Delving into the fascinating work of British author Terry Pratchett, this article focuses on his ninth Discworld novel, ‘Eric’. Published in 1990, this book continues to captivate audiences with its satirical humor and engaging plot. If you’re a fan of science fiction or fantasy, or simply love a good laugh, this novel may be a perfect addition to your reading list. However, ‘Eric’ attracts a wider range of audiences than meets the eye. From the seasoned Pratchett aficionado to the curious first-time reader, from the passionate devourer of comic fantasy to the intrigued explorer of philosophical themes, this article will help you discover whether ‘Eric’ is the right read for you.
What’s the Plot of Eric (1990)?
“Eric” is a comedic fantasy novel written by Terry Pratchett, the ninth book in his Discworld series. The story revolves around the young demonologist, Eric, who attempts to summon a demon to fulfill his three wishes: to be the ruler of the world, to meet the most beautiful woman who ever lived, and to live forever. However, instead of a demon, he summons Rincewind, the bumbling, cowardly wizard, and his sentient luggage.
The story is a parody of Faust and features various humorous and chaotic adventures as Rincewind and Eric travel through time and space. They encounter the Tsortean War, the creation of the Discworld, and even Hell, which has been modernized into an unbearable office-like environment.
In their journey, they meet various historical and mythical figures, like the creator of the universe and Helen of Troy. Rincewind, despite his incompetence, manages to get them out of every trouble. Eventually, they find their way back to the Unseen University, where the wizards manage to send Rincewind back to the Dungeon Dimensions, and Eric gets turned into a demon, granting him immortality and endless torment by Astfgl, the King of Hell.
Main Characters
“Eric” is a humorous fantasy novel written by Terry Pratchett in 1990. This novel features several main characters, each with their own unique and distinct characteristics.
1. Eric Thursley: The titular character, Eric Thursley, is a 13-year-old demonologist who summons the main character, Rincewind, believing him to be a demon. Eric is ambitious, naïve, and somewhat arrogant. Despite his young age, he desires to have the typical three wishes: to be the ruler of the world, to meet the most beautiful woman ever, and to live forever.
2. Rincewind: Rincewind, a recurrent character in Pratchett’s Discworld series, is a cowardly, incompetent, and reluctant wizard who is often involved in perilous adventures. In “Eric,” he is accidentally summoned by Eric and is forced to grant his three wishes, leading them both into a series of comical and dangerous situations.
3. Luggage: Luggage is a magical, sentient object made from sapient pearwood. It is fiercely loyal to Rincewind and follows him everywhere, often aiding him in difficult situations. Though it doesn’t have a conventional personality, Luggage adds a touch of humor to the story.
4. Death: Another recurring character in the Discworld series, Death is a skeletal figure who speaks IN SMALL CAPS and has a dry sense of humor. He is not the typical grim reaper figure; instead, he is portrayed as a more sympathetic character with a complex personality.
5. Ponce da Quirm: Ponce da Quirm is the Discworld version of Ponce de Leon, the famed Spanish explorer. He accompanies Rincewind and Eric on their journey and is known for his exploratory zeal and his somewhat loose grasp on reality.
6. Astfgl: Astfgl is the king of Hell who has introduced bureaucracy into the underworld. He is a demon who believes in tormenting souls by boring them, rather than the traditional fire and brimstone. Astfgl is a satirical representation of an ineffective manager and an overbearing bureaucrat.
In “Eric,” Pratchett has skillfully developed these characters to create a world that is both comic and thought-provoking.
Main Themes of Eric (1990)
“Eric” by Terry Pratchett, published in 1990, is a humorous fantasy novel that is part of the Discworld series. It explores several core themes such as the nature of humanity, the power of belief, the abuse of power, and the quest for immortality.
One of the most prominent themes in “Eric” is the nature of humanity. The protagonist, a thirteen-year-old demonologist named Eric, seeks to understand what it truly means to be human. His wishes for fame, wealth, and a long life embody the human desires for recognition, prosperity, and immortality. However, as he interacts with various characters, he discovers that these are not the defining characteristics of humanity. Instead, it is the capacity for empathy, understanding, and love that truly defines humanity.
The power of belief is another significant theme in “Eric.” Throughout the novel, Pratchett exhibits how belief can shape reality, a concept commonly explored in the Discworld series. This is seen through the character of the demon Astfgl, whose power and existence are fueled by people’s beliefs in him.
Abuse of power is also a critical theme explored in “Eric.” The character Astfgl, the king of demons, uses his power for personal gain, causing suffering and chaos. This character’s actions serve as a commentary on the misuse of power in the real world, highlighting the potential dangers of unchecked authority.
Lastly, the novel delves into the quest for immortality. Eric’s third wish is to live forever, a desire that many humans share. However, Pratchett uses humor and irony to explore the pitfalls of such a wish, suggesting that immortality may not be as desirable as it seems.
In conclusion, “Eric” is a thought-provoking novel that uses humor and fantasy to explore profound themes related to humanity, belief, power, and immortality. Through engaging characters and compelling story arcs, Pratchett encourages readers to reflect on these themes in their own lives.
If you enjoyed this, Try these.
If you enjoy Terry Pratchett’s Eric, a humorous fantasy novel set in his iconic Discworld, you are likely to appreciate other books with similar themes, humour, and imaginative world-building. Here are some recommendations:
1. “The Color of Magic” by Terry Pratchett: This is the first book in the Discworld series. If you enjoyed Eric, you’d probably like to see where it all began with this humorous tale of a hapless wizard named Rincewind.
2. “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman: This collaboration between two of the best modern fantasy writers is a hilarious tale about the end of the world, featuring a fussy angel, a fast-living demon, and the Antichrist, who happens to be an 11-year-old boy.
3. “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams: This book, the first in a series, is a classic of comic science fiction. It has a similar sense of humor and absurdity to Pratchett’s work, combined with sharp satirical observations about life, the universe, and everything.
4. “Neverwhere” by Neil Gaiman: This novel is an urban fantasy set in the ‘London Below’, a magical realm coexisting with the more familiar London. Gaiman’s witty writing and imaginative world-building are akin to Pratchett’s.
5. “The Long Earth” by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter: This science fiction novel delves into the concept of parallel Earths and features Pratchett’s signature humor and creative storytelling.
6. “Stardust” by Neil Gaiman: A captivating fairy tale with a dash of humor, this novel is about a young man’s adventurous journey into a magical realm to find a fallen star.
7. “Mort” by Terry Pratchett: Another Discworld novel, this one focuses on the character of Death, who decides to take on an apprentice named Mort. This book is widely regarded as one of the best in the series.
8. “Guards! Guards!” by Terry Pratchett: This Discworld novel introduces the beloved characters of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch. It’s a great next step if you enjoyed the humor and fantasy setting of Eric.
Remember, the magic of the Discworld series is that you can start anywhere, and Eric is just one of many entry points into this richly imagined universe.