mace5andtalon5

[mace5andtalon5]

JAMES MCGRAW FLINT (insp.)

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Saw your blog title when checking my notifications and omg, it is so funny! You win at blog titles!

Ah, thank you! Something tells me Viggo wouldn't approve, haha😂 (which makes me like it more😇)

You're actually a big inspiration for me to start the blog - I've been reading your fics for many years (not to sound creepy!!). I adore your writing style, and you capture Viggo and Hiccup's characters amazingly - I always get excited when I see you've posted something new, and there are many fics of yours that I return to time and time again! So thank you for sharing your talent with all us HTTYD/ RTTE fans!😁

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historical costume appreciation: captain flint's dark coat in season one of black sails

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He has more charisma than a man

(my edit)

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Here’s something that’s been on my mind for far too long. Think back to Shellshocked Part 2 and the scene in which Viggo and Hiccup are alone on Toothless and have this conversation:

Viggo: ‘Poor, dear Hiccup. Relationships can be… complicated. Am I right? Then, while I cannot put myself directly in your shoes, I can most surely empathise with your situation.’

Hiccup: ‘You can, huh?’

Viggo: ‘Absolutely. To be in love with a girl who is your partner in battle? Not sure how I would balance such a precarious situation – it can certainly cloud the mind, impair judgement, make even the simplest decisions vexing.’

I love this scene for many reasons, but most of all because of one particular word Viggo uses: empathise.

I find it intriguing that Viggo chooses to use the word empathise rather than sympathise when discussing Hiccup’s predicament. And, make no mistake, this was a choice. Viggo demonstrates his way with words throughout the series – his eloquence and masterful use of language are intrinsic parts of his character. Assuming the use of ‘empathise’ and ‘sympathise’ could have been used interchangeably could be reasonable had another character said these words. But not Viggo. A character who chooses his words so carefully would never have made a mistake like that.

So, this leads us to consider what can be inferred from Viggo’s choice of vocabulary. There are many opinions on the exact differences between empathy and sympathy, but the general consensus appears to be that sympathy involves having an understanding of someone else’s suffering, whilst empathy involves being able to imagine and feel the emotions of another as if they are your own. To me, that begs the question: do you have to have felt the emotion in question in order to empathise with someone else experiencing it?

To contextualise, in this episode, Hiccup is in a difficult position – he must balance his professional responsibility of leading the Dragons Riders into battle with the personal responsibility he feels towards protecting Astrid – responsibilities that are in direct opposition with each other, and thus lead to an uncomfortable mixture of emotions – his love for Astrid, his fear of putting her in harm’s way and the risk of losing her. In this scene, Viggo claims to empathise with these feelings. Now, I ask again: does one have to have experienced said feelings in order to have the emotional capacity to empathise with them?

This is where I am unsure. Viggo openly admits that he ‘cannot put [him]self directly in [Hiccup’s] shoes’ (listening back to the audio, he puts a lot of emphasis on the word ‘directly’). Could that mean that Viggo may have been in a similar situation at some point? To have loved another? Or that he admits he has the capacity to care for someone else in this way? Or is this merely an intellectual understanding of Hiccup’s feelings? (in which case, the word sympathise may have been more appropriate). As we see Viggo manipulate people’s desires and emotions time and time again through the series, there is no doubt that he is extremely emotionally and socially intelligent. But what isn’t clear is the source of this intelligence – has he learnt this through years of observation and analysis of others that have gained him a certain level of cognitive empathy? Or does some of this stem from his own experiences and generate a genuine, emotional and empathetic response in this moment? (If and how Viggo decides to act on this emotional response is another matter entirely).

Then, there is a third option. That is that, this too, is just another manipulation tactic. That Viggo chooses to lie and tell Hiccup he empathises with him in an attempt to topple him. Viggo goes on to try and instil doubt and fear into Hiccup’s mind – warning him of the dangers of caring too much about Astrid. Perhaps Viggo chooses the word ‘empathise’ in the hope that Hiccup will pay more heed to his words if he believes his own adversary (and mentor in many ways) empathises with his predicament. Would this not be the perfect way to emotionally manipulate Hiccup into overthinking his decisions and making choices out of fear rather than reason at the critical moments? This is made more plausible by the way in which Viggo attempts to bargain for the Dragon Eye by capturing Astrid at the end of the episode.

It is difficult to know how much of this conversation is pure manipulation or whether there is also some sincerity to Viggo’s words. Knowing Viggo’s exact capacity for empathy is virtually impossible to guess. He has done some unquestionably dastardly things in order to achieve his own ends – from infecting his own crew with the Scourge of Odin, to bringing about the demise of his own brother seemingly without any remorse. But, we must also consider that the version of Viggo we see in the series is a performance– we often see him scheming, manipulating the riders and generally trying to win the grand ‘game’ he and Hiccup are playing. But we never see the quieter moments – the aftermath of his latest feud with Hiccup, the moments he is alone with his thoughts or sharing them with someone he trusts completely (if such a person exists). In contrast, we see Hiccup having honest and open conversations, often with Astrid or Toothless, or sometimes just speaking to himself, which enables us to gain a deeper insight into his thoughts, feelings and inner workings of his mind. We don’t have this with Viggo, so it is impossible to assume his exact thoughts and feelings about certain situations – whether he ever does empathise with others, feels bad for the suffering he causes or experiences feelings close to Hiccup’s in this episode.

Whilst there is some evidence of Viggo’s ability to care for others in seasons 5 and 6 (saving a Hunter from a fiery demise when retrieving the Dragon Eye from the volcano and sacrificing himself to save Hiccup from Krogan and Johann), this occurs after the events of season 4, so it is difficult to say whether this was always part of Viggo's character or was brought about by losing everything at the end of season 4 and developing a new perspective through the events of seasons 5 and 6.

One final point: I find the setting of this scene interesting and it may also give us some clues. This is one of the few times Hiccup and Viggo are completely alone and on neutral ground (or sky, I guess?) Other than Toothless, no one else is in sight or earshot – Viggo and Hiccup are alone in the middle of the ocean. I think a big part of Viggo’s character is maintaining his image and reputation for an audience – being the leader of the Dragon Hunters, manipulating a whole group of Dragon Riders or selling to clients – all of which require a certain level of bravado. But here, there is no one besides Hiccup. Yes, I believe Viggo is attempting to unnerve Hiccup, but I also like to think there is some level of sincerity to this conversation. Viggo respects Hiccup. As much as he wants to outwit him, he also holds enough respect for Hiccup to want to have a genuine conversation with him too. Viggo’s image doesn’t matter so much here – he and Hiccup are equals – occupying the same position on either side of the game board. Viggo even starts the conversation by casually mentioning an upcoming Maces and Talons tournament. Somehow, I think this leads to some genuine words being spoken between the two of them, however much it may be cloaked by Viggo also trying to make Hiccup feel uneasy about this relationship with Astrid. This makes me believe that Viggo was being honest when he said he empathises with Hiccup, even though the overall aim was to unsettle him, and I find the implications of this very interesting. At least, that’s the way I like to think about it (but we all know there are two ways to be fooled: one is to believe what isn’t true, the other is to refuse to believe what is - so Viggo might have me there!)

Anyway, that’s all from me. Thank you for persevering through my rambling. I’d love to hear anyone else’s thoughts/ theories on the topic!

[mace5andtalon5]

𝚅𝚒𝚐𝚐𝚘 𝙶𝚛𝚒𝚖𝚋𝚘𝚛𝚗 𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚌𝚊𝚗𝚘𝚗𝚜

bc I'm falling in love with the character

×❢ About my work ❢×

sfw, no pronouns or gender used for the reader, plays before s4 ep12: shell shocked pt1, don't mind the grammar mistakes pls ^^, might be out of character

Fandom(s): Dragons: Race to the Edge (HTTYD)

Character(s): Viggo Grimborn, The Reader

Ship(s): Viggo Grimborn x Reader

Form: Headcanons

— soo protective,

like whenever he notices people looking at you, he starts holding you by your waist or just pulling you closer to him

also, it doesn't matter how much you dislike violence, when your life's in danger, he won't hesitate to save you the best he can

— he's quite romantic, actually

we know that he can use words pretty well, he will definitely use praises, sweet talk, and do some flirting aswell just to see you embarassed or simply because that's one of his love languages

I wouldn't call him clingy but when you're away for a long time, he writes long letters for you about how he misses you and how he can't wait for you to come back. Altough he's super worried, he won't show any sign of that in his letters (however, you know better)

— he would treat you so good,

like ngl this man would do his best to make you feel the most satisfied and loved as long as you're by his side

Don't get me wrong, he can keep you safe by himself, but for extra protection, he would command all of his men to look out for you and keep you safe. Tbh I think they're more focused on your safety than the dragon riders. Funfact, in the beginning, he was thinking about keeping the relationship secret, just to keep you safe.

I think most of the people are aware of your relationship, but Viggo is a lot more affectionate when you're in private. I can't really imagine him acting cuddly, but he includes more a lot more kisses, talk and touches when it's only just the two of you.

Sometimes he can be seen acting a little... agressive with his men, but he wouldn't dare to lay a finger on you. Never. He always tries to act gentle and understanding towards you.

— playing maces and talons,

would be so enjoyable for him.

Not gonna lie, he would definitely enjoy seeing you losing, and he may act a little smug or tease you about it aswell. Altough, he finds it cute that you try to outsmart him.

However, if you win against him, he will be thrilled to go for an another round with you.

— having a dragon

okay, now this is interesting, if you would own a dragon, he would... tolerate it. I mean, it keeps you safe, it doesn't harm you and it brings you comfort. He also provides the dragon good care, even if they don't really like each other.

(If you can convince him, he may try to bond just a little with them...)

— despite all of this, he would love a partner,

who is loyal to him, aren't afraid to challenge him and has a good mind.

He also loves someone with a good heart, regardless that he is the chief of the dragon hunters.

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I am forever grateful to the volcano on Dragon's Edge for sparing Viggo's beard. The eye and eyebrow are expendable, but the goatee is everything. Nice to know the lava gods have taste🔥

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Anyone else appreciate the fact that, amidst all the action and chaos that was the episode 'Shellshocked Part 1', whilst Viggo was making his (dragonless) way from Defenders of the Wing Island to The Edge, he found the time to wash his face and brush his hair?

That man has his priorities figured out.

Can't be striking any deals with Hiccup unless he's looking fresh.

Just makes me love him all the more.

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You want to know one of my favourite little details in RTTE that cracks me up every time?

In the episode Twintuition, when Viggo is interrogating Ruffnut, Ryker loses patience and knocks her cup of water over as he threatens 'Don't toy with us, girl'. If you look closely, the trajectory of that flying cup of water is headed straight for Viggo across the table. So either Viggo dodged for dear life or got drenched, both of which are hilarious mental images to me. Big Grimbro getting angry and soaking little Grimbro in the process.

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if you were to fistfight a bear, would you win? You and the bear each get 12 hours and 30 minutes of prep time, armor is allowed, but nothing to make you invincible. The bear will have to wear armor if you do.

As a professional Dragon Hunter, I would like to think that tackling a bear wouldn't present any trouble. However, I assume you are suggesting that I would be tasked with engaging a bear in hand-to-hand combat without the assistance of other Hunters or traps. In this case, I would slip some poison or sedative into the beast's meal prior to our battle, rendering it defenceless by the time our fight began. From there, it would be simple - a pair or gauntlets, a few quick jabs and I would be declared the victor.

I'd hope you would let my brother handle this next time. I don't enjoy getting my hands dirty and I'd much rather be spending what precious spare time I have playing Maces and Talons or planning my next move against Hiccup.

Well, Viggo got a little grumpy there. Apparently he doesn't like bears. Keep the questions coming!

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Why does your brother shave his head? Is there a reason? Is it symbolism for something, or does he just want to look like an egg??

I must say, Ryker's personal grooming choices are somewhat of a mystery to me. Though we've never discussed it, I suppose he keeps his head shaved for practical reasons - lower maintenance and keeping it out of the way when at sea or hunting dragons. He does the majority of hunting and trapping out in the wilderness, you see. I find my virtues lie... elsewhere, usually within the comfort of a tent. I'm sure he will be thrilled to hear of his resemblance to an egg.

Thanks for your question! If you have a question for Viggo feel free to send it in!

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Hey everyone, so I was having a go at using the Dragon Eye (as you do) and may or may not have accidentally zapped myself into the How to Train Your Dragon universe...

Viggo: Along with the Dragon Eye, to my delight.

Me: That's right - I'm here with the one and only Viggo Grimborn! AND, he's agreed to answer any questions you might have for him.

Viggo: It appears I have more than a few 'fans', I believe you call them.

Me: You do indeed Viggo!

Viggo: I can hardly see how this is supposed to bolster business, but reading your questions sounds amusing, so I'll endeavour to answer them as best I can.

Me: Soo, you heard him! Send over your questions for Viggo Grimborn and we'll see what he has to say!