Why Hiccup and Astrid are the Best Couple in History: Their FULL Story

[@AudrieGreywind]

This video was intended to be released in February (hence all the Valentine's Day talk) but editing it gave me a pretty severe case of tendonitis. So to celebrate 13 years of the franchise in March 2023, I hope you enjoy my analysis of the best couple of all time! 🥰

[@BobBob-tr7wi]

Its never too late for love! Especially viking love!

[@persialionheart]

Audrie if you're the world's biggest hiccstrid shipper can I be your second in command?😂 Actually seriously it would be an honour.

[@TheEnd-ip2cr]

:D

[@azaleabrian2619]

I thought you were gonna say that "yeah astrid wanted daggers made out of gronkle lava" and the ep before (I think) they find out on how to make it so he give's her a pair. At the time they found a new metal (in defenders of berk)

[@Eepycat229]

True

[@sirspeedy9006]

This was definitely Audrie's excuse to rewatch all the non-nine realms content as part of her job

[@azaleabrian2619]

LOL

[@aimeeh2079]

we dont even acknowledge its existence ong ahaha

[@Alecoo09]

the nine realms doesnt exist

[@VladimirPutin10]

@@Alecoo09 true

[@isaacstevenson2960]

There is no Nine Realms in Ba Sing Se

[@lets_dev]

21:42 Just noticed, the hair detail goes even deeper - the first time it is pushed away by wind in the "Romantic Flight" scene,which could symbolize Astrid "opening her eyes" and finding a new meaning in life. After discovering the nest, the hair hides her eye again when she's arguing with Hiccup. But then, before she kisses him, she pushes it away herself. I'd say this is a really nice and subtle way of showing Astrid's emotions for what's around her overall.

[@persialionheart]

People need to appreciate Astrid more. She has been Hiccup's biggest motivator other than Toothless since the beginning

[@Bilbo_Baggins-o3l]

Exactly

[@Bilbo_Baggins-o3l]

Exactly

[@GokuBlackRose978]

Even when she despised him in the beginning, she helped motivate him.

[@elliottleguehennec8302]

@@GokuBlackRose978 Last time I re-watched the first HTTYD movie, I paid extra attention to Astrid... And to be fair she was a great character from the start. She took her job seriously and was always focused on being the best warrior she could be for the village ; and though she let it happen, she wasn't the one mocking Hiccup. The only real flaw of her character was how she became jealous of Hiccup after he started succeeding and taking the attention away from her. And the second she understood what Hiccup and Toothless were about she became the super supportive character we know and love.

[@LethalOwl]

I've a hard time appreciating a character that emasculates and humiliates their 'partner' in front of their whole community more than once. I love the first two movies, the third was meh, but Astrid only plays a minor role for me. She is, dare I say, *toxic* at times.

[@fangirls_leader687]

One thing I'd love to add. Astrid always gets on the same eye level as Hiccup. He's always usually kinda shys away from looking people in the eye, especially Stoick in the beginning of the franchise. She always crouches down, leans down, or lifts his chin to her eye level. She gets on his level, doesn't let him shy away from her, and gives him a kinda pep-talk.

[@samidayal5408]

Only Audrey could take a show with a couple who’s only on screen for around 49 minutes and make it about 4 hours 😂

[@Torpanimations]

Closer to 5🤣

[@kingseb2252]

Not 49 minutes cause they are in every episode of the series and the movies and even if they weren't dating officially up till later in race to the edge they kissed and flirted several times before that

[@kingseb2252]

@Jonah Stafford yeah but they never officially started dating till season 4 of race to the edge

[@namelessnavnls8060]

@sami dayal It's not just Audrie honestly, Hiccstrid is THAT good of a couple to have at _least_ 4 hours worth of good things to say about them.

[@kingseb2252]

@@namelessnavnls8060 yeah definitely i love hiccstrid

[@jamma.77]

3:09:39 The fact that someone had to deliberately animate that eye movement as well.

[@joshuaharper8957]

Jesus Christ loves you

[@deadmeme8011]

@@joshuaharper8957 Odin*

[@Wolf_Midna8D]

LMAOOOO

[@persialionheart]

Basically, Audrie did what I did when I was younger where I wrote every single hiccstrid moment by hand in a notebook that I could find for every movie and every episode, just in video form. My life goal is complete.

[@opiedopie]

Hiccstrid Handbook 😂😂

[@persialionheart]

@@opiedopie XD

[@seriengirl4604]

We had the same childhood😂

[@ForeverCristalHeart]

lmaoooo ofc

[@joshuaharper8957]

Jesus Christ loves you

[@sakurap95]

Astrid does such a good job of pulling Hiccup’s emotions out of him. She gives him the integrity to own his emotions and express them, especially when he’s confused about them.

[@daniboy4153]

We love a long video about why a fictional couple is one of the best in fiction. Worth the wait!

[@chrismclean4789]

Ah the irony

[@Zombina638]

And it’s false

[@jaffarebellion292]

Lies! Clearly the best fictional couple is Hank Hill and his beloved Propane.

[@oliverdelica2289]

Nahh its Hiccup and Scrap Metal

[@giselamaciasleon6844]

@@oliverdelica2289 NOT THE SCRAP METAL

[@gooseletloose3622]

“There were dragons when I was a boy” always gives me the chills

[@oliverdelica2289]

Literal chills

[@justelliot4870]

Both the book and film versions go SO hard, and make me tear up

[@tryier_Ra906]

"There were dragons when I was a boy...and they're still there, they're just dying in an underwater cave".

[@FireF1y644]

THW is awful and the ending is forced an unnatural

[@casualdinofan1953]

I always took problems with it because they never mentioned the other tribe that respected dragons Nothing about the berserker, wing maidens, protectors of the wing with their home that needs a dragon eat to the lava, or the ones in the comic.

[@hiccbae]

2:03:24 I remember reading a few analyses before about how Hiccup has grown out of his ‘awkward phase’ (he’s still awkward ofc but not as obvious as httyd1 Hiccup) and Astrid pining for him is her realizing that maybe Hiccup has moved on from his ‘childish crush’ on her and he probably doesn’t have any romantic feelings for her anymore, esp with how much he’s had on his plate throughout the series, since she thinks him being ‘protective’ and ‘caring’ for her lately is just normal between them bc they’re FRIENDS, so it kinda makes sense why the roles were flipped in rtte Hiccup being less obvious with his feelings is him being scared that he might ruin their friendship if he confesses his feelings for her bc she doesn’t ‘kiss’ him anymore since riders of berk, so in Hiccup’s case, all he’s been doing is secretly pining for her over the years. The only way the writers showed that he’s still attracted to her is thru his ACTIONS towards her that we’ll notice he only does for Astrid but not to their other friends. But you’re right, it would’ve been cute if the writers have atleast showed us that Hiccup is still stumbling and stuttering a little around Astrid. I’m all for mature Hiccup, but man, let him be a pathetic, hopeless romantic around her in a few scenes! 💀

[@LueLucifer]

Nah I disagree about him being a hopeless romantic in a few scenes it's perfect the way it is.

[@helenlumsden3746]

that was insighful.

[@goodwillambassador9355]

She did say to Heather they're FRIENDS but it doesn't mean she actually thought that. Heather is a close friend to her, but Hiccup is an even closer friend, she has known him for years. Her relationship with him is something she would want to keep to herself, even if it's Heather. Since movie 1 they had this unspoken connection in the series. She knows he is the one who will find her when she is several feet underwater or he tells her he'll be careful when he flies on a dangerous alone mission before she even asks. She knew she had feelings for him and vice versa. She knew they will start dating someday. It was never a question, to be honest. It was just a matter of when. When she asked him in 'Blindsided' why he didn't kiss her, he said he thought about how it would happen a lot. There was awkwardness in when it is appropriate to transition from communicating like friends to openly kissing but both never doubted it would happen. So none was actually scared about ruining the friendship, they were never just friends to begin with. They didn't kiss anymore because when they grew up kisses are not as easy as before. But they both kinda anticipated this moment. This waiting until 18 to start properly dating is not super realistic but this is what happens when the creators decide not to show dating in a child's series.

[@hiccbae]

@@goodwillambassador9355 huh, that makes sense! i think the people to be truly blamed here are the writers + CN’s ‘censorship’ (if that’s the right word) a decade ago. they never really have the same goals for the progress of hiccstrid’s relationship. dean knows they were together for 5 years because he’s said that in an interview (i think?) during httyd2’s promotions, but the rob/dob writers never showed anything that says they were truly dating throughout the CN series until RTTE (who end up continuing rob/dob), which made it all the more confusing for the fans. the reason i made the analyses i read in tumblr as my references for my previous comment is because, i remember, when RTTE came out in 2015, a lot of hiccstrid stans thought they were secretly dating/friends with benefits because of dean deblois’ “5 years into the relationship” idea and astrid’s ‘just friends’ comment (which would imply that astrid only said that to hide their relationship, but it end up being untrue anyways when they kept releasing new seasons that showed their slow blossoming relationship before they became official). idk, i guess dreamworks and CN are really at fault here when it comes to their relationship (and maybe the release timeline as well)

[@seriengirl4604]

This is in some way really adorable

[@JulietteRodriguez-ce9jd]

something else I find really cute is how in Dawn of the Dragon Racers, Hiccup is wearing his RTTE outfit but with a green long sleeve instead of a red one, and when Astrid tells him that red is his color, he starts wearing a red long sleeve in RTTE!! (ik I'm late to this but watching this video and commenting was worth doing)

[@t-rex1019]

HOLY SHIT! You're right! That is an awesome detail.

[@Phoenix-fh8ng]

Your not alone in being late to watch this video. I remeber stumbling onter her channel a few years ago and forgot about it. So glad I found it again

[@hiccbae]

3:10:29 i’m so SO glad you brought this up too! i remember when the fandom pointed out that Astrid is shaking her ✨𝓽𝓲𝓽𝓽𝓲𝓮𝓼✨ for him and that was the only thing he noticed, not her necklace, Netflix immediately pulled a ‘THIS IS NOT CHILD-FRIENDLY’ and changed the ratings for the episode and a lot of ppl has come out, complaining about typing out their ‘code’ to access the episode. it’s honestly just chaotic and I LOVED IT.

[@azaleabrian2619]

Me too that was the best, and I saw something like that in shell shocked part 1 (this was not restricted but they got away with it) for a split second you can see hiccup do the exact thing, you can trace his EYE's even.

[@Scauldronrider]

Let’s be honest because anyone would do that just stare at her boobs

[@Sydney12997]

WTF I didn’t even know that

[@Nickers19]

I didn't notice that at first😅

[@worthog0]

I think the best explanation for Astrid falling for Hiccup during the first movie is the same as with high level athletes. She was training so hard to be the best that she didn't give herself the luxury of even thinking about romantic relationships at her young age. Then when Hiccup helps slow her down and metaphorically 'smell the roses' she is able to relax some to not only accept that dragons can be friendly, but that she could also invest time into this relationship.

[@persialionheart]

Tbh I always ignored the kisses in the first series as something to point that they were dating. I always believed their first kiss was more of Astrid feeling relieved after he woke up from a coma. And the other kisses were just a spur of the moment things that they just decided never to talk about. I like the idea that they needed to grow a bit more before they actually acknowledged their feelings to each other. And yh it took 3 years but its those relationships that really last. I think the writers did well to make it more of a slow burn because after they got together (and I'm sticking with this) all of the waiting really paid off.

[@LangkeeLongkee]

Same. I actually found it bizarre that she kept bringing it up because it NEVER occurred to me as a kid at any point that they were officially together until the 2nd movie. And other fans I interacted with at the time seemed to think similarly to me. I had no idea until literally today people watched the first movie and gift of a night fury and thought Hiccup and Astrid were actually dating. Had no clue that was a thing. It always seemed like that awkward, yeah we clearly like each other but we’re still gonna get self-conscious about it stuff.

[@persialionheart]

@@LangkeeLongkee yup plus they were only 15 and only just properly getting to know each other. A couple like Hiccup and Astrid, even if they liked each other from the start would have always taken their time to get together. That doesn't mean they can't be affectionate. It's just how the two of them are with each other.

[@LangkeeLongkee]

@@persialionheart this

[@sakurap95]

“All the dragons are my friends” impression came from Ruffnut when she was trying to calm down Scaldy. It’s hilarious to me that Astrid remembered that impression and thought it was funny.

[@persialionheart]

I feel like if me and Audrie were put in the same room, we would be able to talk for days just about httyd and even just about hiccstrid because I feel she is the only one other than my sister who understands my obsession with httyd truly

[@dmanking11]

this is the fucking mood, my younger sister is literally the ONLY person i know personally that i can GUSH about HTTYD i wish i could just sit with audrie for like 5 min hahahaha

[@persialionheart]

@@dmanking11 literally same. Basically I have an older brother and older sister as well but it was like they grew up separately to the way me and my younger sister grew up and she's literally the only person apart from Audrie who understands the sheer happiness I get from anything httyd (not 9 realms never 9 realms) because she was also there to watch a lot of it with me. Of course I watched the first two movies before she did but we always watched the shows together and rtte once it came out and then the third movie and there is no one else in my real life who understands as much as my sister why I love this franchise so much

[@dmanking11]

@@persialionheart whats wrong with 9 realms it has the magma chonker, thats all it needs haha, finding people who love HTTYD as much as we and audrie do is so rare, i still need to cosplay hiccup, ive been wanting too since gods know when

[@persialionheart]

@@dmanking11 😂😂😂 the only thing I can actually cope with- oh and Alex. Alex carries the whole show with her back and both of her hands. I don't cosplay but I have written fanfiction- which in all honesty could be better story wise (but the hiccstrid elements were what I was really focused on) and I do plan to write more fanfiction for httyd in the future(obviously hiccstrid) (but I'm currently writing a long fic for another fandom I'm in so that's on hold for now) and I have made many a fanart in my time as a fan. Including a chibi version of Hiccup and Astrid which was actually really adorable but I have no idea where it ended up. Also, for some reason I find drawing Stoicks beard so fun.

[@dmanking11]

@@persialionheart fanfics have never stuck with me, as for cosplaying ive never done it in depth except for one try hard halloween, but for hiccup i dont need much work, i have similar eyes, hazel, and shaggy brown hair, it also helps i look and act alot like an irl hiccup hahaha

[@NOVA_299]

Being 18 in the cinemas when The Hidden World and full on ugly crying while surrounded by a bunch of bored children was definitely one of the most embarrassing moments of my life, but I couldn't help it. This series has meant so much to me, for the last 10 years (which just hurts to even think about)! My point being, I knew that movie was basically the end of the fandom. Fanfiction basically lost 90% of its steam, and the Hidden Realms is definitely curb stomping what little community is left. So to see content, any content, posted today about Hiccstrid and HTTYD in general makes me feel really happy. So thank you for these videos Audrie, means a lot. Edit: 4 and a half hours is a little much though lol, at least in one sitting. Will be enjoying this feature length doco over the next couple of days 😄

[@cat_03tv]

Well I did get through it all within one sitting... although 'sitting' is in this case putting the d@mn thing on in my earbuds while doing literally anything that I had to do (and it happened to line up perfectly with having to leave for the airport for some reason)

[@GreyHorsePony]

I would argue that their relationship is not enemies-friends-lovers but instead rivals-friends-lovers as Astrid never actively tries to kill Hiccup and is instead just irritated by his existence and absolutely views him as a rival instead of an enemy. Edit: Something I've realised recently is that at the end of movie 1, Astrid's motif plays and it's not just because she kisses Hiccup, it's because she was the second person to see the dragons as something other than monsters, and Hiccup was the first, but Hiccup was injured and therefore couldn't help rebuild berk. Astrid, as the person with the most experience with befriending dragons, would have likely been the one to step up and take Hiccup's place. Her motif plays because Astrid is the one who put in the legwork and spearheaded the peaceful merging of dragons and Vikings. Her theme plays because we're seeing the results of Astrid's work.

[@opiedopie]

ahh! the scrap metal meme at 3:10:01 is actually mine! i feel honoured to be (somewhat) included in the video! this has made my day 🥰😊

[@octoghool_edits]

Almost 5 hours of why Hiccstrid is the best couple ? I will watch this video without any interruption. And if someone interrupts me, they'll regret it 💀

[@therutchik5855]

prech my dude

[@mrsbolden6463]

Same I watch this entire video with all the rewind I did it probably did equal over five hours

[@16Craft82]

Literally 😭 I’ve never been more excited seeing a video in my feed.

[@LueLucifer]

The ads will interrupt you unles you got KZbin Premium or an Ad Blocker or ToppingTube or anything else that blocks ads.

[@Chrischi3TutorialLPs]

I mean, i havn't seen the third movie (or the TV show), but considering that Percabeth exists, i have my doubts anything can convince me there's a more perfect couple (though i will admit Percabeth and Hiccstrid have many of the same vibes, especially the goofy kid who's not to be underestimated x smart girl who won't hesitate to stab you if you give her reason to dynamic)

[@chilliicecream5456]

I appreciate that they each bring something to the relationship that the other can’t. Astrid is very steadfast, focused and objective, which lets her be dependable and strong, but often leads her to being out of her depth when confronting situations she isn’t used to. Hiccup is adaptable, intelligent and subjective which allows for him to think on the fly, but leads him to often getting carried away with himself, in a way that can become reckless. Each has what the other needs, like what tends to happen in a REAL relationship.

[@hiccbae]

32:06 OK NO NEED TO CALL US OUT LIKE THIS??? 😭😭 although, it IS hilarious that hiccup called her ‘m’lady’ twice and astrid called him ‘babe’ once and the fandom just decided that yep, that’s what they call each other for the rest of their lives!

[@sakurap95]

I also love in Buffalord solider when Astrid is sick Snotlout doesn’t make a joke or snide remark even once.

[@eglol]

Now _that's_ interesting.

[@josiahsimmons9866]

Test Drive and Romantic flight are the kinds of scenes that only happen in movies every few years... the fact that we got two *in the same year* IN THE SAME MOVIE???? amazing.... I love them so much, the music especially

[@KNY_Ed1tz]

The foreshadowing in (1:39:12) this scene when Hiccup asks Toothless if he’d ever leave him, then says that he didn’t think so still breaks me every time. Another foreshadow was in this scene ( 1:41:11 ) when Hiccup says that Astrid can’t be there to protect her family at all times, then she says the same thing to him after Stoick was attacked in the last few episodes of HTTYD RTTE.

[@JoyDaBeast]

I love how so many episodes in RTTE can be described as "one legged teen let's his (blank) get attacked so he could clap viking cheeks"

[@JoyDaBeast]

@@AudrieGreywind cant blame him really, as you said "if Astrid had her leg over me id react the same way" amen 🙏

[@CreativRtist]

Just wanted to maybe shed some light on the betrothal thing: it’s the Viking Age, and though there are many anachronisms in HTTYD, in the Viking age - for most of history in fact - the terms boyfriend/girlfriend weren’t a thing. If you were in a romantic relationship with someone, you were either secret lovers, betrothed, or married. It was a point of honor or smth. So Astrid calling Hiccup a good boyfriend - while adorable - is an anachronism, and them getting betrothed when everyone finds out about their relationship is historically accurate. Personally I choose to think that boyfriend/girlfriend and betrothed are basically the same thing in the HTTYD universe.

[@kingseb2252]

I think they included boyfriend girlfriend is because alot of people may not know that

[@Calico321]

This is a great point, and actually makes the "awkward" time make more sense. During and immediately proceeding the first movie, they were pretty young (15ish?) so being affectionate together was natural, and didn't raise any eyebrows. But as they aged, they got to the point where it's inappropriate unless you're betrothed, which was a serious matter they felt too young for and so they started treating each other more aloof as appropriate. If things had stayed normal on Berk, they may have moved towards a commitment (no doubt with the help of their parents), but they got caught up in their adventures instead. As time went on, each may have just thought the other had no long-term romantic goals, while they secretly pined away for each other and strengthened their friendship, until they declared their full feelings and became betrothed.

[@Recruitsoldier]

19:40 There is, I've realized, one key element to every good love story: trust. Without it, the relationship falls apart. It takes maturity to have trust in another, however, and Astrid shows that maturity in this scene. She really had the upper hand in terms of the point she was making: deprioririzing the safety of the village they've seen their parents die trying to protect from the dragons just to keep Hiccup's new dragon buddy safe? It's hard to justify that. But, instead of shutting Hiccup down and berating him for being weak or cowardly, she chooses to trust him instead, realizing that there's a reason for Hiccup's resolve: it's not just about this one dragon, but rather the entire notion that humans and dragons are mortal enemies, with no way to end the conflict between them than the total annihilation of one side or the other. Hiccup knows that that's what it would come to if they revealed all that they learned to Stoick; he needs a plan, and for that, he needs time. Astrid decides to give him that time, because she truly listened to and felt that "Yes." of his. That's what I like about her character: she's headstrong, yes, but she knows how to trust others, even those who seem weaker than herself -- something that Stoick, at least initially, could not do.

[@Carissa.I]

AUDRIE! Thank you so much for the shoutout and featuring me in your video; it means the world to me ❤🐉 I cannot thank you enough for keeping the franchise, but more specific RTTE, alive and well! I’ve always loved your channel and been a huge fan of race to the edge ever since I was little. I’ve also been super enveloped in the music through the movies and series as well, and as someone who’s been playing piano for a little over 10 years, the music is what brought the series even closer to my heart. 🖤It is too bad they never officially released the soundtracks for RTTE but when I watched this scene again and heard the familiar themes being played on piano, I knew I HAD to do a cover even without a stand-alone track. I see my efforts have not gone unnoticed 😭 and I want to thank you once again!

[@AudrieGreywind]

How could I not? Your cover was too amazing to not shoutout! Thank YOU for giving RTTE the love it deserves, and keep up the phenomenal work! 😊

[@Carissa.I]

@@AudrieGreywind ☺️Awww, you too!!

[@mapachecomunista6276]

your efforts are appreciated, thank you :D

[@cat_03tv]

So we finally find the legend herself in the comment section of another legend. Have a sub, both of you :)

[@AmitCinematicUniverse]

I would like to point out that in the first episode of Riders of Berk, Astrid walked up to Hiccup's bedroom, and none of them acted like it was the first time.

[@aloha8389]

I like where you’re going with this lmfao Surely they were just friends

[@AmitCinematicUniverse]

@aloha8389 My headcanon is that they tried to be intimate between "Gift of The Night Fury" and "Riders of Berk", it scared them, and they decided to stay friends for the next few years.

[@Ultim_Prower06]

​@@AmitCinematicUniverse That actually explains a lot

[@AmitCinematicUniverse]

@@Ultim_Prower06 Thank you.

[@hiccbae]

it still makes me so happy knowing that a lot of httyd stans consider February 17 as ‘hiccstrid day’ i remember dreamworks promoting the hell out of hiccstrid for season 4 (the facebook livestream from the animators, superfans + dog reacting to a clip from Blindsided exactly on VALENTINES, hiccstrid valentines day cards, the megafan hiccstrid episode) as if it was a GRAND EVENT. it really shows how proud they were of Blindsided since it was the long-awaited episode of hiccstrid FINALLY becoming official (despite having been confirmed by dean in 2014 that they’ve been dating for 5 years since httyd1 💀)

[@wd3185]

Well, they never actually _say_ that, just that it'd _been_ 5 years since the first film and that he and Astrid were dating. Granted, you still raise a good point, in that their relationship doesn't fit with the movies cleanly. I always chop it up to them simply not expecting a TV show for the movie and not wanting to immediately waste all the cute romantic stuff they could do later.

[@sakurap95]

And in Heather Report, part two, Hiccup could’ve easily shot Alvin, but instead listens to Astrid’s command to wait. In this precarious situation, he learns to trust her like he should’ve done in part one. Thus completing a small character arc for both of them.

[@hiccbae]

1:32:35 Hiccup is def way ahead of its time in this one. He might argue that he and Astrid’s huts need to be close in case there’s an emergency and that he trusts her the most and would confide to her when he needed opinions for his plans. But no. He knows what he was doing, and considering how Astrid usually initiates the affection first between them, I’m pretty sure she’s aware of that too but didn’t protest. I’m glad you brought up the side door as well because my GOD, I just knew even the writers of the show are trying to imply something happening behind the scenes but didn’t want to be too obvious abt it. Also, ain’t no way nothing’s going on when Hiccup literally has easy access to Astrid’s bedroom 💀

[@AmitCinematicUniverse]

I need to keep that in mind for my fanfiction.

[@hiccbae]

@@AmitCinematicUniverse would love to read that if you end up posting! i’m hiccstrid fic-deprived lately lol

[@AmitCinematicUniverse]

@@hiccbae I've posted the first chapter. I will start writing the second once I finish my Spider-Man story.

[@AmitCinematicUniverse]

@hiccbae There are no Hiccstrid moments in the first chapter, but I plan to start something in the second. Hiccup never losing his leg takes away her desire to kiss him right after returning to Berk, but there are already seeds because the movie's plot remained the same up to the fight against the Red Death.

[@Kalaspammm]

This is legitimately the best video in the KZbin history. I’m a hugeee Hiccstrid shipper (but not bigger then Audrie obvi) so this video made me VERY happy. When I say I have a good attention spam, it’s purely for httyd content because I watched this nearly 5 hour video without getting bored once! Congrats on your 1 year anniversary to this masterpiece of fangirl literature

[@hiccbae]

15:58 i love that you brought this up, since hiccup leaving berk/runs away still is, the most famous AU in the fandom

[@MasterSongStudiosReal]

I'm so glad to find someone who truly appreciates RTTE and Hiccstrid as much as I do. People just don't understand perfect artwork!

[@hiccbae]

2:14:55 IM CRYING OVER THIS PART. we used to make edits and suggestive tweets over this specific scene when this was released like there’s literally NO REASON for them to show a scene of them falling to the ground with Hiccup breathing HEAVILY on top of her, other than to jokingly imply sex 💀 and the fact that dreamworks named the forest ‘the forest of hopeless romantics’ because of this scene is just GOLD (also that second where he ‘crawls down’ out of the frame while Astrid ‘looks down’ implies another suggestive thing again and it’s funny as hell, i just love this episode with my entire being honestly)

[@Riverish]

kzbin.info1UdvDaLgl2M?si=DNdE_ciuRQU0Vlan

[@Riverish]

The long version 💀😂

[@raqveel]

3:22:14 I think the point of that was more towards hiccup than Astrid. He said that it was his decision saying it as him being the one that should have been more strict and stick with his answer, even if she wa angry, knowing how dangerous it really was, but didn't made the final decision as a good leader because he chosed to relent. I think that's a cool moment seeing how he is so nervous about becoming the next chief in movie 2

[@lily_flower0686]

15:58 Just starting out your video but OMG!!! YES!!! This idea has been torturing me for YEARS! Ever since the first movie came out!! And you're absolutely right that it's not talked about enough in the fandom! The idea of Astrid not showing up that day to stop Hiccup and then him leaving for good was something I was so obsessed about when I was around 10 years old! I remember writing a shitty fanfiction outline about it in one of my school notebooks, complete with edgy Hiccup art, of course! And like, yeah, to this day, it's still something I think about constantly whenever I revisit the franchise. Just how much different, literally everything, would be if Astrid never showed up that day...

[@persialionheart]

I wrote fanfiction on what if both Hiccup and Astrid left and basically I wrote it twice- the first one was deleted but not the second. Because this trope was literally all I thought about for days on end. So I had to write it and it had to be hiccstrid. I even made fanart as well lol. Tbh though I don't regret it and would do it again.

[@lily_flower0686]

@@persialionheart That's so nice! Tbh creating stuff, like fanart and fanfiction, even for a short while, will always be fun!! 💞

[@persialionheart]

@@lily_flower0686 it's very stress relieving but well, it's moreso the writing that is because I'm an art student which can be surprisingly stressful at times. Though fanart is still so fun to make.

[@lolzguyl]

Ooh do I have fandics for y'all!

[@lily_flower0686]

@@lolzguyl Drop them links if you want 👀👀👀

[@HurricaneBady]

You have huge balls for making a nearly 5 hour long video about a ship you like... I respect that. Well done.

[@johnjogerst5919]

Nearly 32-year-old child of divorce who got divorced here. You kind of made me feel old, but the bit at the end where you hint at your upbringing and experiences and how relationships like this in fiction give hope hit home. Having watched all three movies and RTTE, I found myself relating to Hiccup and asking where my Astrid was. Well done on this long form labor of love. Typing with one hand isn't the best, even if the other hand is otherwise occupied or worn out. There's a LOT to unpack, and this is definitely one of the most well developed and mostly realistic depictions of developing trust, burgeoning love, and continuing affection I've ever seen.

[@taxevasion117]

smiled so wide when i saw that the RTTE section of this video was the longest, and gigled when the most replayed was showing the hiccstrid-centric episodes of astrid being sick and injured

[@kyoko4651]

10/10 video watched every second of it

[@tmandoesgamesv2.018]

Lol

[@acidicshow5258]

My man is a time traveler 😂

[@borisdechev5093]

Its 4 hours and came out 14 mi s ago. And you say you already watched it all. 😮

[@whatiscrossfade23]

​@@acidicshow5258 😂😂

[@officialhooded]

Bruh

[@professorsimosuchus7954]

You forgot a very important moment of their relationship: that awful painting of their family that apeared in the nine realms

[@Agamotto57]

Perhaps the difference between every time Astrid kissed Hiccup vs, the times he kisses her is simply who initiates the kiss. Astrid seems the type to always be the one in control, the only time she relinquishes control, albeit slightly, is when Hiccup initiates physical affection. Just a thought that maybe when Hiccup initiates makes the kiss that much more special.

[@The_Star_of_Fontaine]

I ignored 16 whatsapp calls and didnt do my homework to finish this and it was worth it

[@xye.is.online]

The way I sat through every second of that and fully agreed. Like this took up 5 hours of my whole life and I spent it watching the best straight couple in media of all time. And you know what? I'm content with that. Way to go Audrie.❤

[@sleepybear666]

I saved this video for when I was sick and now 3 months later I am horrifically sick but happily to watch a 4 hour long video about my favorite couple

[@Zillageek5031]

I have lost count how many times I have watched "Race To The Edge". Ever since I was a kid, I loved dragons and to see a large diversity of species over the course of 6 seasons always brings out the giggling kid in me. Even to this day I am trying to make my own species of dragon that could fit into the universe of HTTYD.

[@SAN.Cynical_Romantic]

Hii!!! I'm back after rewatching because I love seeing people as obsessed with this couple as I am, and I wanted to add although there is no 'Hiccstrid' specific interaction in the episode "Iron Gronckle" Astrid does mention she's been wanting a new dagger, and in "Have Dragon Will Travel" Hiccup is quickly shown giving Astrid a pair of daggers, which she is shown to keep beneath her pillow in "Gruff Around the Edge" three seasons later, which is just a really sweet moment I love.

[@michaelbenson5677]

Thank you so much for your bit on Hidden World: I had really struggled with Astrid's characterization in the 3rd movie until I watched this. She has always been the most dutiful and conscientious of the core cast and it struck me as wildly out of character for her to have such a hang-up about marriage when it was not only previously established that she wanted it but it was also so important to both Hiccup and Berk. It actually made me dislike the movie. That deleted scene really adds perspective and makes me appreciate Astrid's actions. She's not just getting cold feet or being (justifiably) upset out that there's public pressure on her--she has a legitimate fear about Hiccup's self-perception and how she as a very competent partner will feed into Hiccup's habit of attributing his own strengths and achievements to everybody but himself. Hicstrid was already my OTP, but you made me even more of a fan - I had previously headcanoned-out the 3rd film. Now I want to watch it again! :)

[@empirestate8791]

I like how Hiccup and Astrid started out as FRIENDS and then fell in love. Romance wasn't the main theme of the movies and RTTE, and it only got a little bit of screentime, but they definitely handled it much better than most other shows. It's certainly lightyears ahead of the disaster that you see in Miraculous Ladybug!

[@incrediblymai8362]

As an MLB fan I want to be offended but really can't... I kinda dropped it a couple years ago anyways :(

[@InnerOutrider]

Is the Miraculous Ladybug thing actually here yet, or are they still hinting at Adrien & Marinette lol

[@novnoir]

Couldn’t agree more 😂

[@hellsdragongaming2209]

As a huge fan of the HTTYD series I never saw the defenders and riders of Berk series or knew of the comics. The way you covered Hiccstrid with the use of a timeline was beautiful and perfectly done

[@tmercy1257]

I love that we all got excited about blind sighted. I kind of wish Astrid had remained blind for a few more episodes and got see just how badass she is with or without her eyesight. Maybe I’m the only one though.

[@incrediblymai8362]

You're not the only one! Even as a... (how old was I even when this episode came out??? Jeez, when you look back we all like grew up with httyd.) I always wanted to know what would happen, and rtte lowkey began my like (let's be honest it's nearly an obsession) for whump, so...

[@sakurap95]

“Because I want to remember what you say, right now.” Still is such a good line! ❤

[@coldseraphim]

A 4 hour essay all about Hiccstrid?SIGN ME THE F*** UP.

[@-.-Zero-.-]

MHM MHM GOOD SHIT GOOD SHIT THATS SOME GOOD SHIT 🤩

[@azaleabrian2619]

YES FUCKING SIR I WILL WATCH EVERY PART OF THIS #HICCSTRID FOR THE WIN

[@haifa514]

2:32:34 ok so i have a theory as to how viggo knows about the whole hiccstrid thing ( apart from the fact that hes a smartass and i mean who wouldn't pick up on it? (im looking at you heather)) anyways, at the start of the final episode we get this line from tuffnut " So, Viggo Vigster, can we bounce something on you.". prior to this tuffnut and ruffnut were talking about and theororising as to why hiccup was acting like this just before this line: Ruffnut: They're both in denial. Tuffnut: Classic stage one. Ruffnut: Sad seeing them so vulnerable. Hiccup: Just make sure he doesn't try to escape. Tuffnut: We got this my pale, weak, ailing friend. so we can conclude from this that clearly the twins told viggo about hiccup and how he is acting wierd. which adds to the evidence that viggo can clearly see somthing going on between the two viking. after this hiccup orders snotlout keep watch over viggo. snotlout leaves viggo in the stables locked because he finds him "Scary" and does not want to talk or encounter him. we see him fly up to join the battle and hiccup scolds him for doing do and we get this line: "Good Thor, you're so mercurial. Viggo taught me that. I don't know what it means. (aparently) It's the gambling losses. This isn't really him.". quick note: (the reason i put aparently in brakets is because in the script it does not show it however you can clearly hear him say it in the scene" so we can conclude from this scene that snotlout also told viggo about how hes acting weird and about his so called "gambling problems" and because snotlout said "Aparently" meaning that viggo himself told him as to why hiccup is acting this way he told him that it was the gambling loses doing it to him. ok so whats really funny and ironic is the scene when we get viggo and toothless flying together because this is when we see viggo taunt hiccup and piece it all together how the two are in a relationship as he reffrences snotlouts theory to gambling. Viggo: You know, there's word of a tournament. To be hosted by the Tribe of the Whispering Trees. Hiccup: Yeah, is that right? Viggo: Maces and Talons? The winner, apparently, receives a life-size game set. Made of solid gold. Hiccup: Oh, lucky him. this might be a stretch but here we see viggo testing snotlout theory about the gambling, the whole tournament thing? how their is a winner? gambling! but when he sees that hiccup shows no intrest in said competitions he rules out snotlouts theory and thats when he questions him about him and astrid!

[@hiccbae]

25:00 you’re so right, and i appreciate that majority of the fans back then headcanon ruffnut and astrid as bestfriends, instead of them fighting and competing for hiccup

[@chrizymix]

This truely shows how great Hiccup and Astrid’s relationship is; and I’m glad the writers put in so much love and care to make it as great as it is

[@fashioni.star.]

16:10 on the contrary, that’s a mini trope in fanfiction in the fandom: it’s called “get the heck out of berk” and I was obsessed with the concept for so many years, and honestly, still a huge fan of it

[@andrewmanchiraju8005]

Saying that Astrid resents Hiccup for being heir to Berk actually supports an idea I’ve had for a long time, that being how Astrid (at least in the first movie) is more of an adaptation of book Snoutlout who was Hiccup’s cousin and resented Hiccup for being the heir despite perceiving himself as superior to Hiccup.

[@demiemily]

I feel like we both love HTTYD, but in extremely different ways, you're more in love with the characters, and I'm absolutely in love with the storytelling aspect of the franchise.

[@jothecocopop]

So I rewatched the entirety of the HTTYD franchise in order to have the proper context for this video and I do not regret it one bit! This video was honestly amazing and made me appreciate Hiccstrid in a way I hadn't before and fall all the way back in love with them after taking so much time away from the fandom, so thanks for bringing me back, in a way 🥰 (That being said, RTTE is absolutely goated and I will not hear any different 😤)

[@PhillipOnTakos]

It's crazy how despite me not watching Riders/Defenders of Berk seriously back in the day I remember a good chunk of the episodes. Your videos always remind me how much I loved this franchise and I think I'll give it the proper rewatch and in the case of Race to Edge a first watch it deserves.

[@snowfloofcathug]

I absolutely adore your voice/style, the fact that it’s so… mostly PG? with just the occasional “Dicking her down”, “I would let this man piss in my mouth”. It doesn’t just be overly adult for the sake of it or make it the focus It simultaneously fits in perfectly with the tone while still providing such a fun contrast, and doesn’t ruin it by overdoing it

[@therip6357]

I don't think I can quite describe the emotion that shot through my body upon seeing the video length.

[@kevin-hx3ov]

After about 2 weeks i've finaly finished watching the entire video i have to say this deserves way and i mean way more likes. First to how fullfillingly you explain every moment between these two but you also included how you feel inside your feelings,etc. I must say there are few videos that show what you showed us

[@BaranKamali-dx4fj]

The fact that seeing happy couples together makes me happy and not that jealous and lacking, shows how lazy I am. sad lol Great video. Was a fan of this franchise and you got me back to the game.

[@slushthedrawinghusky4774]

need that Astrid video deep dive now ;) begs prays, please I have rewatched this video over and over I have nothing else :')

[@tomako1176]

You are so underrated I actually watched the full 5 hour video because you were actually funny

[@harlequin3771]

"Most that are alone do it to themselves." This quote from my therapist helped me work on myself to where I went from no dates to being annoyed with women to falling for my gf it's all just work and it needs to be done good luck out there.

[@GunmarTheBlack]

I like to imagine after the first movie Astrid introduces hiccup to like her workout regimen, what she does and begins working out with him. Whereas he starts nerding out about everything he's learned and they continue to play off each other, like I like the slice of life moments they show with them where they're just being a cute couple. Doing couple things, like the whole episode about getting an anniversary necklace was one of my favorite moments of theirs because in the end it was all about them understanding each other and not like the material possession

[@Cycronos]

Gods above, this was hands down the most adorable video I've seen in the last decade. It's so refreshing to see someone freely celebrating a piece of media they love so dearly. Totally made my day. Also: am I the only one wondering how many flirtatious messages Audrey got as a result of mentioning that she's single? :D

[@hiccbae]

i loved that ‘daylight’ and ‘lover’ instrumentals are playing in the background during the analysis bc those songs perfectly describes them as well! also your analysis at the end is just on point and very beautifully elaborated! this is honestly what the hiccstrid fans truly saw in their relationship, and what dean and everyone who worked in the franchise had developed so wonderfully, i’m grateful they all put their effort into making them the healthiest and most realistic relationship in fictional media that a lot of us can look up and relate to! honestly, kudos to dreamworks for supporting and marketing/promoting them too! took me awhile to finish the entire video but i’m so glad i finally did! this was such a rollercoaster of emotions that brought out so much nostalgia from me as well :’) thank you so so much for making this video essay! not only did you take us along with you down the enjoyable trip down memory lane that a lot of ppl shared, you also introduced the new fans as well to the memes and the chaotic older fandom - thank you sm for doing that! i can only imagine the pain your throat and voice were going thru with the long recording 💀, honestly HUGE respect for u for doing this! can’t believe i’m actually teary-eyed after watching this (esp during the analysis part). i’ve grown up with them for over a decade (still am), and the fact that i was lucky enough to witness their relationship blossom and see them grow and develop as their own person with the help of each other and as a couple over the years, i can’t even describe the immense pride and love for hiccstrid like a proud parent to see them finally get together! (and idc if ppl think it’s ridiculous that i feel this way for a FICTIONAL couple. not when these two helped me thru my darkest times, had been my biggest inspiration in attaining my dreams, and made me realize (even as an aromantic) just how beautiful love is)

[@abigailamick776]

When she said that she would let hiccup piss in her mouth I was rolling on the floor that was so funny 😂

[@hcsp1]

Audrie, I said it before and I'll say it again, you rock! These 4 hours went by surprisingly quickly and you did an amazing job covering everything and keeping it interesting and hilarious like always!

[@lavenderblazie7953]

When ruffnut said “uh-oh looks like there’s another hen in the rooster house” it cracked me up 😂 she’s so messy But I love hicctrid sm and this video was 10/10

[@ivysummers81]

Ya'll... I just got the hankering for some Hiccstrid earlier and turned this on and listened to it throughout the day. This is like the fifth time I've watched this video all the way through and it's still awesome and I still agree with pretty much everything. I actually told me dad about this last year when it first came out and he was very amused that a five hour video on Hiccstrid existed and that I'd watched it several times. Cheers to you, Audrie, I hope you had a wonderful birthday and Hiccstrid anniversary this year.

[@sunstartle]

unironically this is one of the best videos i've ever watched !! fantastic job, it's amazing to see someone so passionate about something go into it with so much thorough detail

[@leahtheanimationfan40]

I was 16-19 when this show was airing, so pretty much around the same age as the characters. But my little stepbrother was 8 when we watched it together and he loved it too!

[@daskanguru3515]

I'm glad you dropped this video, Audrie, I was almost running short of multiple hour in depth pop culture essays!

[@ThePrincessCH]

I heard that in Viking culture announcing that you have a lover is automatically considered an engagement.

[@fallfawn5765]

My sister and I have been httyd fans since the very beginning, and we really bonded over it. We used to pull all-nighters together and binge-watch rtte for days on end during the summer. I never knew httyd (and rtte in particular) had such a large fanbase. It's really nice seeing an amazing community being built on a TV franchise.

[@alexcovey1200]

I can't believe I just watched a almost five hour video about a kid films where I cry at the end. To be fair I cried at KFP and SAO. Anyway, thanks for this amazing video. Edit: You've single handedly got me hooked on HTTYD universe and fandom.

[@revelare_xvii6269]

I like how by the end of the trilogy both Hiccup and Toothless became the leaders of their people. With Hiccup becoming chief of Berk and Toothless becoming the king of dragons.

[@Kamili_Creations]

My boyfriend and I have an almost identical relationship to hiccup and Astrid, I always want to spoil him and he never knows what to give me back, and my response is always: just you being yourself with me is the best gift I could ever receive

[@harryhaickson7966]

to whoever did the subtitle for the entire video, thanks, they help a lot

[@stefanmilicevic5322]

Thank you for creating such a comprehensive and beautifully crafted masterpiece of analysis. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and experienced a range of emotions I never knew I had in relation to HTTYD as I went through the rollercoaster of sentiments.

[@ladosdominik1506]

I FINISHED IT. The story was my childhood. I love it. Thank you for this wonderful (almost) five hours.

[@danniewilson7446]

I watched all 5 hours of this video without stop. My lectures can’t keep my attention for an hour so I’ve decided you are indeed my new best friend. I’ve never seen a video do such a good job of summing up all my feelings of hiccstrid over 13 years of being a fan. Incredible video 😊❤

[@skewyy6494]

Thank you Audrie, you really are a blessing for the fandom 💝💖

[@skewyy6494]

Also the way I screamed at 1:36:51

[@wallywallace2184]

I love that when Hiccup catches Astrid in Blindsighted, he cradles her head. A very nice detail they put in there.

[@hiccbae]

2:35:22 i think you missed it but this was actually the perfect moment to insert The Sorcerer’s Apprentice scene, just to compare them, where Jay’s character also is forced to ‘give up’ the item that the villain (Alfred Molina) is after while holding Jay’s love interest (who is coincidentally a blonde too) hostage. It’s interesting how, not only did rtte writers/producers make them enemies again in this series, but they actually got inspired to do the same scene as well here in rtte. mad respect to all the ppl who worked in this show. 😩

[@GracieeLinn]

The connections between RTTE and Sorcerer's Apprentice are my Roman empire

[@covid-192]

I just saw this video and discovered your channel. I saw the length and had to do a double take. For someone who’s only watched the films this covered everything! And the best thing this video never felt long in any spots despite the extreme length!! Seriously to film all this, go back watch it all and edit, and then to the grueling task of trying to upload it takes skill and dedication. Thank you for this masterpiece of a video

[@davidfernandez3965]

A few days ago it was a full month since I broke up with the woman that I thought I would finally feel everything all movies had made me fantasize. To this day I keep falling more and more in love with her every time we interact and she's basically my best friend since she stopped our relationship... This video came at the best and worst time and I can't thank you Audrei enough for giving me back a smile by literally doing the single piece of media in KZbin that could make me feel thrilled for the future again.

[@sanfangirl1358]

This was pure gold and my favorite 5 hours ever spent!! I wanted to add a few things: with that whole flirtatious line in Dawn of the Dragon Racers Hiccup literally wears red for all of RTTE -- with Astrid also wearing red by the end. And in 'Gruff Around the Edges' not only are we blessed with bedhead-strid but we can see she sleeps with the daggers Hiccup gave her in 'Have Dragon Will Travel.' Additionally in 'The Iron Gronckle' Astrid mentions how she was in need of/wanted a dagger. Fast forward a few years and Hiccup gives her two ;)

[@generalraamkingpro1179]

The part when the hiccup opens himself why he couldn't kill toothless is a wholesome scene man ...😊

[@The1RockStar]

Did I just saw a 4 hour video about my otp? Yes I did, and I shall do it again. The first movie came when I was 6yo, so httyd was my whole life and childhood during a decade; and I'm currently re-watching rtte for like 10th time by now. Hiccstrid was the first couple I ever shipped, so they're just the best couple ever for me❤ I absolutely LOVE YOU for making this, you're the best and I can't believe I just recently discovered your channel. Also, I'm mad bc I've been waiting for this video for like a month and KZbin didn't give a notification when it realesed... But anyways, here I am, thanking you for this, FYI you got me giggle and screaming like a crazy fangirl during the entire video

[@josiahsimmons9866]

Oh my gosh, the fact that it's so rarely brought up that he may have *left* wow... Crazy! Now, I want a fanfiction that explores this, and most of the premise would be Hiccup and Astrid are separated, but Hiccstrid is forever, and idk, he figures out a new way to convince the Berkians that Dragons are awesome...

[@azaleabrian2619]

yeah I know there is a wattpad (and if you know wattpad You KNOW) I have one here that tells us a story when its after rtte and there justed about to leave and they step out on the stables for the last time, and he starts talking about on how this could have never happend with out hiccup) there story is really good. (reply back if you want it).

[@josiahsimmons9866]

@@azaleabrian2619 I've honestly never used Wattpad. At first I was an FFN user, but then switched to AO3 primarily. Feel free to send the fic, HTTYD is actually a fandom I haven't explored outside of cannon. Maybe that's because I'm content with what's been put out... *Looks at the 9 realms* okay, except you.

[@azaleabrian2619]

@@josiahsimmons9866 (I have seen her react to the *I need to throw up* nine realms I hate it so much I only watch her view it. sure can you hang of for a cople of sec's ( I was just in mi amore wing kiss T-T)

[@azaleabrian2619]

@@josiahsimmons9866 I CANT FIND IT (I can look for it more in like idk how Long I will be crushing on hiccstrid mi amore wing part.

[@josiahsimmons9866]

@@azaleabrian2619 😂 oh well, you have a discord or something similar? I'd enjoy some different fic recs and with that we wouldn't have to rely on YT notifs