Ep 5. Big Man on Berk

In Dragons: Race to the Edge season 1 episode 5 “Big Man on Berk,” the dragon riders from Berk have a competition to determine who is the strongest among them. Hiccup, Astrid, Snotlout, Ruffnut, Tuffnut, and Fishlegs all participate in various strength-related challenges, each hoping to come out on top.

The episode begins with the riders gathered in the Great Hall, where Stoick announces the competition. Hiccup, who is less interested in proving his strength and more focused on learning about new dragon species, is skeptical of the whole thing but decides to participate anyway. The first challenge involves lifting heavy rocks, with the riders taking turns to see who can lift the most weight. Snotlout, known for his muscle-bound physique, takes an early lead, but Hiccup surprises everyone by outlifting him in the end.

The second challenge is an obstacle course, where the riders have to carry a boulder through a series of challenges. Astrid takes the lead on this one, showing off her agility and quick thinking. Hiccup struggles due to his smaller size, but he eventually finds a way to use Toothless's fire to his advantage and wins the challenge.

The third challenge involves tug of war, and Snotlout is confident that his strength will carry his team to victory. However, Fishlegs surprises everyone by showing immense strength and leading his team to an unexpected win.

The final challenge is a race to the edge of the island and back. The riders must carry a heavy log with them, and the first one back to the Great Hall wins. Tuffnut and Ruffnut, who have been bickering throughout the competition, work together surprisingly well and take the lead. However, they soon find themselves in trouble when they cross paths with a wild dragon. Hiccup and Astrid, who had fallen behind, come to their aid and work together to overcome the dragon and win the competition.

Throughout the episode, there is a subplot involving Gobber and Stoick trying to build a new saddle for Toothless that will allow him to fly faster and farther. However, they run into various obstacles, including a stubborn Gronckle and a broken tool, and are ultimately unable to finish the saddle in time for the competition. Nevertheless, Hiccup and Toothless are able to win the final challenge using their own unique abilities.

Overall, “Big Man on Berk” is an entertaining episode that showcases the physical strength and resilience of the dragon riders from Berk. Through various challenges and obstacles, the riders learn to work together and overcome their differences, ultimately emerging stronger as a team. The episode also offers some amusing moments of humor, particularly in the interactions between Tuffnut and Ruffnut, and provides a satisfying conclusion with Hiccup and Toothless's unexpected victory.