Constantine’s Role in Saving the Holiday Spirit

The Antihero’s Unlikely Christmas Intervention

John Constantine is known for cunning, not compassion. The con artist conjurer often walks the line as an antihero. However, one Christmas Eve, he took a step away from his typical persona. Bearing the burden of saving a holiday spirit from despair, Constantine managed to reignite a flicker of the world’s lost magic.

A creation birthed from the minds of writer Garth Ennis and artist Steve Dillon, Hellblazer #49 unveils this unexpected tale. It opens with Constantine spiraling into a panic as Christmas Eve descends upon him. Holidays usually slipped by unnoticed, but this year was different. Constantine found himself motivated to impress his new girlfriend, Kit Ryan. As desperation drove him to a frenzy of last-minute shopping, John left the stores empty-handed and void of gift ideas. His day took an even stranger turn when he discovered a spectral figure shadowing him around Camden.

A Forgotten God Finds Common Ground

Confronting the spirit, Constantine learns it is the Lord of the Dance. This forgotten god of revelry craved the joyous gatherings celebrating life itself. His affection for midwinter festivals symbolized light triumphing over darkness. Though the Lord of the Dance never gives another name, he bears striking similarities to the Celtic deity Cernunnos—famed for fertility and harvest, reborn with each midwinter.

Appearing sympathetic, Constantine listened to the Lord of the Dance lament his fate. His sacred songs warped into hymns, and season’s joy faded amidst Puritanism and consumerism. This heartfelt tale sparked an uncharacteristic spark of charity in Constantine.

A Night of Revelry and Realization

Constantine extended an invite to the Lord of the Dance, finally sharing a drink at a nearby pub. By chance, they encountered John’s friend, Chas, and immersed themselves in rounds of drinks and boisterous songs. Steve Dillon masterfully crafted this scene as a reflection of the past revels that once drew the Lord of the Dance to humanity.

As the evening progress, Constantine and the Holiday Spirit’s camaraderie bloomed. The Lord of the Dance realized his festivals may have vanished, yet his essence remained alive among mortals. They gathered anew for songs, drinks, and defiant joy—an unconventional, modern-day tribute to his legacy. In renewing the Lord of the Dance’s spirit, Constantine too celebrated the season in blistering delight.

A Primal Exchange on Christmas Eve

Despite his new friendship, Constantine faced an unresolved dilemma regarding Kit’s gift. His concern was misplaced, as she had forgotten a gift for him, too. So, they decided to revel in each other’s company in the most primal fashion, free from the materials of consumer-driven holiday rituals. At the night’s end, Constantine had rekindled magic that once seemed lost. Much later, the Lord of the Dance would find a way to repay his latest ally for this inspiring act of camaraderie.

This moment unfolded to remind us that rekindling holiday spirit isn’t about expensive gifts. Sometimes, it’s about reconnecting with the raw, untamed joy the season inherently promises.