What Is Krull About?
The premise of Krull in 316 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a distant corner of the cosmos, the planet Krull glitters with ancient stone citadels, endless deserts, and soaring spires that seem to straddle both medieval myth and futuristic wonder. The sky is forever brushed with the glow of distant stars, while the land itself hums with forgotten magic and the faint rumble of an ever‑present threat. This blend of sword‑and‑sorcery aesthetics and high‑tech atmosphere creates a world where heroic legend feels both timeless and startlingly new.
At the heart of the tale stands Prince Colwyn, a young noble whose destiny is tied to the very soul of his kingdom. Beside him, Princess Lyssa embodies both the hope and the vulnerability of the realm, her fate intertwined with the looming darkness. The shadow of the Beast, a terrifying force that has shattered the peace of Krull, hangs over everything, turning ordinary days into fragile breaths of anticipation. Together, these characters embody the classic struggle between light and an encroaching, almost mythic evil.
Bound by loyalty, love, and a prophecy that whispers of a savior, Prince Colwyn gathers an eclectic fellowship of warriors—each bearing their own skills, quirks, and grudging respect for the daunting mission ahead. Their shared purpose is to locate the legendary Glaive, a five‑bladed star‑shaped weapon spoken of in hushed tones across taverns and temples alike. The promise of this mythical armament fuels their resolve, hinting at a power capable of turning the tide against the unseen menace.
The film unfolds with a rich, adventurous tone, balancing grandiose spectacle with intimate moments of camaraderie. Its visual palette shifts from sweeping desert vistas to glittering, crystalline halls, all underscored by a score that swells with both heroic fanfare and lingering mystery. As the quest begins, the audience is left with a tantalizing sense of wonder—will the fledgling hero’s courage and the Glaive’s legend be enough to restore peace to a world teetering on the brink?
What Happens in Krull?
The complete story of Krull, from the first scene to the last, in 779 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
In the depths of outer space, a massive asteroid-like entity drifts idly above the planet Krull until it unexpectedly alters its path and descends upon its surface. As it lands, a terrifying swarm of formidable creatures known as Slayers emerges from the rocky fissures, unleashing chaos upon villages and cities. At the heart of this turmoil lies the sinister ruler of the Slayers, a gargantuan alien known as the Beast, who resides in the ominous Black Fortress. Ynyr, a mysterious elder, ominously shares a prophecy, foretelling that one day, a courageous young prince will rise to vanquish the Beast. Until such a time arrives, Krull remains trapped in a relentless cycle of fear and destruction.
The young Prince Colwyn, heralded as the potential savior of Krull, is set to marry his beloved, Lyssa. The prophecy further hints at the significance of Lyssa’s ancient name, suggesting that together they will reign over the galaxy if they can conquer the Beast. As the wedding festivities commence at the castle of Lyssa’s father, fate intervenes; just as the couple is about to ignite a magical flame as part of their ritual, the Slayers launch a brutal assault on the castle. Colwyn and his allies mount a brave defense, but they are significantly outmatched. In the ensuing chaos, Lyssa is captured, and both fathers are slain, leaving a wounded Colwyn presumed dead.
However, destiny has other plans, as Ynyr discovers the injured prince and takes him to safety to heal his wounds. Ynyr reveals the fierce responsibility resting on Colwyn’s shoulders as the prophesized savior; he must rescue Lyssa from the clutches of the Beast, who has returned her to the formidable Black Fortress. Initially, Colwyn is skeptical, aware that the fortress is notorious for shifting locations with each sunrise on Krull, making it elusive and difficult to locate. Yet, unwavering, Ynyr believes that an ancient wizard known as the Emerald Seer possesses the ability to foresee its next appearance.
To fulfill the prophecy, Colwyn learns he will need a powerful weapon: the Glaive, a legendary five-bladed star weapon. The pair ventures to the perilous Granite Mountains, where Colwyn embarks on an arduous journey into a volcanic crevice to retrieve the Glaive from a stream of molten lava. After successfully extracting the weapon, he returns to Ynyr, who warns him to use it wisely.
While they make their way to the Emerald Seer, their journey is interrupted by the arrival of Ergo the Magnificent, an overambitious would-be sorcerer seeking to join forces with Colwyn and Ynyr after witnessing the threat posed by a menacing cyclops. As their quest continues, they encounter a band of released prisoners who, despite their pasts, show a sense of honor. Colwyn, recognizing their potential, frees them from their shackles and appoints their leader, Torquil, as his Lord Marshal.
Their journey leads them to the Emerald Seer’s abode, where they face a harrowing setback when the Beast crushes the Seer’s emerald gem, thwarting his vision for their quest. In the gloomy depths of the Black Fortress, Lyssa endures the Beast’s cruel taunts as he attempts to force her into marriage, threatening to murder more inhabitants of Krull if she refuses.
Amidst these trials, Ynyr seeks the advice of the Widow of the Web, a powerful entity who holds the key to predicting the fortress’s movements. He courageously enters her lair, where memories of their tragic love resurface. The Widow reveals that the fortress will appear on the Iron Desert the following day but cautions Ynyr that his life is tied to the sand running through an hourglass gifted by her.
After a perilous confrontation in the Widow’s lair, Ynyr returns to his companions, only to succumb to his injuries. With newfound determination, Colwyn and Torquil deduce that the fire mares, a mythical breed of horse, can carry them swiftly to the fortress. Just as they reach the Iron Desert, they are met with fierce opposition from the Slayers as they urgently ascend the towering fortress.
Inside, the group is separated, and while Colwyn battles the deadly traps protecting the chambers, he ultimately finds access to the center, where Lyssa is held captive. Wielding the Glaive, Colwyn prepares to confront the Beast, but he soon realizes the weapon will not return to him unless he draws upon the power of their wedding flame. Reminded by Lyssa, he unleashes its energy upon the Beast. In a climactic battle, Colwyn vanquishes the creature, breaking the traps that ensnared his friends.
As the remnants of the fortress disintegrate into the cosmos, Colwyn and Lyssa exchange vows, sealing their destinies as they rise together to rule the galaxy with benevolence, fulfilling the long-awaited prophecy.
Krull Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Asteroid Arrival” to “Fulfilling the Prophecy”. 9 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Asteroid Arrival
A massive asteroid-like entity descends upon the planet Krull, altering its path unexpectedly. Upon landing, it releases a terrifying swarm of creatures known as Slayers, which unleash chaos on the world below.
Where:Krull
- 2
The Beast Emerges
The Slayers, led by the sinister Beast, emerge from the rocky fissures of the Black Fortress. Their attack devastates villages and cities, plunging Krull into fear and destruction.
Where:Black Fortress
- 3
Ynyr's Prophecy
Ynyr, a mysterious elder, shares a prophecy that foretells a young prince will rise to vanquish the Beast. This prophecy hints at a destiny that intertwines with the fate of Krull and its inhabitants.
- 4
Colwyn and Lyssa's Wedding
Prince Colwyn is set to marry his beloved, Lyssa, which is believed to be essential for fulfilling the prophecy. Amidst the wedding festivities, they prepare to ignite a magical flame to seal their union.
Where:Castle of Lyssa's Father
- 5
The Slayer Attack
Just as Colwyn and Lyssa prepare for their wedding ritual, the Slayers launch a brutal assault. During the chaos, Lyssa is captured, and both of their fathers are slain, leaving Colwyn gravely wounded.
Where:Castle
- 6
Healing and Revelations
Ynyr discovers the injured Colwyn and takes him to a safe place to heal. He reveals Colwyn's destiny as the prophesized savior, emphasizing the urgent need to rescue Lyssa from the Beast.
- 7
Seeking the Glaive
To fulfill the prophecy, Colwyn learns he must obtain the Glaive, a legendary weapon. With Ynyr's guidance, he embarks on a dangerous journey to retrieve it from the molten lava in the Granite Mountains.
Where:Granite Mountains
- 8
Encounter with Ergo
While venturing towards their next goal, Colwyn and Ynyr encounter Ergo the Magnificent, an ambitious sorcerer. He decides to join their quest, impressed by their resilience against the threats they face.
- 9
Emerald Seer's Vision
Arriving at the Emerald Seer’s home, they hope to receive guidance. However, their hopes are dashed when the Beast shatters the Seer's emerald gem, preventing him from foreseeing their path to the fortress.
- 10
The Widow of the Web
Ynyr seeks counsel from the Widow of the Web, a powerful figure with knowledge about the fortress's movements. She reveals the location of the fortress but warns Ynyr about the price he may have to pay for this knowledge.
Where:Widow's Lair
Show the other 4 events of Krull Hide the last 4 events
- 11
A Race Against Time
Determined to reach the fortress, Colwyn, Torquil, and their new allies use fire mares to hasten their journey. They race against time and the Slayers to conquer the fortress before it changes locations again.
Where:Iron Desert
- 12
Inside the Fortress
Upon reaching the Black Fortress, the group gets separated. Colwyn navigates through deadly traps, showcasing his bravery and determination as he searches for Lyssa in the lair of the Beast.
Where:Black Fortress
- 13
Confrontation with the Beast
Colwyn finally approaches the Beast, armed with the Glaive and the energy of their wedding flame. With support from Lyssa's encouragement, he harnesses this power to defeat the Beast in a climactic battle.
Where:Black Fortress
- 14
Fulfilling the Prophecy
With the Beast vanquished, Colwyn shatters the traps ensnaring his friends, setting them free. As the fortress crumbles around them, Colwyn and Lyssa exchange vows, stepping into their destined roles as rulers of the galaxy.
Who Are the Main Characters in Krull?
5 characters, among them Colwyn, Lyssa and Ynyr: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 3 of them link to the actor’s page.
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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
- L
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
- TB
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
- ET
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
Where and When Is Krull Set?
Krull is set in Krull, Black Fortress, Granite Mountains and Iron Desert. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
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.
Where
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
What Are the Themes of Krull?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Courage, Sacrifice and Destiny.
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01
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.
-
02
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.
-
03
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.
What Kind of Film Is Krull?
Hopeful in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Happy
An epic, high-stakes fantasy adventure characterized by relentless peril, heroic determination, and a mythic tone, where urgency and hope drive a classic quest against a monstrous evil.
- urgent
- epic
- heroic
- menacing
- hopeful
- perilous
- prophecy
- good versus evil
- quest
- rescue mission
Content notes: war violence, character deaths, kidnapping.
Quiz
How well do you remember Krull? Test yourself on the story.
