This week we cover Disney’s biggest animated flop, which became a cult classic and has a prime space in our hearts, The Black Cauldron. This movie subverts classic fantasy tropes about destiny, teaching us that nothing is written in stone. The story turns the usual prophecy narrative on its head, not only by having an oracular pig, but also by placing the focus on the problem to be solved, and not on a chosen one. We like the idea that anyone could rise up to face a problem and become a hero along with their friends and allies they meet along the way. We also talk about the cool magical artifacts in the movie, all of which seem to have a mind of their own, as well as beings that are so evil and so wizard. And we ask the important questions like, Which came first, the cauldron or the ring? Listen, and enjoy. (sound effects courtesy of zapsplat.com)
