Summary
In “The Fifth Elephant”, Terry Pratchett takes readers on another thrilling adventure in the Discworld series. The story follows Sam Vimes, Commander of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, as he embarks on a diplomatic mission to the mysterious country of Überwald. As the newly appointed Duke of Ankh and ambassador, Vimes must navigate the treacherous political landscape of Überwald, where vampires, werewolves and dwarfs maintain an uneasy peace.
The plot revolves around the coronation of the new Low King of the dwarfs and the theft of an ancient dwarf artifact, the Scone of Stone. Vimes finds himself embroiled in a complex web of intrigue, facing dangerous werewolves, devious vampires and dwarf extremists. Meanwhile, his wife Lady Sybil accompanies him, adding her own diplomatic skills to the mission.
As Vimes investigates the theft and uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the stability of Überwald and Ankh-Morpork, other members of the Watch face their own challenges. Carrot Ironfoundersson sets off on a personal quest to find his girlfriend Angua, who has mysteriously disappeared. Accompanied by Gaspode, a talking dog, Carrot’s journey takes him through the harsh wilderness of Überwald.
The story explores themes of tradition versus progress, identity, and the complexities of diplomacy. Pratchett masterfully weaves together multiple plotlines, including the political machinations in Überwald, Vimes’ personal struggles with his new noble status, and the Watch’s efforts to solve the theft of the Scone.
As events unfold, Vimes must confront dangerous werewolves, particularly the psychopathic Wolfgang, Angua’s brother. The narrative culminates in a thrilling showdown in the streets of Bonk, where Vimes faces off against Wolfgang in a battle that will determine the fate of Überwald and the success of his mission.
Throughout the novel, Pratchett’s signature wit and humour shine through, offering insightful commentary on real-world issues through the lens of his fantastical setting. The story delves into the complexities of cultural differences, the challenges of maintaining peace between diverse groups, and the personal growth of its characters.
Key themes:
- Tradition vs progress in society
- The nature of identity and belonging
- Diplomacy and international relations
- Personal growth and adaptation to new roles
- The clash between different cultures and species
Character Details
Sam Vimes
Sam Vimes is the protagonist of “The Fifth Elephant” and the Commander of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch. A street-smart, cynical copper at heart, Vimes finds himself thrust into the world of nobility and diplomacy as the newly appointed Duke of Ankh. Despite his working-class background, Vimes is known for his unwavering sense of justice and his ability to see through deception. Throughout the novel, he struggles to balance his new responsibilities as a diplomat with his instincts as a policeman. Vimes is characterised by his determination, his distrust of authority, and his constant battle with his own inner demons, including his past alcoholism. His dry wit and pragmatic approach to solving problems make him a compelling and relatable character.
Lady Sybil Ramkin
Lady Sybil Ramkin is Sam Vimes’ wife and the Duchess of Ankh. A formidable woman from an aristocratic background, Sybil is known for her dragon-breeding hobby and her no-nonsense attitude. In “The Fifth Elephant”, she accompanies Vimes on his diplomatic mission to Überwald, demonstrating her own diplomatic skills and adaptability. Sybil provides a perfect counterbalance to Vimes, offering support and insight while navigating the complex social and political landscape of Überwald. Her strength of character, practical nature, and genuine care for others make her an invaluable asset to the mission and a beloved character in her own right.
Carrot Ironfoundersson
Captain Carrot Ironfoundersson is a member of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch and Vimes’ second-in-command. Raised by dwarfs but human by birth, Carrot is known for his literal-mindedness, unwavering honesty, and natural charisma. In “The Fifth Elephant”, Carrot embarks on a personal quest to find his girlfriend Angua, who has disappeared into Überwald. His journey reveals new depths to his character, showcasing his determination, resourcefulness, and the complexity behind his seemingly simple nature. Carrot’s unique ability to relate to both humans and other species plays a crucial role in the story’s events.
Angua von Überwald
Angua is a werewolf and a member of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch. In “The Fifth Elephant”, her mysterious disappearance to Überwald sets off a chain of events that significantly impacts the plot. Angua’s character explores themes of identity and belonging, as she struggles with her werewolf nature and her place between the human and wolf worlds. Her complex relationship with her family, particularly her psychopathic brother Wolfgang, adds depth to her character and drives much of the conflict in the novel.
Wolfgang von Überwald
Wolfgang is Angua’s brother and the primary antagonist of the novel. A violent and psychopathic werewolf, Wolfgang represents the traditional werewolf way of life that Angua has rejected. His actions threaten the delicate balance in Überwald and pose a significant challenge to Vimes and his mission. Wolfgang’s character embodies the themes of tradition versus progress and the dangers of extremism.
Reader Fit
“The Fifth Elephant” would appeal to readers who enjoy fantasy with a satirical edge, particularly those who appreciate clever wordplay and social commentary. Fans of detective stories and political thrillers will find much to enjoy in the novel’s intricate plot and exploration of diplomacy and international relations. The book is ideal for those who like their fantasy grounded in relatable characters and real-world issues, albeit presented through a humorous and fantastical lens.
While it’s part of the Discworld series, “The Fifth Elephant” can be enjoyed by newcomers to Pratchett’s work, though familiarity with the previous Watch novels would enhance the reading experience.
Quick Facts
Genre: Fantasy, Satire, Crime
Publication Year: 1999
Reading Time Estimate: 10-12 hours
Notable Awards: Nominated for the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel in 2000
Related Books
- “Guards! Guards!” by Terry Pratchett – The first book in the Watch subseries of Discworld
- “Going Postal” by Terry Pratchett – Another Discworld novel that deals with themes of modernisation and change
- “The Night Watch” by Sergei Lukyanenko – A urban fantasy novel with a similar blend of the supernatural and detective elements
Buy the Book
Dive into the rich, satirical world of Discworld with “The Fifth Elephant”. Experience Terry Pratchett’s masterful storytelling, unforgettable characters, and insightful commentary on society. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, this book promises an entertaining and thought-provoking read. Get your copy today and join Sam Vimes on his diplomatic adventure in Überwald!
