The Noobs Guide To Terry Pratchett’s Discworld Universe

“In a distant and second-hand set of dimensions, in an astral plane that was never meant to fly, the curling star-mists waver and part…
See…
Great A’Tuin.”

For the intrepid young hero seeking adventure, one must look no further than that of Sir Terry Practchett’s Discworld saga. Satire and comedic in nature, it’s an adult fantasy series that can be enjoyed at any age. 

But the thing is, when a series is over forty books long, picking it up can become more than a little intimidating. I mean – where the actual heck does one start???

Well, grab yourself a Rat-Onna-Stick [a staple of Ankh-Morpork’s questionable street cuisine] and a pint of Scumble [fingers crossed you survive] and your Discworld passport [literally available online at the Discworld Emporium] and settle in for today’s discussion as I bring you, fresh outta the Disc; The Noobs Beginners Guide to Terry Pratchett’s Discworld Universe.

The Discworld Universe

Discworld, a literary experience thirty-two years in the making, is comprised of forty-one [yes – forty-one!] primary installments. But hey, don’t let that intimidate you; there are also companion novels and handbooks, non-fiction novels, maps [yes – plural], children’s stories, graphic novels and even a cook book.

So yeah – it’s safe to say that you have been living under a rock [fair warning: the rocks talk], ignorant to a cultural phenomenon. Don’t worry – I’m here to set you on the path of your own journey across the Disc. [Whether or not you travel Rimwards, Hubwards, Turnwise or Widdershins we’ll have to see].

What sets the Discworld apart from other fantasy works such as the Lord of the Rings is the fact that these novels aren’t so much a series than a collection of mini-series and stand-alone novels set in the same universe. Even starting at the Colour of Magic, the plot doesn’t actually continue of stretch across the other installments. Instead, the Discworld novels are comedic fantasy adventures that run almost parallel to each other, with common themes and motifs.

Episodic in feel, characters pop in and out for cameos while cliches and classic literature are parodied as Terry comments on issues relevant to our own society with his iconic wit and humor. You can read the saga chronologically or, you can read them separately. You know, sort of a one-book-stand kind of thing. But, we’ll get to that later…

So, Wait – What’s A Discworld? Is This A Flat Earth Thing???

No. Yes. Okay, kinda? You know what – I’m going to let Terry explain this one…

“It is primarily a story about a world. Here it comes now. Watch closely, the special effects are quite expensive.
A brass note sounds. It is a deep, vibrating chord that hints that the brass section may break in at any moment with a fanfare for the cosmos, because the scene is the blackness of deep space with a few stars glittering like the dandruff on the shoulders of God.
Then it comes into view overhead, bigger than the biggest, most unpleasantly-armed starcuriser in the imagination of a three-ring film-maker: a turtle, ten thousand miles long. It is Great A’Tuin, one of the rare astrochelonians from a universe where things are less as they are and more like people imagine them to be, and it carries on its meteor-pocked shell four giant elephants who bear on their enormous shoulders the great round wheel of the Discworld.
As the viewpoint swings around, the whole of the world can be seen by the light of its tiny orbiting sun. There are continents, archipelagos, seas, deserts, mountain ranges and even a tiny central ice cap. The inhabitants of this place, it is obvious, won’t have any truck with global theories. Their world, bounded by an encircling ocean that falls forever into space in one long waterfall, is as round and flat as a geological pizza, although without the anchovies.
A world like that, which exists only because the gods enjoy a joke, must be a place where magic can survive.” – Terry Pratchett, Equal Rites 1987. 

Basically Terry Pratchett was riffing off the whole Flat-earth-thing before it was cool. Don’t stress though, while the idea of the Disc sounds super complicated it’s actually pretty easily grasped.

The short hand?

You have this flat, disc-like world carried on the backs of four elephants who stand upon Great A’Tuin’s frost dusted shell which drifts onwards through space. Destination? Unknown. It’s a world brimming with heroes, wizards, witches, dwarfs, dragons, vampires, elves and a would-be city watch where nothing is to be taken too seriously.

Reading Tip: If the idea still sounds complicated? Might I suggest starting out with one of the companion novels? I’d highly recommend The Complete Discworld Altas or The Complete Ankh-Morpork City Guide as a gateway book and a lesson in the Disc’s world building. You’ll get all the inside gossip and an extensive grasp on the Disc at large. Also, these books are brimming with maps, illustrations and must read guides that make for a real treat.

Okay, So Just How Do You Read This Series Then???

There are three main ways to read Discworld. let’s start with the most straight-forward, obvious way shall we?

Chronologically

Basically, you start at the Color of Magic then the Light Fantastic and see how far you get through this deliciously witty world. [I’m going to be real and admit that you’re probably not going to make it through all 41 novels in one year alone].

I guess it goes without saying that by reading Discworld in it’s chronological publication order, you’ll witness Terry’s maiden voyage across the Disc while being introduced to some of the Disc’s key players and locations. Fair Warning: the Colour of Magic is one of the weaker installments. While I loved the idea of an expedition across the Disc and the escapades that ensue, others have said that it can be hard to follow or boring – you see there isn’t exactly a plot.

I would allow at least the first three books before DNFing if you’re struggling. LET YOUR MIND FREAKING  ADJUST PEOPLE.

But, you will witness Terry hone his craft as his plotting, humor and the overall structure develop. You’ll meet an iconic cast of characters as the saga unfolds before you.

Thematically

As the saga developed, characters and themes spawned into little mini-series and groups in the wider Discworld universe. If forty-one books is a bit much for you to commit to reading the saga thematically might be right up your alley.

 Do you like wizards wizzards, heroes and magic? If you answered YES it’s off to the Unseen University for you with Rincewind [who is quite possibly the worst wizard ever] and the luggage in the Rincewind/Wizards Books. Start at the Colour of Magic. 

The Colour of Magic > The Light Fantastic > Sourcery > Faust Eric > Moving Pictures > Interesting Times > The Last Continent > Unseen Academicals 

 Are comedic parodies and folkloric fairy tales your thing? Are you a proud feminist? Does the idea of elderly witches meddling in other people’s affairs just set your heart racing? You’ll be starting with Equal Rites then and the Witches Books. 

Equal Rites > Wyrd Sisters > Witches Abroad > Lords and Ladies > Maskerade
> Carpe Jugulum

 Is the idea of Death taking a holiday amusing? You you like rock bands and Christmas? Do you have a rather morbid sense of humor??? If you answered YES to any of these then let  me introduce you to an anthropomorphic personification – Death. Spoiler alert: it’s the Death books for you. Start with Mort.

Mort > Reaper Man > Soul Music > Hogfather > Thief of Time

 Do you like dragons, whodunits and crime movies? Yes? Then it’s off to the City Watch books and a rather disgruntled police officer as he forms the Disc’s first [and only] police force. Guards! Guards! is the book for you.

Guards! Guards! > Men at Arms > Feet of Clay > Jingo > The Fifth Elephant
> Night Watch > Thud! > Snuff 

 Does the idea of an industrial revolution on a fantasy world leave you drooling? How do you feel about conmen, enterprises or progress? If post offices, steam trains and journalism are you thing then I’d recommend the Moist Von Lipwig books. You’ll be starting with the Truth. 

The Truth > Monstrous Regiment > Going Postal > Making Money > Raising Steam 

 Are you religious? How do you feel about Ancient Egypt for a fantasy setting? Are you into divine intervention??? If the nature of the universe and religion is your thing than you’re starting with the Gods Books. Start with Pyramids. 

Pyramids > Small Gods

One-Book-Stand

Okay – You’ve made it through 1416 words but you’re still not convinced. Maybe the idea of the Discworld saga is daunting? Maybe you’ve got commitment issues? You’re looking for a no-strings-attached, friends-with-benefits kind of relationship.

Look – we’ve all been there.

When I started out, I found myself picking up installments at random. The thing is though, with the Discworld  the more you read the more you realize just how epic Terry Pratchett’s work (and his iconic characters) actually are.

So, if you’re more of a one-book-stand kind of person I’m not judging. You just need the perfect gateway book. And by gateway book I mean that book that will pave the way for you’re Discworld obsession. Spoiler Alert: mine was Maskerade.

Equal Rites – For your inner feminist.
Wyrd Sisters – A story about stories parodying Macbeth.
Maskerade –  For your inner theater-geek, a hilarious parody of Phantom of the Opera.
Guards! Guards! – Dragons and a would-be police force. #enoughsaid.
Soul Music – If you love pop culture and music let me introduce you to the Band With Rocks In [“Bee There Orr Bee A Rectangular Thyng”].
Moving Pictures – For your inner movie buff.
Pyramids – For those who love assassins and ancient Egypt.
Hogfather – The perfect Christmas book which sees Death don the red suit. Serious Nightmare Before Christmas vibes.

So, there you have it – The Noobs Beginners Guide to Terry Pratchett’s sprawling Discworld saga. *Let’s out a huff of breath*. Damn that was a long one! Hopefully you’ve made it the end of this post, sorry it took a bit longer than planned to get it to you! Also, congratulations – you’ve just read 1680 words. WHOO HOO!

Anyway, I’m hoping that this Noobs Guide might have convinced you to dip a toe into the world that is Terry Pratchett’s genius mind. The humor is real and the commentary iconic – I cannot recommend this series enough.

Have you read any Discworld books? Do you have a favorite? I’d love to hear all about it! Be sure to leave me a comment below. Happy reading ghouls!

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