From the Toysit archive
LEGO Viking Catapult versus the Nidhogg Dragon (7017)
Explore LEGO Vikings set 7017, its wheeled catapult and red Nidhogg dragon, then create a quiet encounter told through three dragon poses.
The play at a glance
What is the dragon trying to say?
Red wings flare into orange and yellow, gold-colored claws reach forward, and a curved tail follows the Nidhogg dragon across the box art. Opposite it stands a tall wheeled catapult with a broad shield-like front. LEGO Vikings set 7017 makes a striking encounter between two small figures and one elaborate creature. A storyteller can give that creature a message before anyone decides what happens next.
A creature with a readable silhouette
The dragon’s long head, branching horns, broad wings and raised tail make it easy to recognize even before its smaller details come into view. The building guide shows articulated connections in the neck and wings, giving a player ways to suggest attention and movement with a gently posed, supported model.
The two figures and their wheeled machine supply a different scale. A figure near the catapult can become a lookout while the other carries an imagined message. The chest gives the scene another question: what might the visitors have brought, and why would a dragon care about it?
Try three dragon messages
- Choose a meeting place. Put the dragon and visitors on a flat surface with a clear space between them. Leave the catapult unloaded and inactive as part of the scenery.
- Make a curious pose. Gently turn the head toward a visitor within the model’s natural movement. Decide together that this means, “What have you brought?”
- Make a welcoming pose. Change the wings’ position while keeping the dragon supported. Invent a meaning such as, “There is room to rest here.” The pose is your story’s signal.
- Make a pointing pose. Aim the head toward an imagined path. A visitor interprets the message and describes where that path might lead.
- Answer with a small scene. Choose one pose without announcing its meaning. The visitors respond, then the dragon’s player explains whether they understood. Finish by agreeing on one shared destination.
Drawings of three dragon poses can stand in for the model. With one player, write a short visitor response under each drawing. With two players, swap the dragon and visitor parts and invent a new meaning for one pose.
Turn the meeting into a legend
Give the final journey a title: perhaps The Dragon Who Pointed Home or A Rest Beneath Red Wings. Tell the story in three sentences—what the visitors expected, what the dragon showed them, and what they did together. The model supplies the dramatic shapes; the players supply the legend.
The historical record
Original Toysit coverage
The original product account and commentary are preserved below as historical coverage.
Building adventure set
The dragon is looking for easy prey. But this Viking has a mighty catapult he can use to bring down the creature. Aim and launch before the dragon gets you. Join with a brave band as they pilot their ship into dangerous waters to challenge the serpent. The heroic Lego characters use their catapult to try to drive the monster away. The detailed building set features a working toy catapult and a fierce toy dragon for hours of adventure and fun. Live the exciting battle between man and monster with this new Lego set. Complete with Lego building pieces and instructions.
The concept of Vikings, known for their exploration, bravery, and mythical battles with sea monsters, has long been a source of fascination and inspiration for children's play. This rich and adventurous theme captivates young minds and fuels their imagination in various ways:
Adventurous Exploration: Vikings were renowned explorers, venturing into unknown territories and discovering new lands. This sense of adventure and exploration resonates with children, encouraging them to embark on imaginary journeys, navigate uncharted waters, and uncover hidden treasures in their playtime.
Heroic Battles: The legendary battles between Vikings and mythical sea monsters such as the Kraken provide thrilling and dramatic play scenarios. Children can role-play as brave warriors, facing fearsome creatures and overcoming challenges, enhancing their confidence and resilience.
Cultural and Historical Connection: The Viking theme introduces children to Norse mythology, history, and culture. They learn about Viking ships, weapons, rituals, and way of life, fostering curiosity and appreciation for history and cultural diversity.
Creativity and Storytelling: The rich lore and mythology surrounding Vikings offer endless opportunities for creative storytelling and artistic expression. Children can create their own Viking characters, write tales of exploration and heroism, and even craft Viking-inspired art and crafts.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Viking expeditions required teamwork, leadership, and cooperation. Children can emulate these values in their play, working together to achieve common goals, solve problems, and celebrate shared victories, building social and collaborative skills.
Connection to Nature: The Viking theme emphasizes a strong connection to the sea, the weather, and the natural world. This connection encourages children to explore and appreciate nature, understand natural phenomena, and develop environmental awareness.
Inspiration for Toys and Media: The Viking concept has inspired a wide range of toys, games, books, and media content tailored for children. From Viking ship playsets to animated series, these products provide engaging and educational experiences that bring the Viking world to life.
The concept of Vikings exploring the unknown and battling sea monsters has become a timeless and universal theme in children's play. It offers a multifaceted and enriching play experience that combines adventure, heroism, education, creativity, social interaction, and environmental consciousness. The enduring appeal of Vikings continues to inspire children to dream, explore, and grow, making it a valuable and meaningful part of their imaginative play.
Sources and editorial notes
LEGO’s official 7017 record and complete 40-page guide match the original box. The guide shows the two figures, wheeled catapult, chest and jointed red dragon; enlarged assembly diagrams establish its head/neck and wing joints. The ship and sea serpent in the original opening concern other Vikings models: the guide advertises 7018 separately on page 39. The range’s horned helmets, dragons and dramatic battles are fantasy styling, not proof of historical equipment or events. Pose meanings below are invented by players, and wider educational claims remain historical commentary. No physical testing was performed.
- Original Toysit image — Existing same-site photograph reviewed and retained unchanged.
- LEGO: Viking Catapult versus the Nidhogg Dragon 7017 — Official record establishes the individual set identity.
- LEGO 7017 building guide (PDF) — All 40 pages reviewed in overview; head, wing and completed-model diagrams inspected enlarged. Page 39 separates the ship/serpent set 7018.
- Original Toysit coverage — Complete original product account and historical commentary preserved.
Images and descriptions are retained as historical material. How Toysit covers toys.
Created for Toysit by Tabbloza — the artwork in our header.