Long live all the magic we made. This phrase holds within it the essence of nostalgia and celebration of cherished memories. It speaks to the power of shared experiences, creativity, and moments that leave an everlasting impact on our lives. "Long live all the magic we made" reminds us of the times when we came together to create something extraordinary. It could be the friendships we formed and the bonds we built, or the projects we collaborated on and the dreams we pursued. It encapsulates the energy and passion we invested in those endeavors, and the profound joy that resulted from our collective efforts.
In Iceland, the midwinter holiday known as jól—a version of the Old English and Old Germanic word Yule, which describes this time of gathering together, feasting and celebrating and which evolved into modern Christmas—is generally darker than in the U.S. (and not just because the sun barely comes out during that time of year). According to Gunnell, the earliest celebrations of the season were viewed as a time not only to bring together relatives, living and deceased, but also elves, trolls and other magical and spooky creatures believed to inhabit the landscape. Sometimes these figures would visit in the flesh, as masked figures going around to farms and houses during the season.
One reads, Here comes Grýla, down in the field, with fifteen tails on her, while another describes, Down comes Grýla from the outer fields With forty tails A bag on her back, a sword knife in her hand, Coming to carve out the stomachs of the children Who cry for meat during Lent. From Parks and Recreation star Aubrey Plaza and creative partner Dan Murphy comes the long lost tale of the Christmas Witch, Santa Claus s much misunderstood twin sister.
It encapsulates the energy and passion we invested in those endeavors, and the profound joy that resulted from our collective efforts. This phrase also represents the belief in the enduring nature of these moments. It acknowledges that the magic we created continues to exist, even if circumstances change or time passes.
THE LEGEND OF THE CHRISTMAS WITCH
An original legend is introduced in the familiar style of a fairy tale.
The titular tale has been “forgotten to time,” but Kristtörn was once as well known as her long-lost brother, Kristoffer, or Santa Claus. Abandoned as infants, the twins are looked after by animals in the forest until the day Kristoffer is carried off by a well-meaning childless couple, who raise him in a village. Kristtörn weeps bitterly and is found by a witch, who raises her in the forest and teaches her to use her magic, warning her to hide it from people, lest she be targeted. When Kristtörn is seen healing an animal, a mob forms to find her and burn her. She says goodbye to her adopted mother and sets off in search of her brother. After a dangerous journey, she ends up at the wrong pole. Learning that he travels the world on Christmas Eve, Kristtörn spends years searching for him, but when she finds him, they are separated by angry townspeople wishing to destroy her. Kristtörn’s temper is her downfall, but readers are left to wonder whether her return will be vengeful or conciliatory. In a story that pairs the popular holiday with the pagan background of Yuletide, questions of intolerance and human flaws offer interesting layers to ponder and discuss. Dark illustrations echo themes of winter nights and ancient European villages. All human characters present White. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A well-written and thought-provoking tale. (Picture book. 4-9)
Pub Date: Nov. 16, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-593-35080-5
Page Count: 56
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2021
January 6th is also known as La Befana. In Italian folklore, Befana is an old soot-covered woman or witch who delivers presents to Italian children on the night before La Befana (Epiphany Eve).
It recognizes that the impact of these experiences is not bound by temporal limits, but rather continues to resonate in our hearts and minds, shaping who we are. In celebrating the magic we made, we honor our collective achievements and reinforce the importance of cherished memories. The phrase encourages us to cherish our past accomplishments, learning from them, and finding inspiration to create new magic in the present and future. It serves as a reminder that magic is not limited to wizards or fairy tales. It can be found in the everyday actions, creative endeavors, and genuine connections we forge with others. Long live all the magic we made signifies that the essence of that magic lives on within us and will continue to do so as long as we remember and appreciate it. In conclusion, "Long live all the magic we made" encapsulates the sentiment of treasuring the memories and accomplishments we have created with others. It encourages us to take pride in our shared experiences, celebrate the magic we have made, and continue to seek and create new enchanting moments in our lives..
Reviews for "The Spellbinding Journey: Reflecting on the Magic We've Experienced"
1. Samantha - 2 stars - I was really hoping to enjoy "Long live all the magic we made" since I'm a fan of fantasy novels, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the characters lacked depth. I couldn't connect with any of them, which made it difficult to care about the outcome of their journey. Additionally, the world-building felt underdeveloped, leaving me confused about certain aspects of the story. Overall, it just wasn't the magical adventure I was expecting.
2. John - 2 stars - I found "Long live all the magic we made" to be quite tiresome. The plot dragged on, and the writing style was overly dense and flowery. I struggled to stay engaged and ended up skimming through several chapters just to get to the end. The main characters were clichéd, and their interactions felt forced. I was hoping for an epic fantasy tale, but instead, I was left disappointed with a mediocre and forgettable read.
3. Rachel - 1 star - "Long live all the magic we made" was a complete letdown. The writing was filled with excessive descriptions that slowed down the plot to a snail's pace. The dialogue felt unnatural and stilted, making it difficult to believe in the characters' emotions or motivations. I couldn't connect with any of the protagonists and found myself bored throughout most of the book. Overall, it lacked the enchantment and excitement promised by its title and left me unimpressed. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating fantasy read.
4. Michael - 2 stars - As a fan of the genre, I was excited to dive into "Long live all the magic we made", but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The prose was unnecessarily complicated, often sacrificing clarity for flowery language. I found myself constantly rereading sentences just to make sense of them. The plot meandered and lacked a clear direction, making it difficult for me to stay engaged. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity to create a truly captivating and immersive fantasy world.