt in itself since it's technically impossible in this era), he doesn't wear anything to represent that, like a Night Fury dragonskin cloak, or outfit, or Night Fury claws or teeth. Nothing. Just... boring old leather. 🙄
However, it's different with Drago from HTTYD 2. As you can see from the picture below, he's wearing a cloak of dragonskin which he uses as both a status statement and also as something to shield him from dragonfire.
Of course, as much as I'd like to declare that to be Night Fury skin, there's no proof of it being so, and could easily be some other type of dragon. But if it is, it could be the skin of an older Night Fury. It looked darker in the film, but whatever.
So in conclusion, dragonskins are used for their anti-fire properties (to protect them from dragonfire and from fire in general), as a fashion statement, and most importantly as a status symbol that showcases their prowess and accomplishments as warriors. Dragonskins make good tent material, apparently, as evidenced by the Dragon Hunters.
I hope this was somewhat enlightening. It certainly was for me. Thank you for reading, and see you in the next article!
Long Live the Night!
— Noctus Fury
