In this narrated excerpt from Cressida Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon, Lois Letchford reads a scene set on the icy Isle of Berk where Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III and nine other Viking boys stand on a bleak beach awaiting the Dragon Initiation Test. Gobber the Belch, the gruff instructor, loudly announces that Hiccup, the chief’s son, will lead the team despite the boys’ protests that he is useless. The boys mock Hiccup and each other, mentioning limpets as a punishment, and Gobber threatens severe consequences for dissent. Gobber’s larger-than-life description—seven‑foot stature, a single working eye, a flaming torch—underscores his intimidating presence. He explains that the first part of the test is to catch a dragon, emphasizing the Viking tradition of taming dangerous creatures. The passage blends comedic dialogue, vivid character descriptions, and the cultural expectation that young Vikings prove themselves through daring dragon‑training challenges.
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Long ago on the wild and windy Isle of Berk, a smallish Viking with a longish name stood up to his ankles in snow. Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the hope and heir to the tribe of the Hairy Hooligans, had been feeling slightly sick ever since he woke up. That morning, 10 boys, including Hiccup, were hoping to become full members of the tribe by passing the Dragon Initiation Program. By passing the Dragon Initiation Program. They were standing on a bleak little beach at the bleakest spot on the whole bleak island. A heavy Pay attention! screamed Gobba the Belch, the soldier in charge, charge of teaching initiation. This will be your first military operation, and Hiccup will be commanding the team. Oh no, not Hiccup! Hiccup? groaned Dog's Breath the Durrbrain and most of the other boys. You can't put Hiccup in charge! He's useless! Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the hope and heir to the tribe of the Hairy Hooligans, wiped his miserable Nose on his sleeve. He sank a little deeper into the snow. Nobody, anybody would be better than Hiccup! sneered Snotmouse. Even Fishlegs would be better than Hiccup! Fishlegs had a squint that made him as blind as a jellyfish. And an allergy to reptiles. Silence! roared Gobber the Belch. The next boy to speak has limpets for lunch for the next 3 weeks! There was absolute silence immediately. Limpets are a bit like worms and a bit like snot and a lot less tastier than either. Pick up! We'll be in charge, and that's an order! Screamed Gogba, who didn't do noises quieter than screaming. He was a 7-foot-tall giant with a mad glint in his one working eye and a beard like exploding fireworks. Despite the freezing cold, he was wearing Hairy shorts and a teeny-weeny deerskin vest that showed off his lobster-red skin and bulging muscles. He was holding a flaming torch in one gigantic fist. Hiccup will be leading you, although he is admittedly completely useless because Hiccup is the son of the chief, and that's the way things go with us Vikings. Where do you think you are, the Republic of Rome? Anyway, that is the least of your problems today. You are here to prove yourselves a Viking hero, and in this ancient tradition of the hooligan tribe that you should Gobba paused dramatically. First, catch your dragon! Ooh, suffering scallops, thought Hiccup. Our dragons are what set us apart! bellowed Gobba. Lesser humans train hawks to hunt for them, horses to carry them. It is only the Viking heroes Who dare to tame the wildest, most dangerous creatures on Earth. Gobba spat solemnly into the snow. There are 3 parts to the Dragon Initiation Test. The first and most dangerous part is a test of your courage and skill at burglary. If you wish to enter the Hairy You must first catch your dragon. And that is why, continued Gobba at full volume, I have brought you to this scenic spot. Take a look at Wild Dragon Cliff itself.
