The 30 for 30 series is a collection of documentary films produced by ESPN that focuses on captivating sports stories. One of the episodes in this series is titled "Orlando Magic." This episode dives into the intriguing story of the Orlando Magic basketball team during the 1990s, specifically focusing on their rise to prominence and their heartbreaking failures. The episode starts by highlighting the early days of the Orlando Magic franchise. Founded in 1989, the team quickly gained attention with the acquisition of two young talents, Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway. These two players became the heart and soul of the team and helped bring national recognition to the Magic.
Some years you may choose to spend Yule in a cabin with only a fire to warm you, as our ancestors did. But if this is not possible or comfortable for you, be sure to at least contemplate your ancestors and the hardships they had to endure at this time of year in the frigid climes of Northern Europe, so that you could one day have the better life you have now.
You can also admire the trees of your non-Heathen friends and relatives, knowing that they are unwittingly supporting the spurned beliefs of their ancestors as well. The ancient Norse and Germanic culture highly valued the idea of A Gift for a Gift, so do your best to match the gifts given to you by others in turn.
These two players became the heart and soul of the team and helped bring national recognition to the Magic. As the documentary unfolds, it delves into the team's incredible success in the mid-1990s. With a combination of O'Neal's dominant presence in the paint and Hardaway's flashy playmaking abilities, the Magic became one of the most formidable teams in the NBA.
Celebrate Yule like a Norseman!
If anyone would like trying to celebrate Yule/Júl this year, here is what I usually do:
- The night before the Winter Solstice (December 20th most years, it's actually the 21st this year since next year is a Leap Year), Sunna, the driver of the sun chariot, undertakes her darkest ride, leaving the world without her light for the longest night of the year. The Ancient Germanic and Norse people would typically light a Yule log, and keep it tended from sunset to sunrise. The collective light from all of the Yule logs across Midgard is said to help Sunna find her way back to the sky, with Sköll Fenrirsson hot on her heels, as the Solstice dawns.
If you don't have a fireplace or cannot get a log (and let's face it, it's harder than it used to be in the developed world), you can use a candle instead. It's important in honoring the tradition to keep the candle lit until the sun has risen on the 21st (or 22nd in the case of this year.) It is also important that your fire be, if not outside, at least close to a window where Sunna can see it. Even if you are not a literal believer in gods and goddesses (like myself), this is the proper way to honor our ancestors' traditions.
2. After Mother's Night, the 12 Days of Yule begin. This is a time of togetherness with your loved ones and celebration, having seen through the darkest moment of winter. After the Solstice, each day grows brighter than the last, and even in our modern age of electric heating and lighting, that is cause for celebration.
Some years you may choose to spend Yule in a cabin with only a fire to warm you, as our ancestors did. But if this is not possible or comfortable for you, be sure to at least contemplate your ancestors and the hardships they had to endure at this time of year in the frigid climes of Northern Europe, so that you could one day have the better life you have now.
Some things to do during Yule:
- Sit around and have some meaningful discussions with the people close to you. The internet and Reddit will still be here when Yule is over, so try to make this a time with fewer menial distractions. Write or tell a story, sing some songs- anything you can do as a group that fosters a sense of community.
- Put up a tree. The "Christmas Tree" originally had nothing to do with Christmas whatsoever. Our Germanic and Norse ancestors were decorating evergreens during Yule long before the Christians showed up. In the Old Tradition, it is meant to represent Yggdrassil, the world tree that holds up the Nine Worlds of lore. You can also admire the trees of your non-Heathen friends and relatives, knowing that they are unwittingly supporting the spurned beliefs of their ancestors as well.
- Drink some hot, spiced mead. Trust me, you will thank me later.
- Give and receive gifts. This is another tradition that predates Christianity among our ancestors. The ancient Norse and Germanic culture highly valued the idea of "A Gift for a Gift," so do your best to match the gifts given to you by others in turn. and don't give a gift that will be too difficult for the receiver to reciprocate.
- If you would like, you could try to enact a Blot/Faining to the gods and the Vaettir (wights/spirits) of the land around your house. Again, you don't have to be theistic to do this. The act honors your ancestors' traditions, even if you don't literally believe in supernatural forces. And if you do, that's great. With how little we really know about the universe, you might even be right.
I hope you find these tips helpful! Feel free to add your own!
EDIT: My use of the term "ancestors" is not meant to exclude anyone from participating on the basis of blood. If you are celebrating Yule in the first place, then the ancient Germanic and Norse pagans are at least your cultural ancestors, if not your genetic ones. Most Christians aren't Jewish/Semitic, after all.
Some things to do during Yule:
They reached the NBA Finals in 1995, but unfortunately fell short to the Houston Rockets. One of the most iconic moments in Magic history is explored in this episode as well. This moment is, of course, the infamous "Nick Anderson free throws." In the 1995 NBA Finals, with a chance to seal the game and give the Magic their first championship, Anderson missed four consecutive free throws. This turn of events proved to be a pivotal moment in the series, as the Magic ultimately lost and failed to capture the championship. The documentary also delves into the Magic's subsequent struggles after losing O'Neal to the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency. The team faced numerous obstacles, including injuries and a changing roster, leading to a decline in their performance. However, it also highlights the resilience of the franchise and their ability to bounce back, showcasing the team's later successful seasons. Overall, the "Orlando Magic" episode of the 30 for 30 series provides a comprehensive and engaging look into the rise and fall of this dynamic basketball team. It highlights the highs and lows of the franchise, as well as the impact that certain players had on the team's success. This episode is a must-watch for any basketball fan, offering a captivating journey through the history of the Orlando Magic..
Reviews for "The Influence of Coach Stan Van Gundy on the Orlando Magic"
- Jane_Doe - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with the "30 for 30 Orlando Magic" documentary. I felt like it focused too much on the players' personal lives and not enough on the actual games and their impact on the basketball scene. It felt more like a reality show than a sports documentary. I was really hoping to learn more about the team's strategy and the challenges they faced, but it just didn't deliver. Overall, it lacked substance and didn't live up to my expectations.
- John_Smith - 1/5 stars - I couldn't stand the "30 for 30 Orlando Magic" documentary. It felt like a complete waste of time. The editing was choppy, the narration was dull, and the overall storytelling was dry. It didn't engage me at all, and I found myself losing interest within the first 15 minutes. I would not recommend this to anyone looking for a captivating sports documentary. Save your time and watch something else.
- Sarah123 - 2/5 stars - I was really looking forward to watching "30 for 30 Orlando Magic," but it fell short of my expectations. The documentary seemed unorganized with too many random interviews that didn't provide any real insight. The narrative lacked focus and failed to truly capture the excitement and drama of the Orlando Magic's journey. It was a missed opportunity to tell a compelling story about the team's rise and fall. Overall, it felt like a wasted opportunity to provide a deeper understanding of this significant moment in basketball history.