Pyrotechnic displays have always fascinated and captivated audiences around the world. The art of combining fireworks with creativity and spectacle has reached new heights in recent years. One such breathtaking display is the pyrotechnic witch display, which is a fusion of magic and fireworks. The pyrotechnic witch display is a unique and thrilling spectacle that combines the skill and precision of fireworks with the mystique and allure of witchcraft. This display takes the audience on a journey into a realm of fantasy and enchantment, as mesmerizing displays of fire shoot across the night sky. The display begins with a darkened stage, where an imposing silhouette of a witch appears.
The inscription “He is Odin’s man” is seen in a round half circle over the head of a figure on a golden bracteate unearthed in Vindelev, Denmark in late 2020. It is the oldest-known reference to the Norse god Odin. Image Creator: Arnold Mikkelsen, The National Museum of Denmark | Credit: AP
In March, Scandinavian scientists in Denmark announced the discovery of the oldest known runic reference to Odin, on a golden coin from the 5 th century. He has published four books of translations and is working on an educational text for helping readers learn how to read Old Norse literature like the Eddas and sagas.
The display begins with a darkened stage, where an imposing silhouette of a witch appears. As if casting a spell, she raises her wand, and with a dramatic flourish, the fireworks ignite. The night sky is suddenly ablaze with a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes, as the fireworks burst and dance in perfect harmony with music and lights.
Meet Norse Rune Expert, Jackson Crawford, PhD
2023 has been a big year for Norse runes. In January, the University of Oslo’s Museum of Cultural History announced the discovery of the oldest rune stone, up to 2,000 years old. In March, Scandinavian scientists in Denmark announced the discovery of the oldest known runic reference to Odin, on a golden coin from the 5 th century.
The inscription “He is Odin’s man” is seen in a round half circle over the head of a figure on a golden bracteate unearthed in Vindelev, Denmark in late 2020. It is the oldest-known reference to the Norse god Odin. Image Creator: Arnold Mikkelsen, The National Museum of Denmark | Credit: AP
Runes have fascinated scientists and the general public alike for centuries. Late medieval Scandinavians ascribed magical qualities to them, and a mystical aura surrounding runes survives to this day.
Yet runic is an alphabet, not a set of magical symbols. And one person at the forefront of runology in the English-speaking world, linguist Jackson Crawford, PhD, is helping to correct some long-standing misconceptions.
“A lot of what is preserved is storytelling,” Crawford states. “Icelanders in the 1200s were very interested in writing down their oral literature – stories of the bishops, of the kings of Norway, of the gods in poetry and prose, and stories of the pioneers in Iceland, which resemble our westerns.”
Crawford notes that plenty of workaday runes have been discovered. “Most of them are short,” he notes, “such as a name, a title, or a statement of ownership.”
Nevertheless, in recent years, Old Norse and runology have attracted thousands of enthusiasts, many of whom ascribe mystical value to the alphabet and go as far as seeing Norse as their personal religion. Crawford brings a career of academic study and teaching to the public, spreading the truth about runes.
Crawford describes a natural path in his life that led him to this field of study. “I was a big dinosaur kid, really,” he laughs. He grew up west of Denver, near a lot of fossil sites. “In middle school, when we got to choose a foreign language to study, I chose Latin because of the dinosaur names I knew.” He became interested in how languages change over time. The field of linguistics was a natural fit.
After his undergraduate years in Texas, Crawford received a Master’s degree in Georgia and his PhD from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He studied many languages in school, but specialized in Old Norse, partly, he quips, “because there were a lot of cool stories to read.”
From there, he taught at several prestigious universities, including UCLA, UC Berkeley, and the University of Colorado at Boulder. He has published four books of translations and is working on an educational text for helping readers learn how to read Old Norse literature like the Eddas and sagas.
During these years, Crawford also started a Youtube channel and quickly found a large public audience hungry for information about runes. Crawford has been a prolific creator of educational videos, boasting over 730 videos on his channel. To say it has been well received is an understatement; as of July 2023, he has 265,000 subscribers.
Crawford describes his Youtube channel as “real expertise in Norse language and myth, free of both ivory tower elitism and the agendas of self-appointed gurus.” He is passionate about cutting through pseudo-science and untruths.
“I always look forward to answering questions about runes and Norse myths, as well as sharing new discoveries and their context,” he says.
Crawford has transitioned to a career outside of academia as a writer, translator, consultant and educator. He is very grateful to his Patreon supporters for enabling this shift in his career. His consulting work includes working for movies like Frozen (he wrote the runes you see in the movie), television, and video games like Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla.
NHMU is proud to have welcomed Jackson Crawford, PhD, to speak on July 12, 2023. See a full list of all upcoming events at the Museum in Salt Lake City.
As the display progresses, the witch appears to control the fireworks with her wand, effortlessly orchestrating the explosions and formations. The audience is enthralled as they witness magical creatures like dragons and unicorns come to life through the fireworks. The sounds of roaring and galloping fill the air, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. The pyrotechnic witch display also incorporates elements of storytelling, with the fireworks mirroring the narrative of the witch's journey. The audience becomes engrossed in the magical tale, as they follow the witch through various challenges and triumphs, all symbolized by the breathtaking fireworks display. The display reaches its climax with a grand finale, where the sky becomes a canvas of vibrant colors and cascading patterns. The audience is left in awe as the fireworks explode in a synchronized symphony, filling the air with a deafening roar and a shower of sparks. The pyrotechnic witch display is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the artists and technicians who bring it to life. It showcases the power of pyrotechnics to evoke emotions and create a sense of wonder and awe. It is a display that leaves a lasting impression and creates memories that will be treasured for a lifetime..
Reviews for "Pyrotechnic witch displays: a spellbinding spectacle"
1. John - ★★☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with the "Pyrotechnic witch display" at the Halloween festival. While the pyrotechnics were impressive, the overall concept of the display felt disjointed and confusing. It seemed like a mishmash of elements without a cohesive story or theme. Additionally, the timing of the fireworks was off, which took away from the intended wow-factor. Overall, I expected more from a supposedly dazzling display that left me underwhelmed.
2. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
The "Pyrotechnic witch display" at the Halloween festival was a letdown for me. The fireworks were certainly eye-catching, but the lack of preparation and organization was evident. The witches' costumes were underwhelming, and their performance lacked finesse and synchronization. The whole show felt rushed and hastily put together. I was really hoping for an immersive and thrilling experience, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations.
3. Mike - ★☆☆☆☆
I have to say I was highly disappointed with the "Pyrotechnic witch display." The whole performance lacked creativity and originality. It seemed like a generic portrayal of witches, with no unique or memorable moments. The use of pyrotechnics was excessive and felt like a desperate attempt to make up for the lackluster performance. Overall, the show lacked substance and failed to captivate the audience. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable and memorable Halloween experience.
4. Emily - ★★☆☆☆
The "Pyrotechnic witch display" was a missed opportunity in my opinion. The potential was there, but the execution fell flat. The storytelling was weak, and the performance lacked depth and emotion. It felt more like a superficial spectacle rather than a genuine artistic display. The explosions and sparks were visually impressive, but there was no substance behind them. I expected more from a display that promised to combine pyrotechnics and witchcraft, but it ultimately left me feeling underwhelmed and disconnected.