The Two Most Powerful Elder Women Of Berk: Valka And Gothi's Untold Stories And Live-Action Future

The How to Train Your Dragon franchise is packed with memorable characters, but two of the most intriguing and powerful figures are the older women of Berk: Valka and Gothi. While one is the long-lost mother of the hero, the other is a silent, mystical elder. As of late December 2025, the world of Vikings and dragons is buzzing with news about the upcoming live-action movie, which has put a fresh spotlight on these pivotal characters and their enduring influence on Hiccup and the entire Viking community.

The character often referred to as the "old lady from How to Train Your Dragon" is actually a dynamic duo of wisdom and strength. Valka, Hiccup’s mother, brings a deep, almost feral connection to the dragons, while Gothi, the Village Elder, represents ancient tradition and healing. Their backstories are essential to understanding the evolution of Berk from dragon slayers to dragon riders, and recent updates confirm their importance in the new cinematic era.

Valka Haddock: The Dragon Protector's Complete Biography

Valka is arguably the most significant older female character in the main trilogy, introduced dramatically in How to Train Your Dragon 2. Her life story is one of profound conviction and sacrifice, making her one of the most compelling figures in the entire franchise.

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• Full Name: Valka Haddock
• Affiliation: Protector of the Dragon Sanctuary, formerly a Viking of Berk
• Family: Stoick the Vast (Husband, deceased), Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (Son)
• Dragon Companion: Cloudjumper (Stormcutter)
• Voice Actress (Animated): Cate Blanchett
• First Appearance: How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
• Key Role: Revealing the truth about dragons to Hiccup and reuniting the Haddock family.
• Years of Separation: Approximately 20 years.

The 20-Year Solitude in the Dragon Sanctuary

Valka's story begins with an event that shaped the entire Haddock family: her abduction by a dragon. When Hiccup was just an infant, a Stormcutter dragon named Cloudjumper broke into their home. Instead of harming Valka, the dragon showed her the truth—that dragons were not monsters, but misunderstood creatures.

This revelation led Valka to make a life-altering choice. Believing her Viking tribe, including Stoick, would never understand, she chose to leave Berk and dedicate her life to protecting dragons. She spent two decades in isolation, living in the massive, hidden Dragon Sanctuary, a haven ruled by the colossal Alpha dragon, the Bewilderbeast.

During this time, Valka became more dragon than human. Her clothes were made of dragon scales, she communicated through clicks and calls, and she developed an unparalleled knowledge of dragon anatomy and behavior. This period of solitude is crucial, as it provides Hiccup with the knowledge and tools he needs to become the ultimate dragon master in the sequels.

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Valka's Live-Action Future: The Casting Anticipation

While the first live-action *How to Train Your Dragon* movie, set for 2025, focuses on the events of the first animated film, it’s the sequels that will introduce Valka. The casting for this emotionally complex role is a hot topic among fans and industry insiders.

Many fans hope for the return of the original voice actress, Cate Blanchett, to take on the live-action role, citing her powerful performance in the animated films. However, with the new cast for Hiccup and Astrid, the studio may opt for a new face to bring a fresh interpretation to the character. The eventual casting will be a major news event, as Valka is integral to the emotional core of the second and third films.

Gothi: The Mute Elder and Keeper of Berk's Secrets

The other "old lady" of the franchise, Gothi, is a far more consistent and mysterious presence. She is a true elder of Berk, a figure of ancient wisdom and tradition who pre-dates the dragon-riding era. Gothi is a powerful entity whose actions often go unnoticed but are deeply significant.

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• Role: Village Healer, Elder, and Shaman of Berk
• Key Characteristics: Mute (communicates through pictures and carvings), extremely frail appearance, carries a distinctive staff.
• Significance: She is the authority on tradition, healing, and the final word on important tribal decisions, such as Hiccup's banishment (which she later overturned).
• Notable Feat: Survived a Snow Wraith attack as a teenager, showcasing her incredible resilience.

The Mystical Power of the Silent Shaman

Gothi's power lies in her silence and her connection to the old ways. As the Village Healer, she is the primary medical and spiritual authority on Berk. She doesn't speak, instead using a staff to draw pictures and symbols in the dirt to convey her messages, which often require interpretation from Gobber or Stoick.

Her role is much more than just a healer; she is the keeper of Berk's secrets and its history. Fan theories often suggest that Gothi knew about Hiccup's connection to Toothless and Valka's survival long before anyone else, hinting at a deep, almost prophetic knowledge of the island's destiny. Her presence grounds the chaotic world of the Vikings in an ancient, unshakeable wisdom.

Fresh News: Gothi's Live-Action Casting Confirmed

Unlike Valka, whose casting is still pending for the sequels, the actress who will portray Gothi in the 2025 live-action *How to Train Your Dragon* film has been confirmed. The role of Gothi will be played by Naomi Wirthner.

This casting is a major update for the franchise. Wirthner's portrayal will be the first time the silent, enigmatic elder is brought to life by an actress, giving a physical presence to a character who has been a mystical background figure for so long. Fans are eager to see how the live-action adaptation handles Gothi’s unique method of communication and her essential role in the Viking community.

The Enduring Legacy of Berk's Elder Women

Both Valka and Gothi represent different facets of feminine power and wisdom in the *How to Train Your Dragon* universe. Valka is the radical reformer, the one who broke tradition to follow a higher truth, ultimately becoming the bridge between the Vikings and the dragons. Her return was the catalyst for Hiccup to fully embrace his destiny as a leader who champions coexistence.

Gothi, on the other hand, is the steadfast foundation. She is the embodiment of Berk’s history, silently overseeing the transition from the Dragon War to the new era of peace. Her wisdom is timeless, and her acceptance of the dragon riders validates the profound change that Hiccup and Stoick bring to the village.

As the live-action franchise begins its journey, the roles of these two extraordinary women are more important than ever. They are the essential link to the past, the keepers of knowledge, and the silent forces that guide the future of the Haddock lineage and the entire world of dragon riders. The anticipation for Naomi Wirthner’s Gothi and the eventual casting of Valka proves that these "old ladies" are anything but minor characters; they are the true elders and heroines of Berk.