The Prince and the Kraken

"The Prince and the Kraken" by Colin Cody
Photoshop and After Effects
http://www.seaofleaves.net

I recognize that the pacing is too quick, and many people have trouble reading the story and following the animation on the first viewing. I'll post the story here, in case anyone would like to read the story first at their own pace, or clarify anything that may have been missed on the first viewing.

The story:

Once upon a time, a young prince left on a long voyage to wed a princess in a kingdom across the sea.

After many days of calm sailing, he prepared to arrive at port within three nights. 

Suddenly a storm broke, tossing the ship violently about.

Surviving the storm, the crew found in the morning that the torrential winds had ripped the sails, rendering them useless.

Lacking the supplies to survive for more than a few days, they faced certain death. 

A large, dark shape was spotted from the crows nest, moving ominously beneath the ship.

After circling many times, a great kraken burst from the depths.

Before the crew could make ready their harpoons, the kraken enfolded the hull of the ship within his colossal tentacles.

Rumbled the kraken: "I offer you two choices. I can tow you safely to your destination, or, if you prefer to be plucked aft from stern and devoured whole, I will thus happily oblige."

"Please, O Kraken! I am on my way to a distant kingdom to wed its princess! Please, spare us our lives so that we may safely finish our journey." 

"Very well. Which way towards harbor?" croaked the monster.

"Follow the first star that shines at twilight. It will lead you directly to port." answered the prince.

The kraken departed, leaving the crew to await dusk.

As the first star winked in the sky, the ship was soon enveloped in the mighty green tentacles of the kraken.

When morning broke, the harbor was within view. The prince asked to be left to complete the journey so as to not frighten the townspeople. 

The kraken spoke: "Then I shall depart. Thank you, young prince."

Confused, the prince replied, "What reason have you to thank me, great Kraken?

You have saved our lives, for we were surely stranded, and towed us to safety so that I may be wed! You have my eternal gratitude!"

At this, the kraken chortled. "I thank you, prince, for this great feast to which you have led me!" and sped off towards the kingdom, where he devoured its residents, princess and all.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• colin
• cody
• manabanana
• prince
• kraken
• boat
• pop-up
• book
• animation

[halberdear]

the end?

[yuukicky]

Ah, yes. The End. What happens to the prince from there is up to you. One scenario may be that the prince carried his survivor's guilt and associated neuroses with him to his grave. Maybe he perished amidst an act of foolish nobility - the logical conclusion of said neuroses.

Or perhaps the arranged marriage was not to his liking in the first place, and this tragedy granted him his long-sought freedom.

Or maybe he hugged the nearest cannonball, jumped ship and offed himself right there.

[angusthefatcat]

Good job, looks really awesome!

[sandoggg]

lol. nice one, colin.