The original novel 'The Neverending Story' by Michael Ende is published in Germany.
The movie adaptation of 'The NeverEnding Story' directed by Wolfgang Petersen is released in Germany.
The NeverEnding Story movie premieres in the United States, gaining international recognition.
The sequel to The NeverEnding Story film is released.
The third movie in The NeverEnding Story series is released.
Bastian steals and begins reading the magical book titled The NeverEnding Story in the attic of his school.
The magical world called Fantasia starts to be consumed by a mysterious force called The Nothing, causing chaos and destruction.
Atreyu, a young warrior, is chosen by the Childlike Empress to embark on a quest to find a cure for the Empress and stop The Nothing.
Atreyu befriends Falkor, who helps him travel quickly and safely through Fantasia to continue his quest.
Atreyu ventures through the swamp of sadness, where falling into sorrow can cause one to drown, symbolizing despair.
Atreyu seeks wisdom from Morla, the ancient turtle who provides cryptic clues about the nature of The Nothing.
Atreyu is ambushed by Gmork, a servant of The Nothing, but manages to survive and continue his mission.
Bastian learns that his wishes while reading the book manifest in Fantasia, giving him the power to help save the magical world.
Bastian is drawn into Fantasia and becomes an active participant in its fate, gaining new identity and powers.
To save the Empress and Fantasia, Bastian gives her a new name, renewing her life force and stopping The Nothing.
With the Empress restored, Fantasia begins to heal, and Bastian embraces his new role as its protector.
