Hawk the Slayer

Hawk the Slayer

Year: 1980

Runtime: 93 mins

Language: English

Director: Terry Marcel

AdventureFantasyEpic heroesFantasy adventure heroism and swordplaySuperheroes in action-packed battles with villains

After his father and bride are slain by his treacherous brother Voltan, Hawk the Slayer dons a mystical mind‑sword and assembles a ragtag fellowship—a giant, a dwarf, a one‑armed gunner with a machine‑crossbow, and an elf famed for the swiftest bow. He leads them in a timeless clash to defeat Voltan, liberate the realm and avenge his loved ones.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Hawk the Slayer (1980)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Hawk the Slayer (1980). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Medieval fantasy era

Set in a bygone, sword-and-sorcery period, the world blends feudal power with magical artifacts. Castles, abbeys, and fortresses establish a roughly medieval pacing, while mind-stone magic shapes pivotal decisions and battles. The events compress into an intense arc spanning raids, rescues, and a climactic confrontation.

Location

Castle, Remote Convent, Fortress of Danesford

The story unfolds across a rugged medieval-inspired realm, centered on a castle, a remote convent, and a fortified fortress. Sacred spaces and war-torn countryside sit side by side as factions clash and alliances form. Magic-infused threats connect these places and drive the conflict against Voltan.

🏰 Castle setting 🗺️ Fantasy world 🛡️ Adventure

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:41

Main Characters – Hawk the Slayer (1980)

Meet the key characters of Hawk the Slayer (1980), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Hawk (John Terry)

A seasoned warrior who leads Hawk’s band and pursues Voltan with relentless purpose. He is driven by a personal thirst for justice for his father and his wife, Eliane, and is adept at turning mental commands into battlefield action via the Mindsword. Courageous and strategic, he weighs mercy against vengeance as the conflict escalates.

🗡️ Warrior 🛡️ Leader ⚔️ Justice

Gort (Bernard Bresslaw)

A towering giant who wields a war hammer and provides raw strength and protection for the team. Despite his size, he moves with loyalty and a protective instinct toward Hawk and the others. He remains a steadfast ally in brutal confrontations.

🪓 Giant 🛡️ Protector 🤝 Ally

Crow (Ray Charleson)

An elf with a keen eye and a deadly bow, Crow offers reconnaissance and precise ranged support. He is a loyal companion whose skills help the group navigate ambushes and battlefield skirmishes. His presence adds agility to the team’s dynamic.

🏹 Archer 🧭 Scout

Baldin

A sturdy dwarf renowned for his whip prowess, providing brute force and resilience to the party. He endures the perils of the mission and sustains the team during critical moments, ultimately facing mortal danger in the rescue effort.

🪓 Dwarf 💥 Fighter

Ranulf (William Morgan Sheppard)

A battle-worn survivor who informs Hawk of Voltan’s raids and seeks aid for the Abbess. He is injured early on and becomes a catalyst for Hawk’s mission, ultimately paying a heavy price in the pursuit of justice.

🗡️ Warrior 🧭 Messenger

Voltan (Jack Palance)

The ruthless warlord and primary antagonist who uses magic and fear to dominate the countryside. He kidnaps the Abbess and murders Hawk’s loved ones, enforcing his rule through intimidation and brutal force. His mastery of dark arts makes him a formidable, remorseless foe.

⚔️ Villain 🪄 Power

Abbess (Annette Crosbie)

Leader of the convent who is kidnapped by Voltan. She represents spiritual authority and is a focal point for the rescue mission. Her removal intensifies the stakes for Hawk and the group.

🕊️ Leader 🛡️ Protector

Sorceress (Patricia Quinn)

A magical ally who aids the heroes during their escape from captivity. Her involvement underscores the reliance on arcane forces to influence outcomes in a world where magic is both tool and temptation.

🔮 Magic 🧭 Ally

Eliane (Catriona MacColl)

Hawk’s wife, whose murder by Voltan becomes a personal motive for Hawk’s relentless pursuit of the villain. Her death anchors the emotional weight of Hawk’s quest and leadership.

💔 Loss 🗡️ Motivation

High Abbot (Harry Andrews)

A wise religious leader who directs Ranulf toward Hawk and offers guidance from the fortress. He embodies spiritual counsel and the moral compass within the war-torn landscape.

🕯️ Wisdom 🏰 Authority

Drogo (Shane Briant)

Voltan’s son who participates in raids to collect ransom. He embodies the next generation of Voltan’s forces and the ongoing threat to the convent and its inhabitants.

👣 Agent ⚔️ Raider

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:41

Major Themes – Hawk the Slayer (1980)

Explore the central themes of Hawk the Slayer (1980), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗡️ Revenge

Hawk is compelled by the murder of his father and later his wife, Eliane, at the hands of Voltan. This urge for vengeance drives urgent quests, daring rescues, and brutal confrontations. The Mindsword amplifies his resolve, turning intention into decisive action on the battlefield.

🕯️ Faith

The convent and its Abbess represent sanctuary and moral order amid brutal warfare. Ranulf seeks refuge there and is tended by the nuns, reinforcing faith as a counterpoint to violence. The High Abbot’s guidance points Hawk toward a destiny beyond mere vengeance.

🔮 Power

Power structures drive much of the plot, from the Mindsword to Voltan’s sorcery. Magic offers both salvation and peril, shaping loyalties, escapes, and the ultimate confrontation. The pursuit of control tests the heroes’ ethics as much as their swords.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:41

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Hawk the Slayer Summary

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