64.81.162.106 (talk) |
Cute koala (talk | contribs) |
||
Line 280: | Line 280: | ||
== External links == |
== External links == |
||
* {{imdb character|0011866}} |
* {{imdb character|0011866}} |
||
*[http://www.kidzworld.com/article/16222-the-neverending-story-book-review/ The Neverending Story Book Review] |
|||
{{The NeverEnding Story}} |
{{The NeverEnding Story}} |
Revision as of 16:54, 28 March 2009
This article lists character information from the book The Neverending Story and the movie adaptations of the same name.
Bastian Balthazar Bux
Bastian Balthazar Bux | |
---|---|
First appearance | The Neverending Story |
Created by | Michael Ende |
Portrayed by | Barret Oliver Jonathan Brandis Jason James Richter Christopher Bell Mark Rendall |
Bastian Balthazar Bux is the main protagonist of the story. Bastian is a shy, bookish boy who is mourning the recent death of his mother. During a visit to an antique bookstore, he steals a curious-looking book titled The Neverending Story, and upon reading it he finds himself literally drawn into the story.
Halfway through the book, Bastian becomes a character in The Neverending Story, in a world called Fantastica ("Fantasia" in the movies, which is closer to the German original "Phantásien"). He is bestowed the magical amulet Auryn, which allows his wishes to be granted. As the story progresses, Bastian slowly loses his memories of the real world as his wishes carry him throughout Fantastica. Deluded by the witch Xayide, he betrays the Empress and attacks the Ivory Tower, nearly killing Atreyu and forgetting everything about his true identity. With the help of Falkor and Atreyu, he returns to reality a better person; capable of loving, which was his deepest desire, and bringing to his father tears: the Water of Life. Bastian and Coreander exchange tales of their adventures in Fantastica, and Coreander reveals that a person can return to Fantastica as many times as they can think of new names for the Childlike Empress, and predicts Bastian will show others the way to Fantastica.
He has been portrayed by five different actors:
- 1984: Barret Oliver in The Neverending Story.
- 1990: Jonathan Brandis in The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter.
- 1994: Jason James Richter in The Neverending Story III.
- 1996: Christopher Bell provided the voice of the character in The Neverending Story animated series.
- 2001: Mark Rendall in Tales from the Neverending Story
Carl Conrad Coreander
Carl Conrad Coreander | |
---|---|
First appearance | The Neverending Story |
Created by | Michael Ende |
Portrayed by | Thomas Hill |
Carl Conrad Coreander (Karl Konrad Koriander in German) is a seemingly grumpy shopkeeper who meets Bastian early on in the narrative. The name of his bookstore makes for the first words in the novel, the heading of the prologue being "skooB dlO srednaeroC darnoC lraC", the store name when viewed through the window from the inside outwards. Bastian finds The Neverending Story in his store, a book Coreander was in the middle of reading. While distracted with a telephone call, Bastian steals it and takes it to school with him. The novel makes it clear that Mr. Coreander is one of the few humans who has been to Fantastia. Towards the end of the novel, he and Bastian share telling the stories of their adventures to one another. Both he and Bastian share the oddity of triple letter initials, an insight into their mutual connection to Fantastia.
In the first film, the character's name is spelled Koreander.[1] In the television series, Tales from the Neverending Story, he is a more kindly figure who functions in a double role as a wizard in Fantastia, where he is called "the Curiosity". Coreander is portrayed by Thomas Hill in the first movie, and was the only actor who reprised his role in the second movie.
Atreyu
Atreyu | |
---|---|
Noah Hathaway as Atreyu | |
First appearance | The Neverending Story |
Created by | Michael Ende |
Portrayed by | Noah Hathaway Kenny Morrison Tyler Hynes |
Atreyu (Atréju in German) is a secondary protagonist to the story, being the protagonist of the mysterious book that Bastian reads. To the audience, he is a metafictional character, existing fictionally and within the reality of the book itself.
He is a young Greenskin warrior from the Grassy Plains. His parents were killed by a purple buffalo soon after he was born, so his entire village raised him, thus his name means "son of all" in his native language. He is summoned by the Childlike Empress to embark on a "Great Quest" to save the land of Fantastia by finding a cure for her illness. He is given the AURYN, an amulet that makes whoever wears it the Childlike Empress' herald, and he sets out on his mission with his horse, Artax. During the long events of the quest to find a cure, his travels lead him across all corners of Fantastia. He meets many creatures, including Falkor the luckdragon, who helps him on his quest by carrying him on his back. Bastian, all the while reading Atreyu's story in the real world, experiences everything Atreyu does and begins to sympathize with him. In the end this proves to have been Fantastia's solution and the Empress' cure, bringing Bastian to Fantastia to give the Empress a new name. Atreyu features largely in the second half of the novel, as Bastian travels Fantastia far and wide as its savior.
In the 1984 film version, the character of Atreyu is played by Noah Hathaway. His skin is not olive green as described in the book, though it was attempted to do this through makeup, it never made it to the final production[2]. As such, his people were called the 'Plains People' instead of Greenskins. The character also makes a return appearance in The Neverending Story II: The Next Chapter, played by Kenny Morrison. In the 2001 Hallmark mini-series, Tales from the Neverending Story, he is portrayed by Tyler Hynes and the character's people are referred to as the Woodland People. He is shown to have a romantic relationship with a young aviatrix called "Fly Girl", and to be something of a village innocent.
Appearances in other media
- The American metalcore band, Atreyu, took its name from this character from The Neverending Story.
- Contrary to popular belief, Noah Hathaway did not reprise the role of Atreyu via voice acting in the short-lived Neverending Story animated series. The voice of Atreyu in the animated series was provided by Dominic Zamprogna.
- Atreyu appears in the Robot Chicken episode "Dragon Nuts" voiced by Seth Green. When he and Falkor are bored, they throw a "Neverending Party" and get chips and liquor for it.
- Atreyu is mentioned in the song "Shakin'", by Rooney.
- Atreyu is also mentioned in the song "Jugular Vein", by Mr. Lif.
- Atreyu and his horse Artax are both mentioned in the song "The Rhythm Method (Move!), by Flobots.
- Atreyu is mentioned in the title of Cecil Otter's song "Atreyu vs. Swamps of Sadness."
The Childlike Empress
Childlike Empress | |
---|---|
First appearance | The Neverending Story |
Created by | Michael Ende |
Portrayed by | Tami Stronach |
In-universe information | |
Alias | Moonchild; Golden-eyed Commander of Wishes |
Title | Childlike Empress |
Occupation | Empress |
The Childlike Empress (Die Kindliche Kaiserin in German) is the monarch of Fantastica, who resides in the Ivory Tower palace in the heart of the realm. Although she is formally the ruler of Fantastica, she does not command a political system and in fact rarely actually interferes with that world. She does not judge between beautiful and ugly or good and evil, being the embodiment of Fantastica itself, which is why all Fantasticans respect and acknowledge her presence and authority. Should she die, Fantastica and all Fantasticans would cease to exist. The amulet known as 'AURYN' is her emblem, and those who wear it are her messengers and representatives. As explained by Morla the Aged One, her lifetime is not measured in years or in time ("she's much older than the oldest inhabitants of Fantastica [...] or rather, she's ageless"), but by names. She continuously needs new names, which only a human can give to her by coming to Fantastica. When she begins to need a new name, she begins to fade away, causing the Nothing to appear in Fantastica. She sends Atreyu on the Great Quest, which brings Bastian Balthazar Bux to Fantastica, and Bastian gives her the name of Moon Child, which restores Fantastica and begins the second half of the novel.
Her description is that of an indescribably beautiful young girl, possibly no older than ten, yet known to be much older than the oldest Fantasticans. Her hair is snow-white, as is her gown, and her eyes are the color of gold, earning her the official title Golden-eyed Commander of Wishes (Goldäugige Gebieterin der Wünsche in German).
The role was portrayed by Tami Stronach in Wolfgang Petersen's 1984 adaptation, by Alexandra Johnes in The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter (1990) and by Julie Cox in The NeverEnding Story III (1994). In the movies, her hair is dark, rather than white, and in the first movie, she is dressed like a bride.
Falkor the luckdragon
Falkor | |
---|---|
File:Falcorvisit.jpg | |
First appearance | The Neverending Story |
Created by | Michael Ende |
Portrayed by | Alan Oppenheimer (voice of Falkor) |
In-universe information | |
Species | Luckdragons |
Falkor (Fuchur in German) is a luckdragon, and a friend of Atreyu. He is the only luckdragon to appear, although five others are mentioned in passing. He helps Atreyu in his quest to find a cure for the Empress after escaping the web of Ygramul the Many.
Falkor has an elongated, wingless body with rudimentary paws and many white scales and hairs on the length of his body that appear pink in dull light. The form of his head is described less precisely, though his eyes are mentioned as being the colour of rubies. A cover for the book by Dan Craig illustrated Falkor as lion-like, while in the 1984 film adaptation of the novel, as well as its sequels, Falkor has distinctive canine features. Additionally, in both the first and second movies, Falkor asks to be scratched behind his ear, accenting his dog-like appearance, which led to confusion among those who have not read the book.
Unlike most of their dragon kin, luckdragons possess neither an immense physical strength, nor great magical talents, though they can still breathe fire, which is blue, as shown when Falkor fights Ygramul. Their only distinctive ability that sets them apart is their incredible luck in everything they do, as shown at one point in the novel when Falkor manages to locate and rescue his companion despite being lost in a violent, blinding storm and having absolutely no idea where to look for him. A luckdragon's typical answer to how it is going to accomplish a nearly impossible feat is always "With luck!" Despite such carelessness, it seems their luck truly never fails and is a valuable asset for their companions.
Another special trait of luckdragons is the ability to fly despite the fact that they have no wings. It is explained in the book that luckdragons are beings made from fire and air. When in flight a Luck Dragon is in constant motion and literally swims through the air. Luckdragons never stop taking in air and heat through their scales, which makes eating unnecessary and makes water deadly to them if they are immersed in it for more than a few minutes. Luckdragons are capable of sleeping while flying, and prefer to have as much open space as possible rather than be cooped up in a building, regardless of how spacious it may be.
In the first film, Falkor is voiced by Alan Oppenheimer, who also voiced Mighty Mouse and Skeletor.
Bavaria Film Studios in Munich has a "life-size" reproduction of Falkor which tourists can climb on and ride.
Other appearances
- Falkor makes a brief appearance in an episode of Family Guy called "Breaking Out Is Hard to Do". He is being ridden by Peter Griffin in the role of Bastian. Peter appears to weigh substantially more than Atreyu or Bastian in either the book or film versions of The Neverending Story causing Falkor to crash into the ground.
- Falkor also appears in a short scene in the Robot Chicken episode "Dragon Nuts" voiced by Abraham Benhttp.
- He also appears during the end credits of the PC game Jets'n'Guns.
- The dragon serves as a mode of transportation for Yakko, Wakko and Dot during the fantasy level of the Animaniacs video game.
- Falkor is seen in Dean Venture's dreamland in an episode of The Venture Bros.
- Falkor is seen in Code Monkeys episode 7 "Larrity's Got Back", being ridden by Mr. Larrity's son Dean.
- Falkor is seen in Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!! "5 Rangers"
- Falkor is seen in the 7th episode of Rim Today: Season 7 being ridden by actor Miguel Campos after a swift rescue.
- Falkor also appears in the background in the South Park episode "Imaginationland," when the boys first arrive and can be seen in the skies carrying a machine gun in the final battle against the forces of evil.
Gmork
Gmork | |
---|---|
First appearance | The Neverending Story |
Created by | Michael Ende |
Portrayed by | Alan Oppenheimer |
In-universe information | |
Species | Werewolf |
Gmork is one of the villains, being "a servant to the power behind the Nothing". In the motion picture, the name is spelled G'mork.
His physical appearance is that of a large, wolf-like creature, capable of speech. The film shows him as having short, dark, blue-black fur and luminous green eyes, as well as more fangs than an ordinary wolf.
Gmork's primary mission in the Neverending Story is to track down and kill the young warrior Atreyu. In the book, he never manages to catch up with Atreyu, because the latter uses the magical powers of the monster Ygramul's poisonous bite to wish himself to the Southern Oracle. In the movie, Gmork almost manages to kill Atreyu in the Swamps of Sadness, but Atreyu is saved just in time by Falkor the luckdragon.
In the book, Atreyu finally meets Gmork in Spook City, where he is chained, and Atreyu employs the name 'Nobody' to hide his identity. Gmork confesses that he has been hunting a boy sent on a quest by the Childlike Empress to find her a new name, but lost him early on. He then met the Princess of Darkness, Gaya, who upon hearing of his mission to help the Nothing, chained Gmork with an unbreakable chain and leapt into the Nothing. Gmork explains to Atreyu the nature of the Nothing, and that if a Fantastican enters it, they become a 'lie' in the human world. When asked why he is so evil, Gmork explains that it is because he, and other creatures like him, do not possess a world of their own like Fantasticans and humans do. Instead, he is able to travel between worlds, changing into a Fantastican or a human depending upon the world, but in appearance only. His knowledge of Fantastica interests the Manipulators, which is why they give him his mission.
Gmork reveals the name of the boy he is pursuing, and Atreyu reveals his identity, which causes Gmork to laugh cacophonously until he dies, satisfied by seeing the futility of Atreyu's quest. This meeting occurs in the movie as well; Gmork, however, is not depicted as tied, and does not name "Manipulators" as the power behind the Nothing. He attacks Atreyu, impaling himself on an improvised stone knife held by the young warrior.
In the book, Gmork's evil lives on after he dies; his body lashes out and grabs Atreyu in its jaws when he comes near. Being held by Gmork, however, prevents Atreyu from being able to give in to the overpowering urge exerted by the Nothing to throw himself into it.
Notes
- In the end credits of the film, Alan Oppenheimer is not credited for voicing the G'mork.
- The closed captions for Gmork's dialogue are colored green, not white as standard captions are.
The Southern Oracle
Southern Oracle | |
---|---|
First appearance | The Neverending Story |
Created by | Michael Ende |
In-universe information | |
Alias | Uyulala |
Species | None |
Occupation | Oracle |
The Southern Oracle, also called Uyulala in the novel, is a mysterious oracle.
In the book, the ancient, gigantic tortoise Morla tells Atreyu that Uyulala, the Southern Oracle, is the one who knows the reason why the Childlike Empress is dying. Only with the help of Ygramul is Atreyu capable of putting himself near the Southern Oracle.
There, Atreyu learns from the gnome Engywook, a scholar of the Southern Oracle, that in order to speak with Uyulala, he must pass through three gates:
- The first gate is the Great Riddle Gate, which consists of two Sphinxes who face one another. The Sphinxes randomly allow people to pass by closing their eyes, and those who cannot are condemned to be stricken by their gazes, which freezes them on the spot and sends forth all the world's riddles. There they are doomed to remain until they solve all riddles in the world, or until they die. This is relevant to Greek mythology, as the Sphinx presents riddles and punishes those who cannot guess them.
- The second gate is the Magic Mirror Gate, which is a large round mirror that reflects the absolute true personality of the observer, often scaring those who can't accept the truth into running away or driving them mad.
- The third gate is the No-Key Gate, which is a keyless door made of a strange metal called Fantastican selenium that is indestructible and reacts to people's desires. Only those who forget everything and do not desire to enter may do so.
When Atreyu passes through the three doors, he discovers that Uyulala is only a disembodied voice that speaks in verse which exists in the Palace of Deep Mystery. What's more is that Uyulala only hears sentences spoken in verse and rhyme. In a poetic conversation between Atreyu and Uyulala, Atreyu learns the reason why the Childlike Empress is ill, and what he must find in order to restore her health. After this conversation with Atreyu, Uyulala disappears and the Southern Oracle with its three gates is sucked into the Nothing.
The movie version of the Southern Oracle is similar to the book's, but with some drastic modifications. The first gate judges whether the person attempting to pass through it "feels his own worth"; if the person is doubtful of their ability to pass through safely, the two sphinxes open their eyes and unleash laser bolts that fry and incinerate the person inside and outside instantly (even steel armor offers no protection). The second gate is a mirror much like the book's description, located in a snowy wilderness. There is no third gate in the film. The Oracle itself is two blue glowing sphinxes facing one another, exactly like the yellow glowing sphinxes at the first gate. It speaks in prose. As with the book, the Oracle crumbles and dies after revealing the cure for the Childlike Empress' condition.
In Tales from the Neverending Story, a hero must pass through the Riddle Gate, which tests his confidence in himself. He must then answer a riddle and pass through a mirror that displays the necessary thing he needs. In the case of Atreyu, he lands in a library owned by the wizard nicknamed "the Curiosity", who teaches him to read. Thereafter he passes through a glass door on which the name Uyulala is inscribed, to find the Oracle much as she is described in the book.
Xayide
Xayide | |
---|---|
First appearance | The Neverending Story |
Created by | Michael Ende |
Portrayed by | Clarissa Burt |
In-universe information | |
Alias | Mistress of Horok Castle |
Species | Fantastican |
Occupation | Sorceress |
Xayide (spelled "Xajiede" in the original German version) is an evil sorceress. She appears later in the book after Bastian enters the world of Fantastica. Xayide lives in a castle shaped like a hand, called Horok, the Seeing Hand. Her hollow metallic guards stand watch at the many windows, appearing like hundreds of eyes.
While at her core she is cold and calculating, she presents to Bastian a warm and worshipping exterior, which fools him easily. Her vain wishes are to replace the Childlike Empress as ruler of Fantastica and bring sharp order to the realm of fantasy. Realizing she cannot defeat Bastian by force, she uses him in an attempt to rule by proxy, convincing him to invade the Ivory Tower with the power of his wishes to become Childlike Emperor. After losing Bastian, she is crushed to death by her minions who rage against her waning magic. This occurs in the opening of chapter 24. The book's chapters follow an alphabetical order pattern of the first word, thus her name serves well for the difficult "X" word.
Xayide is portrayed by actress and model Clarissa Burt in The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter, which is loosely based upon the second half of the novel with key differences. In the adaption, Xayide's ability to control hollow things, such as her guards, is taken to another level: control of an entity similar to the Nothing called 'the Emptiness' which plagues Fantastica and threatens the Empress. Xayide is depicted in the movie very much akin to the book's description, cunning enough to manipulate Bastian into delusion, planning to usurp the Childlike Empress and bring order to Fantastica. In both media she gives Bastian the belt Ghemmal, which turns its wearer invisible and was intended for the same purpose: to spy on Atreyu. She meets her end when Bastian uses his last wish for her to have a heart, causing her to no longer be empty.
Ygramul
Ygramul | |
---|---|
First appearance | The Neverending Story |
Created by | Michael Ende |
In-universe information | |
Alias | Ygramul, the Many |
Species | Shapeshifter |
Ygramul, the Many is a monster that lives in the land of Dead Mountains.
Ygramul is portrayed as a shapeshifter, who often takes form of a large spider and builds webs to catch its prey. The creature is actually comprised of many little insects who share a single hive mind. Ygramul's poison is deadly, but grants the victim the ability to transport to any location within the land of Fantastica before succumbing to its effects.
In the book, this poison is the means by which Atreyu travels to the home of Engywook and Urgl, near the Southern Oracle. At this point in the story Falkor the luckdragon is introduced; he is caught in Ygramul's web, and also uses the power of Ygramul's poison to follow Atreyu. The lingering effects of the poison are nursed out of the two by Urgl, while Engywook, a scholar of the Southern Oracle, instructs Atreyu on the challenges he is to encounter within the Oracle's demesne.
Engywook and Urgl
Engywook and Urgl | |
---|---|
First appearance | The Neverending Story |
Created by | Michael Ende |
Portrayed by | Sydney Bromley/Tony Robinson, Patricia Hayes/Moya Brady |
In-universe information | |
Species | Fantastican Gnomes |
Occupation | Researcher of the Southern Oracle (Engywook), Housewife (Urgl) |
Engywook and his wife Urgl are a quarrelling pair of gnomes who lives close to the location of the Southern Oracle. Engywook is a research scientist who has studied the Southern Oracle and her three gates for most of his life, hoping to publish a book containing his research. However, he has never been to the Southern Oracle himself. Engywook is portrayed as a rather excitable and slightly proud old man. His wife Urgl often gets in his way while brewing potions in a large cauldron, most are for healing wounded people. The two often argue, Engywook referring to Urgl as "wench". Engywook can observe the Riddle Gate, also known as the Sphinxes, from his telescope on a hilltop overlooking the first gate.
In the book, Engywook and Urgl help heal Arteyu and Falkor after they escaped from Ygramul. Urgl removes poision from Atreyu and Engywook instructs him about the three gates that lead to the Southern Oracle. This scene is portrayed in the 1984 film, Engywook played by Sydney Bromley, and Urgl played by Patricia Hayes.
In the third film of the series, Engywook and Urgl have moved to a forest and still argue continuously. The house is stepped on by Bastian during his return trip to Fantastica, although it is then completely destroyed by the powers of the Nasties effects on the land. The two go with Bastian, Falkor and Barky Troll to find the Empress for help, but they end up travelling to Earth due to a wish overload caused by Bastian and the others. They end up in Alaska where they mail themselves to the others and return home, their house rebuilt.
Pyornkrachzark
Pyornkrachzark | |
---|---|
First appearance | The Neverending Story |
Created by | Michael Ende |
In-universe information | |
Alias | Rockbiter; Mr. Rockchewer |
Species | Fantastican Rockbiter |
Occupation | Represents his species to ask the Childlike Empress for help against the Nothing. |
Pyornkrachzark, more commonly referred to by the name "Rockbiter" (German steinbeisser, "stone biter") is a large creature made completely of stone. The Rockbiter species are named appropriately due to their diet consisting of only rocks and earth-based materials. The Rockbiter seen in the movie particularly has a liking for limestone. Rockbiter meets a group of travellers including a Will O'Wisp, Teeny Weeny and his racing snail, Nighthob and his bat. All of them, including Rockbiter are going to the Ivory Tower to ask the Childlike Empress for help against the Nothing's destructive forces. Rockbiter rides a large motorcycle made of stone, and his eating habits are rather grotesque, pieces of large rock falling from his mouth as he eats food. Atreyu later encounters Rockbiter who has lost faith in himself, after failing to save his travelling companions from the Nothing, claiming they were sucked right out of his hands. He advises Atreyu to flee before the Nothing takes him too, willing to be taken himself.
In the second and third films, Rockbiter's family is introduced. His wife appears in the third film and his son appears in the second and third films. Rock Junior is the same size as a regular human and is only a toddler, being rather clueless about the world and is rather gluttonous and playful. Junior has a main role in the third film where he is sent to Earth during a wish overload caused by Bastian, Falkor, Barky Troll, Engywook and Urgl. He is saved from falling to his death by Falkor and they are reunited with Bastian. Junior doesn't make life easy for Bastian, causing mayhem in his kitchen at night and playing a watercan like a trumpet. Rockbiter and his wife begin fighting and eventually nearly split due to the absence of their son and the further effects of the Nasties, who are in possession of the book and the Auryn. The family are reunited at the end of the film. Rockbiter also sings a rather bad version of Born To Be Wild by Steppenwolf.
Grograman
Grograman | |
---|---|
First appearance | The Neverending Story |
Created by | Michael Ende |
In-universe information | |
Alias | The Many Colored Death |
Species | Lion |
Occupation | Guardian of the Desert of Colors |
Grograman, the Many Colored Death is the guardian and lord over Goab, the Desert of Colors, which keeps the rapid growth of Perilin the Night Forest in check. He appears in the form of a huge lion, who changes colors much like a chameleon based on the color of sand he is treading on. He is said to "bring the desert with him", turning all life around him into sand, thus his nickname "The Many Colored Death". Bastian is protected from this effect by AURYN. Grograman turns into an obsidian statue at night in order to allow the growth of Perilin. He gives Bastian his magic (and seemingly intelligent) sword, Sikanda.
Minor characters
- The Travelling Party– A group of Fantascians who are their way to the Ivory Tower at the beginning of the novel and first film to ask the Childlike Empress for help against the Nothing. The group consists of Blubb, a will-o'-the-wisp; Gluckuk, a tiny well-dressed man who has a fast-moving racing snail (in the film he is called Teeny Weeny and portrayed by Deep Roy); Vooshvazool, a Nighthob who flies using a bat; and Pyornkrachzark, a Rockbiter. In the film, Blubb isn't featured and his role is played out by Pyornkrachzark.
- Dame Eyola – A living plant taking the form of a motherly woman who lives in the House of Change, who waited for Bastian to find her so she could take care of him and help him on his path to find his last wish.
- Querquobad, the Silver Sage – The ruler of the city of Amarganth.
- Yor – The picture miner of Yor's Minroud who helps Bastian find his lost dream.
- Morla the Ancient One – Possibly the third-oldest living Fantastican (after the Childlike Empress and the Old Man of Wandering Mountain), a turtle in the Swamps of Sadness who is so large, she is mistaken for a mountain, which is called "Shell Mountain". She claims to not know what can save the Empress and Fantastica, but points Atreyu to the Southern Oracle.
- Bark Troll – a talking tree-like creature is a creation of the movies, making no appearance in the original book. He is loosely based on three characters that appeared briefly to advise Atreyu about the Nothing. In the movie he is rather grouchy but acts as comic relief in the third film. He befriends Bastian and joins him to fight the Nasties, but lands on Earth due to a wish overload in a conifer forest. He comes across a logging shipment and hitches a ride to Bastian's house, disguised as a log and a garden plant. He develops a difficult friendship with Rockbiter Junior in the process.
- The Old Man of the Wandering Mountains – An elderly bearded chronicler who lives alone in the Wandering Mountains. He is the equal and opposite of the Childlike Empress. He has existed since the beginning of Fantastica and has never been young. He has always appeared as an old man aged well beyond human years. He is the only being in Fantasia that treats the Empress with some disrespect and tells her to go away as she approaches his home. The Childlike Empress visits the Man Of The Wandering Mountain as a means to convince Bastian that he is a part of the story. She convinces him to begin reading his chronicle from the beginning, which begins not as Bastian's book begins, but begins with Bastian escaping into the book shop. The Old Man appeared only in the third film. He possesses the Great Book, which can seemingly write the future on its own accord. He dwells in a hidden crystal cave where he can see outside events using a "magic mirror". He is visited by the Childlike Empress and her guard Big Head, who remain with him until the end of the Nastie crisis. This version grovels before the Empress and sees it as an honor that the monarch would visit him.
- Big Head – This character makes no appearance at all in the novel and is the creation of the movies. He is minor character who appears in the third film, Big Head - as his name suggests - as an oversized head, possibly hinting he has high intelligence. He rescues the Childlike Empress from the Ivory Tower during the Nasties crisis and the two visit the Old Man of the Wandering Mountains for shelter and answers involving the Nasties. Characters make fun of his large head.