Date
8-29-2024
Department
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
Chair
Nelson Durrell
Keywords
screenplay, fantasy, Christmas
Disciplines
Creative Writing
Recommended Citation
Hamilton, Cole W., "Spirits of the Yule" (2024). Masters Theses. 1211.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/1211
Abstract
This thesis is a ninety-page screenplay in the fantasy-horror genre titled Spirits of the Yule.
The plot is set is set in Medieval England. The plot is about an abby of monks that is being terrorized by a species of demons called the Krampus. Their motivation is to revert the abby to its pagan roots so that the old gods can regain their power. The monks are aided by two supernatural figures—Nora, the queen of the elves, and Saint Nicholas, an immortal saint.
The most prominent monk in the screenplay is Eli. He beings as the story’s protagonist. Eli is a former priest who has fled from his church after a scandalous affair. Eli lives with hidden guilt, having had his illegitimate son die a few days after birth. Eli comes to White Rose Abbey to hide from the world, but soon finds himself being named the Father Abbot out of necessity. Eli is killed by Krampus midway through the script. After his death, Nora and Saint Nicholas replace him as the story’s main heroes.
Nora and Saint Nicholas represent the two opposing forces of the Christmas Season—the pagan and the Christian. Nora is initially resentful of Christianity for robbing her of her power, but she comes to accept that humanity has moved on from her culture. At the end of the story, Christianity becomes the dominant religion of Europe, and Nora and Krampus disappear into humanity’s subconscious. As she passes away, she gives Saint Nicholas her signet ring, giving him power over her sleeping servants.
