Welcome to our online article that explores the magical and creative world of Terry Pratchett’s novel, “Sourcery” (1988). This book, the fifth in the Discworld series, is a must-read for anyone who appreciates wit, satire, and imaginative storytelling. We will delve into the unique characteristics of this captivating novel and help you discern if it matches your reading preferences. Whether you’re an avid fantasy lover, a fan of humorous literature, or simply a curious reader seeking a new literary adventure, you may find yourself spellbound by Pratchett’s enchanting tale. Read on to discover if “Sourcery” could be your next favorite read.
What’s the Plot of Sourcery (1988)?
“Sourcery” is the fifth book in the Discworld series written by Terry Pratchett. This book introduces a new character, Coin, who is the eighth son of an eighth son of a wizard. According to the Discworld’s rules, he should be a sourcerer, a source of raw magic, something the world hasn’t seen for centuries. Coin’s father, Ipslore, uses his magic to bind his own spirit to his wizard’s staff and then hands the staff to his son.
When Coin arrives at the Unseen University, he quickly takes over and declares wizardry to be the ruling power, starting a magical war among the Discworld’s wizards. Meanwhile, Rincewind, the Discworld’s most inept wizard, finds himself tasked with stopping Coin, despite having lost his magical abilities. Joined by the Librarian, Conina (a hairdresser with barbarian instincts), and Nijel (a man training to be a hero), Rincewind embarks on a dangerous journey to confront Coin.
As the wizards’ war threatens to destroy Discworld, Rincewind and his companions face numerous challenges. In the end, it is not power but the understanding of its limits that saves the day. Coin, guided by Rincewind, realizes the destructive nature of uncontrolled power and decides to leave, ensuring the Discworld’s survival.
Main Characters
“Sourcery” is the fifth book in the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett and features a variety of unique characters.
1. Rincewind: Rincewind, a recurring character in the Discworld series, is a cowardly, incompetent wizard with a knack for survival. His reluctant heroism often results in hilarious situations and unexpected success.
2. Coin: Coin, the main character of “Sourcery”, is a young boy who is also the eighth son of an eighth son of a wizard, making him a source of wild magic. He is manipulated by his father’s staff and attempts to take over the Discworld.
3. Ipslore the Red: Ipslore is Coin’s father, a disgraced wizard who transfers his consciousness into his staff before his death. He manipulates Coin into seeking revenge on the Unseen University and the Discworld’s magical community.
4. The Librarian: The Librarian is a character who was turned into an orangutan in a magical accident. Despite his condition, he continues to work at the Unseen University’s library. He is a friend of Rincewind and helps him throughout his adventures.
5. Conina: Conina is the daughter of Cohen the Barbarian. Despite her desire to live a peaceful life as a hairdresser, she inherited her father’s battle skills and tendencies, often getting into unexpected fights. She becomes an ally and friend to Rincewind.
6. Nijel the Destroyer: Nijel is a would-be barbarian hero, who is more comfortable reading “How to be a Barbarian” manuals than actual fighting. He falls in love with Conina and joins her and Rincewind in their adventure.
7. Death: Death is a recurring character in the Discworld series. He is a skeleton who speaks in ALL CAPS and performs the duty of ushering souls into the afterlife. Despite his grim job, Death has a unique sense of humor and is fascinated by humanity.
These characters, along with others, provide a rich tapestry of personalities and quirks that add depth and humor to the narrative of “Sourcery”.
Main Themes of Sourcery (1988)
Sourcery, a novel by Terry Pratchett, explores various themes, including power, control, sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil.
One of the dominant themes in Sourcery is the concept of power and its potential for corruption. The story centers around the eighth son of an eighth son, Coin, who becomes a Sourcerer, an individual with an immense and dangerous level of magical power. Pratchett explores how this power corrupts Coin, driving him to wage war on the Discworld and nearly leading to its destruction. This theme reflects the common saying that “absolute power corrupts absolutely”, showing the potential dangers of unchecked power.
Another vital theme is control. Coin’s father, Ipslore the Red, in his desire for revenge, controls Coin from within the staff, manipulating him to fulfill his revenge against the Unseen University and the world that rejected him. It drives home the point that control, like power, can be damaging and destructive.
Sacrifice is also a notable theme in Sourcery. Rincewind, the protagonist, is willing to give up his life to save Discworld from Coin’s destructive power. His actions underline the importance of self-sacrifice for the greater good, demonstrating that sometimes individuals must make significant sacrifices to benefit the collective.
The struggle between good and evil is a recurring theme in the Discworld series, and Sourcery is no exception. This theme is evident in the conflict between the Sourcerer and the wizards, and it ultimately becomes a battle for the soul of Discworld. Pratchett also blurs the lines between good and evil, showing that individuals can be driven to evil actions by circumstances or manipulation, as seen in Coin’s character.
In conclusion, Sourcery delves into deep philosophical themes, wrapped in Pratchett’s trademark wit and humor. It explores the consequences of power and control, the value of sacrifice, and the nuanced nature of good and evil, providing readers with much to ponder long after they’ve closed the book.
If you enjoyed this, Try these.
If you enjoyed “Sourcery” by Terry Pratchett, there’s a good chance that you would also appreciate other novels from the Discworld series. Here are a few suggestions that share a similar humor, fantastical themes, and compelling plotlines.
1. “Mort” (1987): This is the fourth book in the Discworld series that introduces the character Death as a protagonist. If you enjoyed the magical elements and the combination of dark humor and profound insights in “Sourcery”, “Mort” would be a great choice.
2. “The Colour of Magic” (1983): This is the first book in the Discworld series. It is a humorous fantasy that introduces the Discworld universe and its eccentric characters. It’s a must-read for any Pratchett fan.
3. “Equal Rites” (1987): The third book in the series, “Equal Rites” explores the theme of gender equality in a magical society and is layered with Pratchett’s trademark wit and wisdom.
If you’re open to exploring other authors who write in a similar vein as Terry Pratchett, consider these books:
1. “Good Omens” (1990) by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman: This collaborative novel combines Pratchett’s humor with Gaiman’s darker, more mythological style. The story revolves around the apocalypse and features a unique mix of characters, including an angel, a demon, and the Antichrist.
2. “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” (1979) by Douglas Adams: This classic science fiction comedy also features a unique blend of humor and fantasy. If you loved the satirical and absurdist elements in “Sourcery”, you’ll likely enjoy “Hitchhiker’s Guide”.
3. “Neverwhere” (1996) by Neil Gaiman: Known for his fantastical and imaginative storytelling, Gaiman’s “Neverwhere” is a dark urban fantasy set in the ‘London Below’, a magical realm coexisting with the familiar London city.
4. “The Eyre Affair” (2001) by Jasper Fforde: This book is the first in the Thursday Next series. Readers who enjoy the humor and creative world-building in “Sourcery” may also appreciate Fforde’s mix of crime, fantasy, humor, and literary references.