Hellboy: 20 Easter Eggs And References Explained

While it doesn't feature as prominently as one would have perhaps expected from a film that includes the Hellboy: Wild Hunt storyline, the legend of King Arthur still finds its way into the Hellboy film, Excalibur and all.

However, the purpose of the legend does differ between its comic and film versions. Within the film, taking Excalibur is merely the catalyst for Hellboy starting the apocalypse - which, although interesting, is pretty simple.

In the comics, however, it's a little bit more complicated than that. Hellboy can bring about the destruction of the Earth with the sword, sure, but in a different sense - as the prophecy surrounding the Arthurian legend states that should Hellboy use the weapon to try and slay Nimue, it will bring the end of days - so Hellboy decides to fight her without it.

The inclusion of the King Arthur Legend within the film is slightly unusual, but it does get to the heart of the eclectic mix of folktales and mythology that makes the series so good.