Willow Magical Moments: 5 Highlights from Chapter 3, “The Battle of the Slaughtered Lamb”

Join Lucasfilm.com every week for Willow Magical Moments, as we list and discuss highlights from each episode.

Spoiler warning: This article discusses details and plot points from Willow Chapter 3, “The Battle of the Slaughtered Lamb.”

Chapter 3 opens with a brief history of the Kymerian Cuirass, as told by Boorman, setting up a MacGuffin of sorts that he and Kit will pursue on their journey into the outer realm. Personal journeys begin for several characters as well, with Kit, Jade, and others forced to confront some difficult, unwelcome truths. Elora’s responsibility as the Chosen One — a calling she has resisted – comes more clearly into focus, and begins to give her the confidence and resolve that has so far eluded her. Away from the splendor of Tir Asleen and the warmth of the Nelwyn village, we are now traveling into some darker territory, both physically and emotionally. Here are five highlights.

1. The legend of the Kymerian Cuirass.

For Boorman and Kit, the search for the Kymerian Cuirass — magical armor that can shield the wearer from darkness — motivates much of their action in Chapter 3, aside from rescuing Elora Danan, of course. Kit is particularly intrigued — as are we — by the legend of the cuirass, primarily because it may have been found by her father, Madmartigan.

2. Elora — reluctant symbol of hope.

Elora is unsure what to make of her newfound identity as the prophesied savior of the realm, but comes a bit closer to understanding the awesome weight of that responsibility when she encounters two woodswomen in the forest. “You are a symbol of hope,” one of them tells her, “that no matter your creed nor size nor disposition, we all share the same world, breathe the same air, drink the same water. And we are obligated to protect it. And if need be, die for it.” We desperately want Elora to answer the call, and her encounter with the woodswomen feels like a possible turning point for her.

3. Kit’s journey begins.

As we’ve seen in the two previous parts, humility doesn’t come easily to Kit. After a candid conversation with Jade — who reveals she had been letting Kit win in their regular sparring matches — Kit is left confused, defiant, and likely feeling the very first stings of a bruised ego. A first step, we hope, to a bit of healthy self-reflection.

4. Willow the sorcerer.

Until now, the extent of Willow’s actual magical powers has been unclear. There have been some gentle signs of sorcery here and there, but even some of his comrades have quietly expressed doubt. At the Battle of the Slaughtered Lamb, however, Willow surprises us by conjuring a forceful blast from his staff that deals a critical blow to Ballantine and his men. We were glad to see Willow in top form, although the ordeal did seem to physically strain him…

5. Into Nockmaar.

While fans of the original Willow movie know Nockmaar to be a fortress of darkness and despair, we can’t help but feel a bit of nostalgia — and dread — when we see it in the closing shot. 

Visit Lucasfilm.com’s main Willow page for more on the series.