Ragnar spends most of his time on Berk just trying to keep stubborn Vikings alive through dragon raids, the occasional wave of sickness, and (most often) their own recklessness. His best friend, Hiccup, happens to be one of the most stubborn and reckless Vikings on the island and he proves it when he does the impossible during an otherwise normal raid.
Ragnar watches with a smile as events unfold and everything starts to change. After all, he's been telling Hiccup for years to stop trying to fit in with their 'traditional' ways. If things aren't working the way they are, then he just has to tip the scales in his favor.
Who could have known all it would take to change everything was one scrawny Viking and an injured dragon?
Well, Ragnar knew and, really, it's Hiccup's fault for not listening to him.
"This is Berk.
We have fishing, hunting, and charming views of sunsets. The only real problems we have are our enemies;
Dragons. They plague the Archipelago like the Scourge of Odin. They took away many of our fellow Viking, including my childhood friend: Hiccup, who was too kind to be taken by anything with a conscience.
The other problem that seems more relevant at the moment are the Outcasts. Vikings banished to Outcast Island for their crimes. Their leader - Alvin the Treacherous - wishing for nothing more than Berks destruction. They're a reckless and gullible lot who seem convinced that the fairy tale of the Dragon Master is real.
I better keep my guard up if I want to get out of here."
- Astrid Hofferson.
(common sense would tell you, but I'll say it anyway: I don't own HTTYD. Just this story)