Podlings

Podlings were simple, friendly creatures who lived in the forest at harmony with all living things, plant and animals alike, possessing the ability to speak to all forms of life. They were non-violent, and carried no weapons, and as a result were easy targets for the Skeksis' tyranny.

Garthim would regularly attack Podling villages and take the captives back to the Skeksis' castle, where they would be drained of their life essence in the Chamber of Life using the power of the Dark Crystal. This would turn the Podlings into mindless, purple-eyed slaves of the Skeksis. After Jen healed the Crystal, the formerly drained, enslaved Podlings came out of their trancelike states and were restored to normal.

Comments

• In the novelization and comic, the Podlings are referred to as "Pod People."