Welcome to our online article focused on Terry Pratchett’s enchanting novel, “Witches Abroad” (1991). This is the twelfth book in Pratchett’s renowned Discworld series, where witches, wizards, and other magical creatures come to life. But who is this book really for? Is it only for the hardcore fantasy lovers or can it appeal to a wider audience? We delve into the unique aspects of this novel to help readers determine if this whimsical tale of witchery is the right fit for their reading list. From fans of satire and humour to those who love strong female leads and intricate plotlines, “Witches Abroad” has something to offer for a variety of readers!
What’s the Plot of Witches Abroad (1991)?
In Terry Pratchett’s “Witches Abroad,” witches Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick embark on a journey to the distant city of Genua, located across the Discworld. They are tasked with preventing a fairy godmother’s plan to ensure that servant girl Emberella marries the prince in a Cinderella-like story. The witches, however, are not fans of stories, seeing them as dangerous and manipulative. The fairy godmother, Lilith, uses her magic to enforce narratives on the world, twisting reality to fit the fairy tales she imposes.
As they travel, the witches encounter various situations influenced by other fairy tales, such as Red Riding Hood and The Frog Prince. They also have to deal with the cultural shock of being abroad, unfamiliar landscapes, and Nanny Ogg’s mischievous cat, Greebo.
Upon reaching Genua, they discover that Lilith’s magic has transformed the city into a storybook vision of perfection, suppressing its natural culture and people’s free will. Lilith plans to cement her control over Genua by marrying Emberella off to a monstrous, magically created prince during Mardi Gras. The witches must use their wit, resourcefulness, and understanding of human nature to derail Lilith’s narrative, free the city from her enchantment, and allow Emberella to choose her own destiny. In the process, they redefine what it means to be a fairy godmother and prove that real life doesn’t need to be a fairy tale to be fulfilling.
Main Characters
“Witches Abroad” by Terry Pratchett features several main characters that are both compelling and memorable.
1. Granny Weatherwax: Known as one of the most powerful witches on the Discworld, Granny Weatherwax is a central character in “Witches Abroad”. She is known for her sharp wit, no-nonsense attitude, and her belief in the importance of self-reliance. Granny Weatherwax possesses a strong moral compass and a deep understanding of human nature. She is the witches’ leader, often taking charge of situations and making difficult decisions.
2. Nanny Ogg: Nanny Ogg is a jolly, fun-loving witch who enjoys a good drink and a good song. She is the polar opposite of Granny Weatherwax, often providing much-needed comic relief. Despite her seemingly carefree nature, Nanny Ogg is wise and has a deep understanding of witchcraft. She often acts as the mediator between Granny and Magrat, smoothing over tension and disagreements.
3. Magrat Garlick: Magrat is the youngest and most naive of the three witches. She is often caught in the middle of Granny and Nanny’s disagreements, trying to balance her respect for Granny’s wisdom with her desire for a more modern, romantic kind of witchcraft. She is idealistic and well-meaning, but often finds herself out of her depth in the world of witchcraft.
4. Lilith Weatherwax: Lilith is the main antagonist in “Witches Abroad”. She is Granny Weatherwax’s estranged sister who uses her powers to control the city of Genua. Lilith is obsessed with fairy tales and tries to force the people of Genua to live out their roles in her twisted versions of these stories.
5. Mrs. Gogol: Mrs. Gogol is a voodoo witch who helps the witches in their quest to defeat Lilith. Despite her fearsome appearance, she is a kind and helpful ally. She provides the witches with important information and assistance in their fight against Lilith.
These characters, with their unique personalities and individual styles of witchcraft, provide the basis for a rich and engaging story in “Witches Abroad”. Their interactions and relationships with each other add depth and complexity to the narrative.
Main Themes of Witches Abroad (1991)
“Witches Abroad” by Terry Pratchett delves into several themes that are central to the narrative and the characters’ development.
One of the primary themes is the critique of the fairy tale narrative. Pratchett uses this theme to satirically discuss the danger of stories and their influence on reality, particularly how they shape our understanding and expectations of the world. The narrative of “Witches Abroad” plays with and subverts classic fairy tales, challenging the reader to rethink their preconceived notions about good and evil, heroism, and destiny.
Another central theme is the exploration of power and its misuse. The character of Lilith de Tempscire, who tries to control people’s lives by imposing her own version of ‘happy endings’, is a perfect embodiment of this theme. She believes that she knows what’s best for everyone else, and Pratchett uses this character to discuss the potential harm of such a mindset.
The power of belief is also a crucial theme in “Witches Abroad”. Pratchett examines how collective belief can shape reality, drawing parallels to real-world phenomena like mass hysteria, religion, and cultural norms.
The theme of identity and self-discovery is explored through the characters of the witches. Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick are all forced to confront and reevaluate their own identities throughout their journey, and Pratchett uses their experiences to explore the nature of self-perception and personal growth.
Lastly, the theme of sisterhood and female empowerment is deeply woven into the narrative. The three witches, despite their differences, rely on each other and their combined strengths to overcome the obstacles they face. Pratchett uses the witches to showcase the power of female solidarity and to challenge traditional gender roles.
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If you enjoy “Witches Abroad” by Terry Pratchett, there are quite a few other books that you might find intriguing. The first recommendation would be other books from the Discworld series by Pratchett himself. Each book in the series, such as “Wyrd Sisters,” “Maskerade,” and “Carpe Jugulum,” features the same wit, humor, and satirical take on fantasy tropes.
“Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman is another fantastic read. It is an amusing tale of the apocalypse, filled with humor and satire, similar to “Witches Abroad.”
Outside of Pratchett’s works, “The Eyre Affair” by Jasper Fforde is a delightful blend of fantasy, mystery, and humor that fans of “Witches Abroad” might enjoy. It is the first in a series of books featuring the character Thursday Next, a literary detective in an alternate version of Great Britain.
Douglas Adams’ “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” series might also interest fans of Terry Pratchett. Adams’ dry British humor and absurdism have a similar feel to Pratchett’s Discworld books.
Finally, “Stardust” by Neil Gaiman is a wonderful fantasy story filled with witches, stars, and adventures, written in a charming, fairy-tale style. The humor and wit found in Gaiman’s writing might remind you of “Witches Abroad.”