The Flight of Dragons

The Flight of Dragons

Year: 1982

Runtime: 96 mins

Language: English

Directors: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin, Jr.

FamilyAnimationFantasyEpic heroesFairy-tale fantasy and enchanted magic

A looming conflict pits magic against science as the realm of sorcery faces invasion from the logical world. Carolinus, a benevolent green wizard, vows to protect magic forever, but the malevolent red wizard Ommadon opposes him. To stop Ommadon, Carolinus summons Peter Dickinson, the first man to master both science and magic, tasking him with the quest to defeat the evil wizard and preserve the balance.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Flight of Dragons (1982)

Trace every key event in The Flight of Dragons (1982) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Carolinus senses magic fading

In the medieval fantasy realm, Green Wizard Carolinus notices magic waning as humanity embraces logic and science. He observes nature and arcane energies growing fragile, threatening the balance he protects. The warning spurs him to devise a plan to preserve magic for the realm's fantastic beings.

Medieval fantasy world Hidden glade of Carolinus
2

The council of wizards divides on a plan

Carolinus calls upon his three magical brothers, and a plan forms to fuse their powers to create a last realm of magic. The Blue Wizard Solarius and the Golden Wizard Lo Tae Zhao agree, while the Red Wizard Ommadon resolves to corrupt humanity instead. Their disagreement sets the stage for a dramatic test of wills.

Medieval fantasy world The Council of Wizards
3

A mission to steal Ommodon's crown

To avoid direct conflict among themselves, the wizards approve sending a small group of heroes to steal Ommadon's crown, the source of his power. They arm the party with the Shield of Saturn and the Flute of Olympus to counter dark magic and lull dragons. The plan kickstarts a perilous quest across perilous lands.

Medieval fantasy world Near Ommadon's fortress
4

Antiquity's prophecy points to a man of science

The magical force of Antiquity directs the selection of a leader from a thousand years hence. A man of science descended from a legendary hero is found in the 20th century, Boston. Peter Dickinson, a former scientist turned board game designer obsessed with dragons, is brought back through time to join the quest.

20th century Boston, 20th century
5

Peter joins the quest and meets Melisande

Peter is recruited and transported into the magical conflict, where he meets Carolinus' ward, Princess Melisande, and grows attached to her. He is tasked with applying his scientific knowledge to the mystery of magic. The bond with Melisande becomes a personal stake in the mission.

During the early stages of the quest Carolinus' time portal / realm
6

Pet er merged with Gorbash after a rescue

Ommadon sends his dragon Bryagh to seize Peter, and a rescue attempt triggered by an accident with a spell causes Peter to merge with Gorbash, his dragon companion. Peter's mind remains inside the dragon body, creating a hybrid that must learn to navigate both intellects. The merged duo continues the journey toward the crown.

Early quest Ommadon's realm / dragon's lair
7

Smrgol mentors Peter in dragon basics

The elder dragon Smrgol mentors Peter, teaching him how dragons fly and breathe fire. Peter reconciles these abilities with scientific explanations, bridging magic and logic. Smrgol's guidance anchors Peter as a faithful companion to the quest.

Early quest Smrgol's lair
8

New allies join and a monster encounter

As the party proceeds, they are joined by Aragh the noble wolf, the archer Danielle, and the elf Giles. They survive a dangerous attack by Sandmurks, expanding the team and diversifying skills for the challenges ahead. The ensemble grows into a more capable group.

Mid-quest On the road toward Ommadon's realm
9

Danielle and Sir Orrin captured; Smrgol falls

Danielle and Sir Orrin are captured by a fearsome ogre, and Peter nearly dies attempting a rescue. Smrgol sacrifices himself to defeat the ogre, dying a hero's death to save the others. The loss tempers the team's resolve as they press on.

Mid-quest Ogre's lair
10

The Worm of Sligoff is destroyed

In the Red Wizard's realm, the party confronts the Worm of Sligoff. Peter destroys the creature by igniting the excreted sulfuric acid, turning a seemingly unstoppable threat into a decisive victory. The battle advances the climb toward the crown.

Climax Worm's lair, Red Wizard's realm
11

Hopelessness spell repelled by Saturn's shield

Ommadon casts a spell to sap the heroes' will, but Peter uses Solarius' Shield of Saturn to repel the wave of despair. The shield embodies the science-meets-magic theme, proving belief in logic can counter magical trickery. The victory renews their determination.

Climax Battlefield in Red Wizard's realm
12

Dragons fall asleep; critical losses

Ommadon unleashes a swarm of dragons, but Giles lifts their slumber with Lo Tae Zhao's flute. While some dragons succumb, Bryagh remains awake and kills Giles, Aragh, and Danielle. Sir Orrin slays Bryagh but dies from his wounds, marking a tragic turning point.

Climax Battlefield, Red Wizard's realm
13

Peter defeats Ommadon with science and logic

On the battlefield, Peter separates himself from Gorbash by recalling the principle of impenetrability, then counters Ommadon's magic with rational explanations. By denying the existence of magic, he defeats Ommadon and restores life to the fallen heroes, beginning the realm's transformation.

Final confrontation Ommadon's battlefield
14

Realm forms and Melisande awakened

With Ommadon defeated, the magical realm takes shape, and Peter's bond with Melisande deepens as he awakens her with a kiss. He leaves Ommadon's crown with her, and Melisande pleads to join him in a world where magic and science coexist. The price of denying magic is paid in personal sacrifice and love.

After the battle Edges of the transformed realm
15

Return to Boston; crown and kiss in hand

Back in 20th-century Boston, Peter sells the shield to a pawnbroker. Melisande arrives carrying Ommadon's crown, and the two embrace as their destinies intertwine. The ordinary world briefly touches the extraordinary as magic and love cross time.

Present day Boston pawnshop

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:55

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