Do you relish in witty satire, philosophical musings, and a good dose of fantasy? If so, Terry Pratchett’s “Small Gods” (1992) may just be the literary treat you’ve been looking for! As the 13th entry in the renowned Discworld series, this standalone novel has captivated readers with its blend of humor, thought-provoking themes, and Pratchett’s distinctive voice. But who exactly might enjoy this book? From seasoned Pratchett fans to newcomers, students of philosophy to lovers of satire, we’ll delve into what makes “Small Gods” a delightful read for various audiences. Buckle up as we traverse through the realms of belief, power, and humanity in Pratchett’s Discworld!
What’s the Plot of Small Gods (1992)?
Small Gods is a satirical novel by Terry Pratchett, part of his Discworld series. It centers on the Great God Om who has manifested as a small, one-eyed tortoise, and his only believer, the novice monk Brutha. Om intended to make a grand entrance but finds himself in a tortoise’s body because of the lack of true belief in him. Brutha is the only one who can hear Om. The Church of the Great God Om is a powerful and corrupt institution, full of hypocrisy and unbelief, which infuriates Om.
The story takes a twist when Brutha is chosen by the church’s leaders to serve Deacon Vorbis, the head of the Quisition, notorious for its brutal crusades against infidels. The plot thickens as Vorbis plans a holy war against the philosophers of Ephebe. Brutha’s loyalty is tested when he is ordered to lead them to Ephebe as he has an eidetic memory.
The book explores the nature of faith, religion, and power through Brutha’s journey. Brutha strives to reform the church and spread true belief in Om, while Om grapples with his past actions and contemplates the nature of godhood. The climax is a battle of faiths and the realization of the importance of questioning and critical thinking in religion.
Main Characters
Small Gods (1992) is a captivating novel by Terry Pratchett, filled with intriguing characters that add depth to the story. Here are some of the main characters in the book:
1. Brutha: The protagonist of the story, Brutha is a novice in the Omnian church who has an eidetic memory. He is an innocent, naive, and extremely loyal character who, despite his lack of intelligence, has an uncanny wisdom about the world. Brutha’s journey from obscurity to being the most powerful person in Omnia forms the crux of the story.
2. Om: Om is the central god in the story who finds himself reincarnated as a tortoise, with his powers diminished. He relies on Brutha for survival and support. Om represents the theme of belief and its power in shaping gods and their abilities. His relationship with Brutha is central to the book, highlighting the dynamic between gods and their believers.
3. Vorbis: Vorbis is the head of the Quisition, the religious inquisition of Omnia. He is portrayed as a manipulative, cunning, and ruthless character who will stop at nothing to achieve his ambitions. His character serves as a critique of religious extremism and blind faith.
4. Lu-Tze: Lu-Tze is a sweeper in the History Monks’ monastery, known for his wisdom and adherence to “Rule One,” which states, “Do not act incautiously when confronting little bald wrinkly smiling men!” His character brings a philosophical depth to the narrative and often provides comic relief.
5. Simony: Simony is a soldier who hates the Omnian church for its brutality and dogmatism. He becomes a part of the resistance against the church, symbolizing the struggle against oppressive religious institutions.
6. Urn: Urn is an Ephebian philosopher and inventor who represents Pratchett’s critique of unregulated scientific exploration. His character, while comical, brings to light the dangers of science without ethics.
7. Didactylos: Didactylos is an old, blind Ephebian philosopher whose teachings have a significant influence on Brutha. He embodies the spirit of free thinking and questioning, critical of both religious and scientific dogmas.
Main Themes of Small Gods (1992)
Small Gods (1992) is a satirical fantasy novel by Terry Pratchett, exploring various profound themes such as religion, faith, power, and philosophy.
One of the major themes in Small Gods is the critique of organized religion. Pratchett satirizes the way in which religious institutions can become corrupt, divorced from the spiritual essence they were founded upon, and used as a tool for power and control. The god Om, who has been reduced to a tortoise due to lack of genuine belief, symbolizes the disconnect between faith and religious institutions.
Another significant theme is the power of belief. The book posits that gods in the Discworld universe are formed and sustained by collective belief. This theme is portrayed through the character of Brutha, the only true believer of Om. His unwavering faith empowers Om, thus illustrating the potential strength and influence of a singular, genuine belief.
The theme of questioning authority is also prevalent in Small Gods. Characters like Brutha and the philosopher Didactylos exemplify this theme, challenging the established norms of their society. Through their questioning and skepticism, Pratchett emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and intellectual freedom in the face of blind obedience.
Lastly, the theme of transformation is essential in Small Gods. Characters like Brutha and Om undergo significant changes throughout the story. Brutha evolves from a naive novice to a wise leader, while Om experiences humility and learns to appreciate his believers. This theme underscores the idea that change and growth are integral parts of human, and divine, experience.
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If you enjoyed reading Small Gods by Terry Pratchett, there are a few other books that you might like due to their similar themes, humor and style.
1. Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett: If you liked the satirical tone and religious themes in Small Gods, you’ll probably enjoy Good Omens. This novel also uses humor and satire to explore religious themes, focusing on an angel and a demon who team up to prevent the apocalypse.
2. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams: Like Small Gods, this book is a satirical science fiction novel filled with quirky characters, absurd situations, and a lot of humor. While it doesn’t focus on religion, it does explore philosophical and existential themes.
3. The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett: This is the first book in Pratchett’s Discworld series. If you enjoyed the humor and world-building in Small Gods, you’ll likely enjoy this book too. It introduces readers to the Discworld universe and its unique blend of magic, humor, and satire.
4. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman: This urban fantasy novel shares Pratchett’s knack for creating fantastical worlds that are both strange and familiar. It also features Gaiman’s customary humor and wit.
5. A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore: This novel is a humorous take on the grim reaper concept. Like Pratchett, Moore uses humor and absurdity to explore deep themes like death and the afterlife.
6. Going Postal by Terry Pratchett: Another installment in the Discworld series, Going Postal is a satirical take on the postal system. If you enjoyed the way Small Gods satirized religion, you might enjoy this book’s similar treatment of bureaucracy and communication.
7. American Gods by Neil Gaiman: This novel explores the idea of gods living among humans in modern times. It mixes fantasy, mythology, and Americana in a way that Pratchett fans might appreciate.
Remember, while these books share some similarities with Small Gods, each has its unique approach, tone, and themes. However, if you enjoyed the humor, satire, and fantastical elements of Small Gods, these books are worth checking out.