Wyrd Sisters – Summary
In Terry Pratchett’s “Wyrd Sisters”, the sixth novel in his Discworld series, we are introduced to a trio of witches who find themselves embroiled in royal politics. The story begins with the murder of King Verence I of Lancre by his ambitious cousin, Duke Felmet, who is egged on by his ruthless wife. As the kingdom falls into the hands of the tyrannical new rulers, the witches—Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Magrat Garlick—are entrusted with the king’s infant son and the royal crown.
The witches, reluctant to meddle in affairs of state, hand the child over to a travelling theatre troupe and hide the crown in their props box. However, as the land and its people suffer under the cruel reign of Duke Felmet, the witches realise they must act. In a bold magical feat, Granny Weatherwax casts a spell to move the entire kingdom forward in time by 15 years, allowing the rightful heir, now named Tomjon, to grow up and potentially reclaim his throne.
Meanwhile, the paranoid Duke Felmet, in an attempt to secure his rule, commissions a play to be written and performed, portraying him in a positive light and discrediting the witches. He sends his court Fool to Ankh-Morpork to recruit the very same theatre company that has raised Tomjon. As the actors make their way to Lancre, the stage is set for a showdown between truth and deception.
The witches use their magical prowess to turn the tables on Duke Felmet during the play’s performance. They cast a spell that compels the actors to portray the truth about the king’s murder, exposing the Duke and Duchess’s guilt to the audience. This revelation leads to the Duke’s descent into madness and eventual demise, while the Duchess meets her end at the hands of vengeful forest creatures.
In a twist of fate, it’s revealed that Tomjon, now a talented actor, has no desire to be king. Instead, Granny Weatherwax declares the Fool to be the late king’s son from another mother, and thus Tomjon’s half-brother. The Fool is crowned as King Verence II of Lancre, bringing a satisfying resolution to the kingdom’s turmoil.
Throughout the narrative, Pratchett weaves in clever references to Shakespearean plays, particularly “Macbeth” and “Hamlet”, adding layers of wit and satire to the story. The novel explores themes of power, destiny and the nature of truth, all while maintaining Pratchett’s signature humour and insightful commentary on human nature.
Key Themes:
- The power of words and storytelling in shaping reality
- The conflict between duty and personal desires
- The nature of leadership and legitimate rule
- The role of fate and free will in determining one’s path
- The strength of female characters in positions of influence
Character Details
Granny Weatherwax
Granny Weatherwax is the formidable leader of the witch trio, though she’d never admit to being a leader. She’s a stern, no-nonsense witch who believes in the power of “headology” over flashy magic. Granny is fiercely independent, highly respected and often feared. She has a strong moral compass and a deep understanding of human nature, which she uses to manipulate situations to her advantage. Despite her hard exterior, Granny has a hidden soft side and a strong sense of duty to her community. Her character embodies wisdom, pragmatism and the idea that true power comes from self-control and understanding.
Nanny Ogg
Nanny Ogg is the jovial, earthy member of the witch trio. A mother of many and grandmother to even more, she’s the matriarch of the large Ogg clan. Nanny is known for her love of food, drink and bawdy songs. Despite her seemingly carefree attitude, she’s a skilled witch with a sharp mind hidden behind her friendly demeanour. Nanny serves as a perfect foil to Granny Weatherwax, often providing a more relaxed and humorous perspective on situations. She’s also the owner of Greebo, a notoriously vicious tomcat who she sees as a sweet little kitten.
Magrat Garlick
Magrat is the youngest and most naive of the three witches. She’s a romantic at heart and believes in the more traditional, occult aspects of witchcraft, much to the annoyance of Granny Weatherwax. Magrat is often the voice of reason in the group, though her suggestions are frequently ignored. Throughout the story, she grows in confidence and magical ability, learning to balance her idealistic nature with the practical approach of her mentors. Magrat also develops a sweet, awkward romance with the kingdom’s Fool.
Duke Felmet
The antagonist of the story, Duke Felmet is a weak-willed man pushed into regicide by his ambitious wife. After murdering King Verence, he becomes the ruler of Lancre but is plagued by guilt and paranoia. Felmet’s mental state deteriorates throughout the novel, manifesting in an obsession with washing the imaginary blood from his hands. His character is a clear nod to Shakespeare’s Macbeth, providing both a villainous presence and a source of dark humour in the story.
The Fool
The Fool is a complex character who starts as the court jester for Duke Felmet but becomes increasingly important to the plot. He’s intelligent and perceptive, often speaking truths disguised as jokes. The Fool forms a romantic connection with Magrat and plays a crucial role in the resolution of the story. His character explores themes of duty versus personal desire, and the nature of power and kingship.
Reader Fit
“Wyrd Sisters” is perfect for readers who enjoy fantasy with a heavy dose of humour and satire. Fans of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series will find this a delightful addition, but it also serves as an excellent entry point for newcomers to the series. The book will particularly appeal to those who appreciate clever wordplay, parodies of classic literature (especially Shakespeare), and strong female characters.
Readers who enjoy exploring themes of power, destiny, and the nature of storytelling through a comedic lens will find much to love in this novel. It’s also a great choice for those who like their fantasy with a side of social commentary and philosophical musing.
Quick Facts
- Genre: Comic Fantasy
- Publication Year: 1988
- Reading Time Estimate: 6-8 hours
- Notable Awards: None specific to this book, but Terry Pratchett was awarded the Carnegie Medal in 2001 for “The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents”, another Discworld novel.
Related Books
- “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare – For those interested in the source material that inspired much of “Wyrd Sisters”.
- “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman – Another humorous fantasy novel co-written by Pratchett.
- “The Wee Free Men” by Terry Pratchett – The first in the Tiffany Aching series, another witch-centric storyline in the Discworld universe.
