Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

Grid complete bar one letter, poem and refrain identified, six thematic words spotted in the grid but I just can't see what I'm supposed to change. Any pointers appreciated!

sloth,
Overwrite the thematic words with the "characters" in the grid, both 9 letters

The last line of the refrain identifies the protagonists (words 2, 3, 4), They appear vertically in the grid, and must be moved so that they are situated as in the last line. They obliterate 4 words from the refrain that appear in those spaces.

What goes into the vacated cells is given by the 2nd refrain line.

Thanks Muraria and Buddy. I spotted what to move immediately after posting! Just the two replacement words to sort out now.

That is called "post-enlightenment".

Good puzzle, I enjoyed grappling with it, nice penny drop moment.
I would love to understand three things.
13a - parsing. Have answer and extra word.
22d- parsing. Have answer, and know it is thematic.
34a - original answer? I have no idea.

ONION slang for "head"

RE (on) in BED; def = occasion

Famous artist, trade the A for an E (second letter)

Wow. I feel no shame for not getting those.

But thanks, Buddy!

Help with 12A please. Member of institute entering last dates for old students returning to Scots uni (6). I know which the extra word is and have several letters but still stuck.
Also, Muraria, I can't find either of your 9 letter words?