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Krull (1983) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Krull (1983) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
1983 · 116 min · English
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Directed by
Peter Yates
Starring
Liam Neeson, Alun Armstrong, Freddie Jones, Bernard Bresslaw, David Battley, Francesca Annis

In the realm of Krull, a devastating evil known as the Beast has emerged, seizing Princess Lyssa and plunging the land into chaos. Determined to save her and end the Beast's reign, Prince Colwyn gathers a diverse group of warriors. Their quest leads them on a perilous journey to find the Glaive, a legendary weapon said to possess the power to defeat the monstrous foe and restore peace to the kingdom.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (5)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Krull
  8. 8 Every angle
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5 main characters · contains spoilers

Krull Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Krull (1983), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Colwyn

    played by Liam Neeson

    Colwyn is the brave young prince destined to save Krull from the throes of the Beast. Initially overwhelmed by the responsibility placed upon him, he transforms into a determined hero throughout the film. His journey is marked by personal loss, growth, and a deep commitment to rescue his beloved Lyssa.

    • 🦸‍♂️ Hero
    • 💪 Strength
    • 💖 Love
  • Lyssa

    played by Lysette Anthony

    Lyssa is the courageous princess and Colwyn's beloved, whose strength and ancient significance are central to fulfilling the prophecy. Though captured by the Beast, she remains steadfast in her love for Colwyn, becoming a symbol of hope throughout their quest. Her character showcases resilience and determination, embodying the role of a strong female figure.

    • 👸 Princess
    • 💪 Strength
    • ❤️ Love
  • Ynyr

    played by Alun Armstrong

    Ynyr is a mysterious elder and guide to Colwyn, embodying wisdom and prophecy. He plays a pivotal role in mentoring the young prince and revealing his destiny to conquer the Beast. Ynyr’s sacrifices and insight into the intricacies of magic and the landscape of Krull make him an integral part of the story.

    • 🧙‍♂️ Mentor
    • 🔮 Wisdom
    • ⚰️ Sacrifice
  • The Beast

    The Beast serves as the antagonist, representing chaos and malevolence in Krull. This gargantuan alien figure embodies the darkest forces against which Colwyn must fight. His tyrannical control over the Black Fortress and attempts to manipulate Lyssa highlight the stakes of the heroes' quest.

    • 👹 Villain
    • 🖤 Evil
    • ⚔️ Chaos
  • Ergo the Magnificent

    Ergo is an ambitious sorcerer who desires to prove his worth and join Colwyn's quest. His comical yet earnest character adds levity to the narrative, showcasing the theme of companionship in the face of adversity. Despite his shortcomings, he plays a vital role in supporting the heroes.

    • ✨Sorcerer
    • 😂 Humor
    • 🤝 Friendship

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:02

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Setting

Where and When Does Krull Take Place?

The setting of Krull (1983): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The movie unfolds in a timeless fantasy setting, blending elements reminiscent of both medieval and otherworldly cultures. This period is marked by battles between good and evil, as the inhabitants of Krull strive to break free from the domination of sinister forces. Prophecies and ancient magic are central themes, guiding the characters' destinies.

Location

Krull, Black Fortress, Granite Mountains, Iron Desert

Krull is a mystical planet characterized by its fantastical landscapes and diverse terrains, including the ominous Black Fortress, which shifts its location constantly. The Granite Mountains serve as a treacherous setting where perilous challenges await, while the Iron Desert is later revealed as a critical battleground in the climax of the story. Together, these locations encapsulate the adventurous and perilous nature of Colwyn's journey.

  • 🌌 Fantasy
  • 🏰 Castle
  • ⛰️ Mountains
  • 🏜️ Desert

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:02

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3 major themes

Krull Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Krull (1983) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Courage

    The theme of courage is deeply woven into Colwyn's journey as he faces overwhelming odds to rescue Lyssa and combat the Beast. His bravery in the face of danger inspires those around him and serves as a rallying point for the people of Krull. The film emphasizes that true heroism lies not only in physical strength but also in the resolve to protect loved ones and fight for justice.

  • Sacrifice

    Sacrifice plays a crucial role in the narrative, as characters like Ynyr and Colwyn put their lives at risk for the greater good. The personal losses they encounter underscore the harsh realities of their quest. Their willingness to endure pain for the sake of love and friendship illustrates the profound cost of battling evil.

  • Destiny

    Destiny governs the fates of Colwyn and Lyssa as they are bound by prophecy to overcome the Beast together. Their journey highlights the idea that individuals are often chosen for greater purposes. The intertwining of fate and free will is explored, showcasing how their choices shape not only their own lives but also the future of Krull.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:02

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Character & theme questions

Krull Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Krull (1983): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

What kind of world is Krull set in?

Krull is set on a mystical planet with fantastical landscapes and diverse terrains. The world features dangerous locations like the ominous Black Fortress, which constantly shifts its location, the treacherous Granite Mountains, and the Iron Desert which serves as the final battleground. This setting creates an adventurous and perilous tone appropriate for a fantasy quest story.

  • krull setting
  • fantasy planet
  • black fortress
  • krull locations
Q2

What time period is Krull set in?

Krull takes place in a timeless fantasy setting that blends elements reminiscent of both medieval and otherworldly cultures. While no specific year is given, the world is governed by ancient prophecies and magical forces, with battles between good and evil playing out against a backdrop of castles, sorcery, and legendary weapons.

  • krull time period
  • medieval fantasy
  • krull era
Q3

What are the main themes in Krull?

The three central themes of Krull are courage, sacrifice, and destiny. Prince Colwyn must find the bravery to face overwhelming odds, characters must make personal sacrifices for the greater good, and the protagonists are bound by prophecy to fulfill their destinies. These themes interweave to create a classic heroic fantasy narrative.

  • krull themes
  • courage
  • sacrifice
  • destiny
Q4

Who is Prince Colwyn in Krull?

Colwyn is the young prince of Krull who is destined to save his world from the Beast. Initially overwhelmed by the responsibility of rescuing Princess Lyssa and defeating the alien tyrant, he transforms into a determined hero throughout the journey. His character arc centers on personal growth, loss, and developing the courage to fight for love and justice.

  • colwyn prince
  • krull hero
  • colwyn character
Q5

Who is Princess Lyssa in Krull?

Lyssa is the courageous princess and Colwyn's beloved, who is captured by the Beast early in the film. Her strength and ancient significance are central to fulfilling the prophecy that dictates Krull's salvation. Despite her captivity, she remains a symbol of hope throughout the quest, embodying resilience and determination as a strong female character.

  • lyssa princess
  • lyssa krull
  • colwyn love interest
Q6

Who is the Beast in Krull?

The Beast is the primary antagonist of Krull, a gargantuan alien figure representing chaos and malevolence. He invades the planet, kidnaps Princess Lyssa, and establishes control over the Black Fortress. His tyrannical rule and attempts to manipulate Lyssa create the central conflict that drives the heroes' quest to defeat him.

  • the beast krull
  • villain
  • antagonist
  • black fortress
Q7

Who is Ynyr in Krull?

Ynyr is a mysterious elder and wise guide who mentors Prince Colwyn on his quest. He possesses knowledge of prophecies and the magical landscape of Krull, revealing Colwyn's destiny to conquer the Beast. Ynyr's sacrifices and insights into ancient magic make him a pivotal supporting character who helps shape the hero's journey.

  • ynyrmystic guide
  • prophecy
  • colwyn mentor
Q8

What is the Black Fortress in Krull?

The Black Fortress is the ominous lair of the Beast and serves as the story's primary location of evil. It is a shifting, mobile fortress that changes its location throughout the film, making it nearly impossible for the heroes to track. This mysterious structure represents the Beast's power and adds an element of spatial challenge to the quest.

  • black fortress
  • moving fortress
  • beast lair
Q9

What is the Glaive in Krull?

The Glaive is a legendary weapon that Colwyn must obtain on his quest to defeat the Beast. Described as possessing the power to vanquish the monstrous foe, this magical weapon is central to the heroes' hope for victory. The quest to retrieve the Glaive drives much of the early narrative and represents the theme of destiny fulfilling ancient prophecy.

  • glaive weapon
  • legendary weapon
  • magical weapon
Q10

Who is Ergo the Magnificent in Krull?

Ergo the Magnificent is an ambitious sorcerer who seeks to prove his worth by joining Colwyn's quest. While his comedic manner provides levity to the story, he plays a genuine supporting role in the heroes' journey. His earnest desire to contribute despite his shortcomings showcases the theme of companionship and working together against adversity.

  • ergo the magnificent
  • sorcerer
  • comic relief

Movie threads

More Movies Like Krull, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Krull tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Epic Quests Against Overwhelming Evil like in Krull

High-stakes journeys where a hero must save the world from a monstrous foe. For fans of Krull seeking similar epic battles between good and evil. This section features movies like Krull where a hero's journey, often guided by prophecy, involves a desperate quest, a legendary weapon, and a final confrontation to save the kingdom or the world from a monstrous antagonist.

  • epic
  • heroic
  • menacing
  • hopeful
  • perilous
  • mythic
  • Tone: heroic, hopeful, menacing
  • Pacing: fast, urgent
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives follow a clear hero's journey structure: a call to action, the assembly of a team, the acquisition of a powerful artifact or skill, and a climactic battle against a formidable, often supernatural evil. The journey is linear and focused, driven by urgency and the weight of prophecy or fate.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a core narrative DNA of a destined hero facing a vast evil. They are united by their mythic scale, straightforward moral alignment, fast-paced adventurous pacing, and a tone that balances dire stakes with hopeful determination, resulting in a satisfying, classic adventure experience.

Mythic Team-Up Adventures like in Krull

Stories where a diverse group bands together for a seemingly hopeless mission. If you liked the band of warriors in Krull, explore these movies featuring a team of misfits on a mythic quest. Discover stories similar to Krull where a diverse group must unite their strengths to survive a perilous journey and achieve an impossible goal against a powerful enemy.

  • team effort
  • perilous
  • hopeful
  • heroic
  • urgent
  • camaraderie
  • Tone: hopeful, urgent, heroic
  • Pacing: fast, action-oriented
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot revolves around the formation and trials of the team. After a catalyst event, the leader must recruit a varied cast of characters—often including rogues, mystics, and warriors—whose initial differences are overcome through shared peril. The journey tests their loyalty, and the story often involves sacrifices, solidifying them as a found family capable of achieving the impossible.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their emphasis on the 'team assemble' trope within a grand, mythic framework. They share a specific mood blend of urgent peril and hopeful camaraderie, a fast pace driven by collective action, and the emotional satisfaction of seeing a group of individuals become a unified force.

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Movies Like Krull

Similar movies to Krull: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

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Every angle

Krull (1983) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Krull in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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