Dragonslayer

Dragonslayer

Year: 1981

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Matthew Robbins

ActionAdventureFantasy

In this thrilling fantasy adventure, a novice wizard embarks on a perilous quest to slay a fire-breathing dragon terrorizing a neighboring kingdom, where young maidens have fallen prey to its deadly appetite.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Dragonslayer yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Dragonslayer (1981)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Dragonslayer (1981). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Medieval

The movie is set in a medieval time period when sorcerers, dragons, and ancient kingdoms coexist. During this era, societal structures are rigid, with traditions like the lottery sacrifice reflecting the desperation of the people for peace amidst horror.

Location

Cragganmore, Urland

Cragganmore is a remote, isolated location that houses a powerful sorcerer in a lonely tower. The village of Urland lies nearby, characterized by its ancient traditions and the harsh reality of a lottery system that sacrifices young maidens to appease a dragon named Vermithrax.

🏰 Fantasy 🌄 Mountain

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

Main Characters – Dragonslayer (1981)
Meet the key characters of Dragonslayer (1981), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Galen (Peter MacNicol)

Galen is the apprentice of Ulrich who aspires to become a master sorcerer like his mentor. He navigates the challenges of grief after losing Ulrich and his struggles to fulfill the villagers' need to defeat the dragon. As the story progresses, he grows from an inexperienced young man into a decisive hero.

🧙‍♂️ Sorcerer 👦 Young Hero ⚔️ Determined

Valerian (Caitlin Clarke)

Valerian is a brave young woman who defies societal norms to save her people and herself. Her determination to confront the dragon's justice and her growing feelings for Galen showcase her complexity as both a fighter and a symbol of rebellion against the oppressive lottery system.

👩‍🎤 Heroine 🏹 Brave 💔 Sacrificial

Ulrich (Ralph Richardson)

Ulrich is a powerful and wise sorcerer who carries the weight of foreseen doom. Though he initially appears detached from worldly concerns, his nurturing relationship with Galen reveals a deep commitment to his apprentice and the fate of their land. His death becomes the catalyst for Galen's transformation.

🧙‍♂️ Mentor ⚕️ Wise 💔 Tragic

Princess Elspeth (Chloe Salaman)

Princess Elspeth is a symbol of nobility and sacrifice, chosen to be a lottery victim. Her character arc illustrates the hidden truths of privilege and the moral dilemmas faced by those born into power. Her brave decision to take on the sacrifice showcases selflessness in the face of duty.

👑 Royalty 🕊️ Sacrifice 💖 Compassionate

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

Major Themes – Dragonslayer (1981)
Explore the central themes of Dragonslayer (1981), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Bravery

The theme of bravery is a central aspect of the film, portrayed through Valerian's determination to confront her fate and Galen's courageous steps to become a sorcerer and slay the dragon. Elspeth, too, exemplifies bravery by volunteering to face the dragon in place of the other maidens. These characters showcase how true courage is standing against overwhelming odds for the sake of others.

🐉 Dragons

Dragons symbolize both terror and majesty. In the film, Vermithrax represents not just a monstrous threat but also the consequences of magic and power. The dual nature of dragons — feared yet revered — prompts characters to question their beliefs and the system that binds them.

⚖️ Sacrifice

Sacrifice is a pivotal theme, explored through the lottery system that requires young maidens to appease the dragon. Throughout the film, characters grapple with the morality of sacrificing individuals for the supposed greater good and the personal sacrifices they must make for love and survival.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

Similar Movies to Dragonslayer
Discover movies like Dragonslayer that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.