The Dark Crystal (1982)

A dark fantasy film The Dark Crystal (1982), directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, tells the tale of two new races that emerged on the planet Thra a thousand years ago. This occurred after a Shard broke off from the Crystal of Truth. These races are known as the Skeksis, who use the corrupted Crystal to prolong their lives and the gentle Mystics, also known as urRu, who reside in the Valley of Stones, patiently awaiting their fate. UrSu, the leader of the Mystics, adopts Jen, a young Gelfling whose clan was killed by the cruel Skeksis. As the momentous Great Conjunction approaches, UrSu urges Jen to fulfill a prophecy that involves healing the Crystal by retrieving a Shard from Aughra. If Jen fails to complete this task before the convergence of Thra’s three suns, it will result in eternal dominion for the wicked Skeksis.

UrSu passes away, and at the same time, skekSo, the Emperor of the Skeksis, also meets his end. This leaves the throne of the Skeksis empty. In a ‘Trial by Stone’ for succession, skekSil, the Chamberlain, and skekUng, the General, challenge each other. After a fierce battle, skekUng emerges victorious and is declared the new emperor. Meanwhile, when news of Jen’s existence reaches them, the Skeksis send their army of giant Garthim creatures to capture him. The cunning skekSil follows closely behind. Jen seeks refuge with Aughra and enters her orrery – a device she uses to predict future events in the heavens. Aughra explains to Jen about the Conjunction and tasks him with selecting the correct Shard. However, before she can elaborate further on his mission, the Garthim attack and destroy her orrery. In a swift move, they capture Aughra while Jen makes his escape.