How to Train Your Dragon

Alliteration is the repetition of a consonant sound on the first syllable (or the first major syllable) of a word. While much of modern English poetry rhymes, Old English speakers preferred alliteration. A line of poetry consisted of four major beats, of which at least three—often the first three—began with the same letter, such as the “f” sound in this (translated) line from Beowulf: “Since erst he lay / friendless, a foundling, fate repaid him” (Unknown. “Beowulf (Trans. by Francis B. Gummere)” Poetry Foundation, Lines 6-7).

In absence of surnames, Viking royalty would give their children names that alliterated with their own. The protagonist’s full name, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, follows the format of a line of poetry. Cowell furthers this, adding that he is “the Hope and Heir to the Tribe of the Hairy Hooligans” (2). Alliteration pops up often in the novel, with phrases such as “terrifying, toothless terrapin” (26) and “Dirty Danes and pirate princesses” (52).

Foreshadowing occurs when a story drops clues about something that will happen. Since Vikings practiced divination, it follows suit that the novel lets the reader glimpse into its own future as well.