It's early Halloween afternoon, as the town of Wincharm celebrates Halloween....
Creepathon's radio show hosts, Jeremy and Gab, learn about Samhain, the ancient festival of the dead and just how familiar their small town might be with this celebration…
The local werewolves visit Mildred for their magical libation before the full moon rises.
And Duncan moves deeper into the caves by himself - heading straight to what might be his hardest confrontation yet.
It's early Halloween afternoon, as the town of Wincharm celebrates Halloween....
Creepathon's radio show hosts, Jeremy and Gab, learn about Samhain, the ancient festival of the dead and just how familiar their small town might be with this celebration…
The local werewolves visit Mildred for their magical libation before the full moon rises.
And Duncan moves deeper into the caves by himself - heading straight to what might be his hardest confrontation yet.
You Can Do Magic - Episode 8
Paranormal Radio Show with Professor of Ancient Religions
at the local radio station,
JEREMY
Good afternoon dear listeners! We hope your Halloween has gotten off to a good start! In fact, we’re now 5 hours away from our Halloween costume contest!
And I’ve got a good joke for you!
Hey Gab, Why don’t mummies have friends?
GAB
Hmm…I don’t know…I’m terrible at this!
JEREMY
Because they’re too wrapped up in themselves! (chuckles)
GABRIEL
(chuckles) That was actually a good one this time, Jeremy
JEREMY
Thanks…I guess?
GABRIEL
Wait, I have a joke for you…
JEREMY
Ok….go ahead.
GABRIEL
How do you fix a broken jack-o’-lantern?
JEREMY
Hmm-
GABRIEL
With a pumpkin patch! (Ha, Ha)
JEREMY
Anyway, we have a very interesting guest coming onto the show today.
Her name is Doctor Elise Rocheleau, and she is a world-renowned expert and professor of Religion and History at Columbia University.
Her book, “Into the Shadows: Uncovering Pagan Religions,” is already a bestseller, and very popular among academics and occult crowds alike.
Please give a nice warm welcome to… Doctor Elise Rocheleau!
PROFESSOR
Hello. I’m glad to be on the show. If I had known that you both would be in costume, I would’ve come wearing mine!
I have a wonderful costume planned for tonight: Freya, the Nordic goddess of love and battle! Queen of the underworld and master of a shamanic magic known as seidr. She rode a chariot driven by cats and had a cloak of falcon feathers that gave her the power to fly. She knew how to get around.
JEREMY
She sounds like a witch…
PROFESSOR
Perhaps. And by the way Jeremy, my name is pronounced…(rolling R) Rocheleau
JEREMY
My mistake, Professor..(rolling R) Rocheleau
PROFESSOR
When your Aunt called and said you were hosting this “Cr(rolling R)eepathon at her station, I knew I had to be a part of it!
And I haven’t seen your Aunt since our days studying experimental dance and beat poetry at NYU!
GAB
Wow, that’s so cool!
PROFESSOR
(Reminiscing)
Yes, it was a crazy time in Greenwich Village, your Aunt and I sure created quite a stir!
JEREMY
Uhhh so, back to Halloween.
What can you tell us about the ancient origins of this spooky holiday?
PROFESSOR
Well Jeremy, Halloween as we know it today can be traced back to the ancient celebration - Samhain: festival of the dead. Or
the Witches' New Year.
GAB
Huh…New year? In October?
PROFESSOR
For the ancient Celts, their calendar year was quite different from our modern one. It was based around agriculture. It was divided into two halves — Beltane was the light half of the year: the beginning of the growing season. And Sawhain marked the dark half of the year: the end of the harvest season and the coming of winter.
JEREMY
hmmm….this interview is proving to be surprisingly educational!
PROFESSOR
I’m full of surprises. Let me tell you about the veil!
GAB
What veil?
PROFESSOR
Well, it was believed that Samhain was that special time of the year when the veil between the world of the living and the dead would grow thin, allowing the living to communicate with loved ones who had passed on.
JEREMY
Fascinating!
PROFESSOR
With the veil at its thinnest, those from the underworld could easily cross between the realms and enter our world. The Samhain rituals welcomed and honored deceased loved ones and thwarted off the evil spirits who meant to do them harm.
GAB
What were these rituals?
PROFESSOR
To make sure that their livestock did not die during the harsh winter, food and drink were often left as offerings for the spirits. Bonfires were also burned as a protective measure from evil.
JEREMY
What about trick or treating? Or other Halloweeny traditions?
PROFESSOR
Tricks and pranks were often played, and blamed on the fairies and spirits. People also wore disguises to protect them from being kidnapped by the fairies and went door to door, reciting verse in exchange for food. In the Middle Ages, it was called “mumming.”
The Celts would also carve scary faces in turnips to ward off bad spirits. These were called “neep lanterns”. When the Irish began coming to America, they brought the tradition with them-with one significant change: pumpkins became the preferred vegetable with the candle placed inside. Voila: the modern jack-o-lantern!
GAB
It’s so interesting - how similar and different our modern day Halloween is from… Samhain?
JEREMY
You’ve got that right, Gab…so let’s carry the spirit of Samhain with us tonight…maybe while you rifle through all that Halloween candy? And keep an eye out for those otherworldly visitors from the veil (laughs)
PROFESSOR
It is important to know that many still celebrate it.
JEREMY
Really?
PROFESSOR
Indeed. This is no archaic celebration. Many people across the world have kept Samhain alive to this very day!
Wiccans, pagans, witches– and all kinds of subsets and niche groups!
JEREMY
Do you think they exist in our little town?
PROFESSOR
Most definitely!
GAB
Wow!
JEREMY
This is getting really interesting but we’re going to have to cut it short for a brief commercial break – we’ll be right back to talk more with the Professor, so make sure to tune in!
Shake, Rattle, and Roll
Early Afternoon Oct 31 - WITCHES AND WEREWOLVES
(Noises in the Mildred's kitchen)
NERO the cat: (yawning)
What’s with all the noise, Mildred! You interrupted my beauty sleep!
MILDRED:
You know it’s the full moon. And that means I have to make my special Bite-No-More Smoothies for the boys. Not only loaded with vitamins, it does the job!
NERO the cat:
I hope so ….three werewolves in one town is quite enough!
After you finish, can you make your tasty SharkTail shake for moi?
It’ll help me keep my stamina for the party tonight.
MILDRED:
All right…. after I finish this.
WHIRRING OF BLENDERS
Cut to
(DRIVING SOUNDS the 3 men: Brad, John and Gorge are in car, Brad is driving)
BRAD:
We’re almost at Mildred's. Do you have your clothes for the party?
JOHN:
Yea, I brought my threads.
GEORGE:
And I have my scissors and razor for touch-ups when we wolf out. Gotta look good for the party.
BRAD:
Here we are.
(in front of Mildred’s house, we hear car stop, people opening car doors and steps outside, leaves blowing)
JOHN:
You know guys, I’m not a big fan of Mildred’s Smoothies.
GEORGE:
Well, I like them, and one drink stops me from biting my neighbors!
BRAD:
Doesn’t matter if we like the drink or not, it keeps our families and community safe from the Big Bad Wolves… US.
JOHN
Yea, true.
They walk to the house, climb up the front stairs, they ring the bell, Monty the crow flies down to greet them.
MONTY:
Hello boys, is it howling time again?
JOHN:
Hey Monty, find any road kill lately!
MONTY:
I got a joke that’ll have your tail wagging, John.
Where do werewolves hate to shop?
JOHN:
I don't know, where?
MONTY:
The Flea Market!
Monty laughs and flies off.
JOHN
Ha, Ha, Very funny, Monty. Very funny.
They open the door and walk into Mildred’s house.
THEY WALK INTO KITCHEN
BRAD:
Hi Mildred, How are you today?
MILDRED:
Great Brad! So many things to do… and so little time!
BRAD:
Yeah, you must be real busy getting ready for the big night tonight!
MILDRED:
You bet! We hope you’ll like this year’s conjuring!
BRAD:
I’m sure we will.
(pause)
Are our special drinks ready?”
MILDRED:
All done. (pours the drinks in glass)
Here you go boys.
she hands each one a drink
MILDRED:
John
JOHN:
Down the hatch!
He gulps it down
MILDRED:
George, here’s yours.
GEORGE
Beberse todo!
note
(Sounds like https://www.spanishdict.com/translate/beberse%20todo)
He gulps it down
MILDRED:
And yours, Brad
BRAD:
May the moon shine brightly and keep the beast at bay!
He gulps it down
JOHN:
Hey, that wasn’t half bad this time!
MILDRED: laughs
You’re always complaining about it, so I thought I would try something new to sweeten it up.
GEORGE:
Thanks Mildred.
Ya know, If it wasn’t for this magic potion, we would be just a pack of hungry wolves tonight!
THE BOYS HOWL AND LAUGH as they leave the house
NERO hops in the kitchen
They’re all growl and no bite now!
My smoothie, Mildred?
MILDRED
I didn’t forget.
Starts making his smoothie
How delightful we have a full moon this Halloween.
All the more powerful to make magic!
Here you go Nero!
(we hear Nero lapping up his smoothie)
After this, we must prepare to meet with the coven at the old mansion.
The Riddle
LORD STAGDAZZ
We’re near the Halls, I’m afraid your friends, the witches, can go no further.
STORM
Why not?
LORD STAGDAZZ
Why? …Only those from the other realms may enter.
DUNCAN
Turns to the witches
Storm, Electra, thank you lassies.
I will tell my Grandfather, all that you have done to help save the tree.
He was wrong about this land. I couldn’t have gone this far without ye.
I guess…. This is goodbye. Electra, I’m…
ELECTRA
No, not goodbye, Duncan…. let’s just say…. see you later.
STORM
Good luck Duncan! If you ever need us, you know where to find us.
LORD STAGDAZZ
Geezee will see to it that you get back to the surface safely.
GEEZEE
Follow me.
Sound of footsteps going into the distance
DUNCAN calls out to the witches
Tell Vince, I’m sorry I missed the party.
LORD STAGDAZZ
Duncan, I’m sorry your witchy friends had to leave, but this next step…can only be you alone.
DUNCAN
What is this “next step”?
LORD STAGDAZZ
You see, appearances can be… deceiving….One would never know … this mountain, well, looking at this mountain. It has a long history … going way back… eons they say. A quite destructive volcano it was. Those from the other realm channeled together its immense power… this is important hmmm yes…to a magical one, hidden in its deepest cavern. We called this place, The Halls of Mirrors.
It has walls of the blackest obsidian. At one point it was lava, now this glassy stone channels its power into the ability… to see deep within those who enter. Lies will be seen for what they are. Only those with the truest hearts may be granted to pass through to the next stage.
DUNCAN
I’ve got nothin’ to hide. I’m as honest as they come!
LORD STAGDAZZ
Just remember Dragon, Yes? …the Halls will show you for who you truly are.
DUNCAN
I’m ready.
LORD STAGDAZZ
Very well. This is where our paths diverge.
Ahh, Duncan, May strength and magic be on your side.
Now I will say good-bye and… bon chance, yes?
You will know when The Halls have sensed your presence.
Sound of footsteps going into the distance
DUNCAN
Where ya going? ….Sensed my presence?
Sound of rock crackling and moving
Och! Another sliding door!
VOICE IN THE CAVE
Enter, my young dragon
DUNCAN
I was told I’d be tested - are ye who will judge me?
VOICE IN THE CAVE
Look around, these halls will show every fragment of what makes you, you.
DUNCAN
I can’t see anything!
VOICE IN THE CAVE
Be patient, youngling, your eyes will adjust… and you will see… what the light cannot. Step more into the hall.
Duncan steps blindly into the hall. Pause as Duncan adjusts and then is hit with an image
DUNCAN
I see… I see a light, it’s a ball of fire! It’s getting larger - and brighter!
Sound of fire growing
And I see–the fire forming something, a shape – it’s me!
And surrounding me… my clan!
They all look happy to see me.
And my Grandfather – he’s giving me the amulet!
VOICE IN THE CAVE
Duncan… your loyalty to your clan and to your friends is an immense strength.
DUNCAN
Now,....all I see is fire - all around me! It is getting higher and glowing brighter! It’s too high and it feels too hot!
Sound of fire crackling loudly
VOICE IN THE CAVE
That same passion can also cause you to erupt. You have quite a temper. An explosive one at that… it may be your undoing…
DUNCAN
What’s this? …. Ahh, it's me – I’m next to Yggrdrasil ….and there’s Electra! And Storm! Vince! Mildred!…and others I don’t recognize… they’re standing around me. They are looking at me.
VOICE IN THE CAVE
You have the makings of a great warrior… and a leader!
DUNCAN
I see a long shadow creeping towards me, now it’s all dark, …everyone’s gone –where are they? There’s only me… I look tiny in an immense darkness. What happened?
VOICE IN THE CAVE
You believe that you alone must bear the weight of saving Yggdrasil…Let go of your pride. Accept help from friends and allies.
DUNCAN
I-I understand…
VOICE IN THE CAVE
Many who have entered these halls could not bear to see their true selves exposed. Your true commitment to saving Erce makes you worthy.
There is one more thing you must undertake. It will lead you to what you seek.
DUNCAN
Another test?
VOICE IN THE CAVE
Listen carefully, young one.
Where the living must stand the rest lie down,
Allover eternal stillness does resound.
A lone angel hovers in the sky,
Guarded by a pair of hounds who cry,
The otherworldly and light of night,
Will open up to invite.
You must step in, to step down
Thus your journey will enwound.
What you seek is down the stairs,
But be ready and beware!
DUNCAN
A riddle? Ahhhhh, I’m such a choob when it comes to solvin’ em…
I’ve passed all yer other tests!
Can’t ye – well, can’t ye just tell me the way…? For Ygdrassil?
VOICE IN THE CAVE
It is your journey, Duncan.
DUNCAN
Well, failing means yer still playing, so I’ll take a crack at yer riddle!
And uhh, thank ye for yer spiritual guidance, but could ye at least show me the door?
Sound of a massive stone slab lifting
VOICE IN THE CAVE
What you will need most will always be right next to you, Duncan.
Sound of footsteps echoing as Duncan leaves the Hall
DUNCAN
under his breath
OK, yet another riddle! Pure dead brilliant!
I better find me witches.