Johann

Johann

> Where are you King of Dragons? And when will you finally belong to me, and me alone.
>
> Johann

**Johann** FKA **Trader Johann** is the true leader of the Dragon Hunters and the secret main antagonist of the entire series. He was once a trusted ally of the Dragon Riders and the Hairy Hooligan Tribe until he betrayed them. Johann made it his life goal on finding the "King of Dragons" and make it his own.

## Physical Appearance

Johann has dark brown hair and beard tied into a twist knot. He also has a long scar under his left eye. According to *School of Dragons*, Johann possesses a scar resulting from Harald Forkbeard slashing him, although it is unclear if this is the scar seen under his eye.

Johann wears a cream-coloured dirty sack hat on his head, long-sleeved shirt with deep blue white-swirled imprinted tunic and deep red sari over it, light grey cloth bracers on his arms (each bit of cloth goes between the second and third finger), brown belt with a yellow pack and knife around his waist, multi-colored pinstriped trousers, and light brown boots.

## Personality

Johann pretended to be a likable fellow, and everyone on Berk greatly anticipated his visits. His bargains seemed reasonable, and he even gave away an object freely from time to time. Stoick and Gobber seemed to enjoy his company and were quite willing to mend his boat when it was damaged. He does not dress in a typical Viking garb, and he talks in an English accent. Even though his garb is not typical of a Viking, he does still sail a typical Viking ship. His nationality is unknown, but he does claim Berk to be his favorite island (though he also says that of Outcast Island is his favorite Island while he, Stoick, Gobber and the riders were there, but it might have been part of the plan or a marketing tactic). He is certainly cultured from his many voyages, and because of this, he is greatly looked up to by some of the inhabitants of Berk and Outcast Island.

Johann may possess fighting prowess, as he claimed to have wrestled a giant squid for its ink, and was willing to act violently toward Snotlout, Ruffnut and Tuffnut for leaving him stranded in the middle of the ocean. However, despite his apparent friendly relations with Berk, he is still a businessman first, as he sold metal from a Berserker to Gobber, despite the fact the two have bad relations, implying he didn't care enough to warn them and when told it had led to all their metal being stolen as eggs were laid in the metal, he simply apologizes and says nothing can be done.

However, after the Dragon Flyers managed to obtain Heather's dragon eye lens, it is revealed that his whole kind and easily frightened personality is a façade and that he is actually evil and manipulative. The Dragon Riders find out about his deceit shortly after and are shocked to know that. He has secretly been after the "King of Dragons", and only begrudgingly pretended to be kind to Stoick and Berk to get close to them. In a way, Johann served as a distraction to get the Dragon Riders away from their island in several instances such as in: "Dire Straits", "Dawn of Destruction", "Edge of Disaster, Part 1", and "Edge of Disaster, Part 2". Johann is also extremely patient, willing to wait for many years in order to completely gain Stoick and Berk's trust (though Snotlout has doubted him several times already). The way he acted violently towards Snotlout, Ruffnut and Tuffnut hinted at his true nature.

## Biography

### The Beginning

"Dragon Eye of the Beholder, Part 1"

Three years later, Johann had his ship stolen by Dagur the Deranged during his escape from Outcast Island. He was then found by Ruffnut, Tuffnut, and their dragon Barf and Belch near Bucket and Mulch's ship. Johann then told the riders about Dagur's escape and the theft of his ship. He also told the riders about where he hid his treasure in the Ship's Graveyard and warned them about a heavily booby-trapped ship known as The Reaper.

"Have Dragon Will Travel, Part 1"

Johann then had dealings with Heather and her Razorwhip, Windshear, to act as her informant on the ships that needed to be raided. Hiccup confronted Johann about this, and even though the trader had sworn to secrecy, he told Hiccup that Heather's village was attacked and had been returning stolen goods to victims who had similar experiences. And that Heather was now going after the man who wiped out her island and family: Dagur the Deranged.

"Have Dragon Will Travel, Part 2"

Johann met up with Heather at her campsite, who was with Astrid. Johann was relieved to see her, as he tried to send her a message and found her site was empty, fearing the worst. He then proceeds to tell the girls that Dagur planned to purchase dragon-proof catapults and winches. When Astrid asks if Johann is coming, he points out he's not one to ride into battle on a dragon.

### Diversion for the Dragon Hunters

"Snow Way Out"

Johann was briefly mentioned by Astrid. She informed the other dragon riders that Johann had seen Ryker Grimborn, Heather the Dragon Hunters at the Northern Markets buying all the cold weather gear they could in a hurry. Based on this information, Hiccup realizes the Hunters are after the Snow Wraith to get a key from the Dragon Eye However it turned out Astrid was lying and the information actually came from Heather, not Johann.

"Edge of Disaster, Part 1"

Johann sends a message to the Dragon Riders that his ship is under attack by the Dragon Hunters. But when Hiccup, Snotlout, and Fishlegs arrive, they see he is being attacked by a pack of wild dragons under Scardian. They soon attack the Riders and fly off with Fishlegs. While tracking them down, the three find it strange how aggressive the dragons were. Johann admits a bit of a relief when they started attacking the Riders over him. They soon find the pack surrounding Fishlegs on their island. Johann and Snotlout think about just leaving him, but Hiccup has a plan to save their friend.

"Edge of Disaster, Part 2"

The three work together with Johann riding Meatlug to distract the sentries. However, the Gronckle hears her rider's voice and comes flying to him, ruining the plan. Hiccup, Johann, and Snotlout are forced to retreat. After talking with Fishlegs, Hiccup explains that the rogue pack had been attacked by the Dragon Hunters, thus explaining their hostile nature. He comes up with another plan to lure as many of the wild dragons, including their leader, away so Johann and Snotlout can grab Fishlegs. They all soon reunite, along with the dragon pack after Hiccup showed them they were not the enemy with his flightsuit. Ruffnut, while riding on Windshear, finds them and tells them the Dragon Hunters are attacking Dragon's Edge. The Riders and wild dragons team up and chase the Hunters away. After the battle, Hiccup and the gang take the pack back to their island, leaving Johann alone with Smidvarg.

Johann then sent a message to Hiccup to thank him for the rescue.

### Viggo's Auction

"Last Auction Heroes"

Johann stole information from a pair of Dragon Hunters on Outcast Island. He then took Sir "Ulgerthorpe" and his valet to the Dragon Auction on Dragon Hunter Island. He also "brought" Viggo Grimborn and his brother Ryker dragons to be sold at the auction while stowing Hiccup and the other Dragon Riders in secret.

### The Submaripper

"Dire Straits"

Johann was the sole survivor of an attack by Shipsbane. He eventually sails to Berk where he tells the Dragon Riders about his past experiences with a Submaripper.

### Johann's plan coming to action

"Living on the Edge"

Johann arrives on Dragon's Edge to deliver a package to Hiccup as he and the other dragon riders deal with the volcano on their island. While their Johann bought all of Tuffnut and Ruffnut's stuff, who were preparing to leave. He also discussed with Snotlout and Fishlegs about the Battle of Pliska.

"Sandbusted"

Johann sends a message to the Riders that he needs their help in the Northern Markets. Johann tells them several traders and their wears except him have recently gone missing so the Riders decide to investigate. It is eventually discovered that a Sandbuster was responsible and thanks Hiccup for closing the beach where it lives so trade can resume. Johann tries to buy a sword Snoutlout wields which is revealed to be Viggo’s but Snotlout says no and Johann says goodbye to the Riders.

"Dawn of Destruction"

Johann arrives on the Edge to apologize to Hiccup for not getting the oil he needed but tells him it can only be made from Sassafras plants found on the Isle of Thizzian.

"Searching for Oswald... and Chicken"

Johann meets up with Heather at the end of the episode revealing that he knows a man who has seen her father alive, unknown to her he is luring her into a trap.

"Sins of the Past"

Johann accompanies Heather as she goes to meet him and tells her the man she seeks is a Viking named Harek in a tavern and insists he stay behind as he is not welcome. Johann is startled to see Snotlout behind him and he tells Snontlout about covering for Heather. Johann notices the rare chicken feed Snotlout is holding and commends how pure it is and that if Snotlout went to Johann he could've gotten a better deal. Johann then suspects something is wrong and they rescue Heather, who is under attack by Krogan and his hunters. They flee with Krogan and his Dragon Flyers in pursuit. Johann and Heather fall off Windshear and Snotlout catches both of them and retreat after the Flyers capture Windshear.

It was later revealed in this episode that Johann had been working with the Dragon Hunters secretly all along, in order to get a specific Dragon Eye lens that was unexpectedly on Heather's belt the whole time, without the riders knowing.

### The War

"In Plain Sight"

When the lens doesn't reveal the location of the King of Dragons, Johann is furious until Viggo realizes that they need the lenses of the five different dragon classes in order for the Dragon Eye to show the location. Krogan suggests dispatching his Flyers to search for more lenses, which Viggo sees as a waste of resources. Johann tells Krogan to send out the Flyers and asks what Viggo's idea is. Viggo suggests stealing Hiccup's collection of lenses, which Johann forms a plan to do so.

Johann goes to the Edge and offers to get the jewels Hiccup needs for his own Dragon Eye in a few months. Hiccup refuses, saying that it would be too long so Johann suggests the Northern Markets and Hiccup agrees, despite the danger. Hiccup brings the Dragon Eye with him and the lenses after Johann suggests it. Ruff and Tuff accompany them to look for a gift for Chicken's birthday, despite Johann's protests. Johann diverts the twins away and lures Hiccup into a trap and demands he hand over his collection of lenses. The twins arrive just in time and begin to suspect there is a traitor among them, but Hiccup dismisses their theory much to Johann's relief.

After acquiring more jewels, they notice more Hunters and Flyers patrolling the markets, so Johann leads Hiccup to the Sandbuster's lair in search of the two remaining jewels. Johann suggests sending Toothless to guard the entrance while they are searching and Hiccup supposedly does so. After finding them, Johann reveals his true nature and that he is paying Krogan and Viggo to help him find the King of Dragons and become the most wealthy man in the world. When Johann asks him why he is not surprised, Hiccup explains how he already figured out who was the traitor thanks to the twins' thinking. He then said that everything made sense since it was Johann who suggested bringing the lenses and several other instances when the Riders were in danger. After a brief battle, Johann manages to escape without the lenses while Hiccup confronts the Sandbuster.

"No Bark, All Bite"

After Stoick hears of Johann's deception he orders the Berkians to destroy everything Johann gave them because they can't trust the source. As a result, Hiccup sends three traders to replace their supplies. When Stoick realizes none of them has what they need to make medicine for Gothi, he states he doesn't trust them and leaves with Hiccup to look for it himself and leaves Gobber to pick which trader they will use. It is later revealed that Stoick mistrust was well founded as all three traders were sent by Johann without Willow Bark, which is needed for medicine, to get the leaders off the island so Krogan and his Dragon Flyers can attack Berk. Stoick and Hiccup figure this out and lead the Berkians in driving the Flyers and traders away while keeping all the supplies the traders left behind.

"Chain of Command"

Johann was mentioned by Hiccup when he informed Atali and the Wingmaidens that Johann has betrayed them.

"Mi Amore Wing"

Krogan was dispatched by Johann to retrieve a Dragon Eye Lens from an Armorwing, which was a success.

"Ruff Transition"

Ruff and Tuff hear a rumor at the Northern Markets that Johann knows where the Riders hid their Dragon Lenses, which turns out to be true after Krogan and his Flyers attack Wingmaiden Island.

"Triple Cross"

In this episode, Johann betrayed Viggo and took over the Dragon Hunters. Viggo attempted to take his revenge with Hiccup and Toothless by his side. Viggo was wounded by Johann's Hunters and sacrificed his life for Hiccup and Toothless to escape.

"Guardians of Vanaheim"

When Krogan’s flyers have not returned from their assault on Vanaheim, Johann decides to cheer up the Flyer leader that they have acquired the final Dragon Eye lens from Gruffnut Thorston.

"King of Dragons, Part 1"

As the Hunters and Flyers set course for Dramillion Island, Johann reveals to himself that he intend to have the King of Dragons to himself and have Krogan’s head stuck on a spike when he is finished.

Eventually, Johann and his subordinates capture the Titan Wing Dramillion in order to use its fire to reveal the location of the King of Dragons: Berserker Island.

"King of Dragons, Part 2"

Johann tries to capture the King of the Dragons with Krogan and some of Dragon Hunters, but gets frozen by the Berserker Bewilderbeast's icy breath while he is attempting to kill Hiccup. He is most likely frozen to death or suffocated, trapped in solid ice without oxygen.

## Dragons

* **Meatlug** (briefly)
* **Windshear** (briefly)
* **Garff's Adoptive Father** (formerly)

## Weapons

* **Daggers** (primary)
* **Spear**

## Abilities

Though many saw him as a kind-hearted simpleton, Johann was actually incredibly devious, as he uses his intelligence to find a path to victory.

* **Intelligence:** Johann is an extremely clever individual and has been revealed to be a master of deception, who battles with his intellect and his skills in combat. He is revealed to be behind nearly everything that has happened to the Riders since "Breakneck Bog" and he even managed to outwit Hiccup and the Riders numerous times - though he was never able to have them killed. He is extremely patient as he waited many years in order to completely gain Stoick and Berk's trust. His intellect has helped him outsmart the most intellectual minds like Viggo, who thought Johann would be easy to fool when he betrayed him.
* **Deception**: Johann was a cunning master of deceit, and a very gifted actor seldom dropping his facade even in moments where he didn't need such a facade. He was able to convince every member of the Hooligan Tribe that he was an ordinary merchant so that he would understand their strengths and weaknesses. Johann was extremely patient and waited for years to gain the Hooligans' complete trust until the time was right for him to strike. He would often charm them with stories that he either made up or plundered from real merchants that he assassinated. Johann could tell if Viggo was betraying him through his time with the Vikings of the Archipelago.

* **Combat**: Johann was exceptionally deadly in combat, and his primary weapons were his daggers that he had hidden beneath his sleeves. He was a capable marksman as shown when he threw his daggers with near pin-point accuracy and when he shot down the Skrill with a single crossbow bolt that was laced with Dragon Root. Johann was also rather proficient in physical combat, able to punch and pin down Hiccup for a certain amount of time. He also had numerous real merchants plundered and assassinated after taking the tales of their travels.

## Trivia

* From his attire, it can be assumed he holds Middle Eastern or Eastern European heritage. His name, however, is a Scandinavian form of "John".
* Despite his betrayal and death, Johann is still a part of *Rise of Berk*, likely due to the lack of any other notable trader characters in the Franchise who could fulfill his role in the game instead of him.
* Johann has a habit of telling long stories about his travels.
	+ However, Johann states "In Plain Sight" that some, if not all, of his stories, were stolen from actual merchants that he assassinated.
	+ However, he likely did some actual traveling, as he immediately recognized the Submaripper's scent upon smelling it.
* Johann calls most male characters 'Master', and most female characters 'Miss'.
* Johann is the only known Dragon Hunter to appear outside of *Race to the Edge* and the films, excluding Dagur, who reformed in between "Maces and Talons, Part 2" and "Enemy of My Enemy".
* It is revealed in "In Plain Sight" that Johann had been deliberately attempting to rid the Archipelago of the Dragon Riders since "Breakneck Bog".
* The way Johann hid his daggers was probably inspired by the Assassin Brotherhood from the *Assassin's Creed* franchise.
* Johann's method of plundering actual merchants' stories after killing them is similar to how Gilderoy Lockhart from the *Harry Potter* franchise stole other wizards' accomplishments after he obliterated (wiped out) their memories.
* Johann's name, occupation, and character design seem to be an explicit reference to Trader Jones from cult British TV show *Charlie Chalk*.
* Johann is arguably one of the Dragon Riders' most dangerous enemies, due to his immense cruelty to have any dragon or Viking killed to achieve his goal in capturing the Bewilderbeast in order to become the richest man on earth. Johann is seen as one of the smartest and most dangerous foes that Hiccup and the Riders have ever faced, having manipulated and outsmarted Hiccup and the Riders and nearly all the Vikings in the Archipelago since before the start of the franchise.
* Though Johann has many hidden daggers in his sleeves, everyone (including Johann himself) is completely oblivious to the dagger on his belt.
	+ In fact, in "Breakneck Bog," he tries to "threaten" Hiccup by claiming that he has a knife in his boot, then says he doesn't, disregarding the fact that he has one on his belt.