The Amulet of the Forsaken is a powerful artifact steeped in mystery and legend. Said to have been created by an ancient civilization long forgotten, it is believed to possess supernatural abilities and a curse that brings misfortune to its owner. The origins of the amulet are shrouded in secrecy, and only fragments of its history have been passed down through generations. Legends surrounding the amulet tell of a once prosperous and powerful kingdom that eventually fell victim to its own greed and arrogance. As the kingdom's downfall approached, a wise and revered ruler ordered the creation of the amulet, hoping that it would protect the kingdom and its people from impending doom. However, along with its protective powers, the amulet also harbored a dark force that cursed anyone who possessed it.
However, along with its protective powers, the amulet also harbored a dark force that cursed anyone who possessed it. According to myth, the amulet was imbued with the ability to grant the wearer incredible strength, wisdom, and protection. It was said to bring good fortune, ensuring victory in battle and success in endeavors.
Christmas at Disneyland Paris [#1] : A walk down Memory Lane – Let’s share Christmas memories with Yves Ben Yeta, Imagineer
Christmas is a special time to share precious moments with the ones we love, especially at Disneyland Paris. To put us in the holiday mood, we’ve asked Imagineers and Cast Members to share their most cherished Christmas memories with us. Today we have Yves Ben Yeta, Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering.
When was your first Christmas at Disneyland Paris?
My very first Christmas at Disneyland Paris was in 1992. We had barely recovered from finishing the construction and opening the Park when before we knew it, we were drawn into that dreamlike holiday mode! What a wonderful memory, but I especially remember the following Christmas where we participated directly and were asked to conceive a taller and more striking tree. Its metal structure was designed in Florida and when it arrived, I was impressed by its monumental dimensions. Just to be sure and in preparation for the future, as is often done at Disney, the engineer in charge of it, made it gigantic. Today, although the tree decorations have changed, the same structure is used.
Those first Christmases at Disneyland Paris were full of emotion for me. Everything we did, or almost everything we did, was new. Like the decorations on Main Street, U.S.A. When we went to the manufacturers to tell them how much material we needed, they had a hard time believing us. I recall that the number of garlands in the Park alone, represented enough to make a round trip from Paris to Disneyland!
The luminous arches of Main Street, U.S.A. are still among the most striking decorations in the history of Disneyland Paris! Can you tell us more about them?
These Christmas arches were inspired by the Italian tradition of the “Luminari” and made here in France. The motifs were directly linked to the Christmas tree, and in particular, the patterns of the snowflakes. The tree was lit first, and then went on to the arches reaching all the way to Central Plaza, touching the Sleeping Beauty Castle. This allowed for the two ends of Main Street, U.S.A. to be linked and create a single show. It was magnificent!
Another nice Christmas project was the “It’s a Small World” Celebration.
We called it “Celebration” because we had noticed that at this time of the year almost all the people of the world celebrate light. In Winter, the days get shorter but around Christmas time, the trend is reversed. Everywhere on the planet, people light bonfires or candles to reassure themselves: It’s Diwali in India or Hanukkah in Israel. There is a bond throughout all of humanity, whether we like it or not. Everywhere we see people divided but we prefer to focus on what can connect them, unite them. It was a complicated project because we didn’t want to make any mistakes. We contacted the cultural representatives of the embassies involved and collected authentic information about the various celebrations. The Costuming department did a remarkable job in making all the dolls’ outfits according to their respective local traditions.
What moves you most about Christmas in the Parks?
During this period, I love going to the Park very early in the morning. The sunrise is absolutely heavenly. The sky is beautiful and the sun outlines the silhouettes of the buildings like you’ve never seen. These are magical moments that I enjoy capturing with photography.
And there is also a nostalgic side of me. You know, from time to time, my job leads me to walk in the Park in order to look at the scenery and the lights. But, when I come at Christmas as a guest with my family, for me, the show is no longer the decor or the lights. It is the face of my granddaughter. Looking at her reactions, the twinkle in her eyes, the lights that illuminate her face… it’s just so very moving. I see my daughter in my granddaughter – I took her to the Park for Christmas almost 30 years ago and now, she’s reliving it all again, via her own daughter! For me, it’s a moment of marvel and nostalgia…an integral part of the magic of Christmas at Disneyland Paris.
What exactly is the secret of this Christmas magic, unique to Disneyland Paris?
I will tell you a personal anecdote. Several years ago, when my son was a little boy, I was lining up with him to take a picture with Santa Claus in a shopping center. He was very excited. We were moving forward little by little and at one point, when we were almost there, he said, “Let’s go!”. I was very surprised. We had waited half an hour and I was not going to leave now. However, he insisted, “It’ s not Santa Claus! Look at his shoes”! Indeed, “Santa” had all the rest of the costume, but my small little guy had noticed that his shoes did not go with the rest. So for him, it was obvious that it wasn’t the real thing. This story explains my attention to detail when it comes to creating the magic at Disneyland Paris. It is a constant preoccupation. Magic is all those little details that change and mean everything. Case in point, we are fortunate to have a park that is particularly abundant with lights, especially Main Street, U.S.A. This is as much due to the large Christmas garlands as it is to the small lights that run along the rooftops. They are discreet and simple, but they make all the difference. There are also all our chimneys and fireplaces. With all of the fireplaces in the stores, restaurants and the chimneys on the rooftops, it was the designers’ strong desire to have as many as possible because they create a warm and friendly environment. During winter, when it’s cold and we arrive at someone’s house, we take off our coats and are offered a hot chocolate while we warm up in front of the fireplace. This is a detail, but it is also essential to bring the magic of Christmas to life.
What is your Christmas wish?
For me, it’s pretty obvious: Good health, ending this crisis as quickly as possible and returning to a normal life to enjoy the simple things. Being able to see your children, your friends, hugging your loved ones, walking in the Park… A crisis like this one teaches us that what we take for granted, what seems natural and obvious to us are in fact, not to be taken for granted. That’s why we need to refocus on what is really important. Starting with ….. Merry Christmas!
Those first Christmases at Disneyland Paris were full of emotion for me. Everything we did, or almost everything we did, was new. Like the decorations on Main Street, U.S.A. When we went to the manufacturers to tell them how much material we needed, they had a hard time believing us. I recall that the number of garlands in the Park alone, represented enough to make a round trip from Paris to Disneyland!
However, this power came at a hefty price. The amulet was cursed, and anyone who possessed it would face the wrath of calamity and tragedy. Throughout the centuries, the amulet was passed from one unlucky owner to the next, each one experiencing an unending chain of misfortunes. Tales of lost kingdoms, failed revolutions, and untimely deaths filled the stories associated with the amulet. It is said that those who sought it were driven to madness by their desire for power and immortality, only to meet a tragic end. As time passed, the knowledge of the amulet's existence faded into obscurity. Many believed it to be nothing more than a myth or legend. However, there are still those who continue to search for the amulet, hoping to unlock its true power or break the curse. Some believe that the amulet's power can be harnessed for good, if only the curse can be lifted. Though the Amulet of the Forsaken remains elusive and its true powers remain a mystery, it continues to captivate the imaginations of people across the world. Whether it is a symbol of hope or a harbinger of doom, the amulet's legend lives on, reminding us of the consequences that can come from wielding unchecked power and the importance of learning from the mistakes of the past..
Reviews for "The Eternal Sacrifice of the Amulet of the Forsaken"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I really wanted to like "Amulet of the Forsaken" because I'm a fan of fantasy novels, but I was ultimately disappointed. The writing felt flat and unengaging, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. The plot also felt disjointed and lacked depth. Overall, I found the book to be a mediocre read that didn't live up to its potential.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - "Amulet of the Forsaken" was a complete letdown for me. I found the story to be incredibly predictable and filled with clichés. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real development or growth. I struggled to stay engaged throughout the book and felt no emotional attachment to the events or outcome. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating fantasy read.
3. Robert - 2/5 stars - As an avid reader of fantasy novels, I was excited to dive into "Amulet of the Forsaken." However, I was sadly disappointed by what I found. The world-building was weak, the magic system felt underdeveloped, and the pacing was all over the place. The book seemed to jump from one action scene to another without allowing for any meaningful character development or exploration of the lore. Overall, the book lacked the depth and complexity I look for in a good fantasy novel.
4. Emily - 3/5 stars - While there were some elements of "Amulet of the Forsaken" that I enjoyed, it fell short of my expectations. The writing was average at best, and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. The plot had potential but ultimately felt rushed and poorly executed. Additionally, the romance subplot felt forced and lacked chemistry. Overall, "Amulet of the Forsaken" had its moments, but it failed to leave a lasting impression.