Equal Rites – Summary
Equal Rites tells the story of Eskarina Smith, a young girl born in the village of Bad Ass on Discworld. At the moment of her birth, a dying wizard passes on his staff to her, mistakenly believing her to be male. This sets in motion a series of events that challenge the long-held belief that only men can be wizards.
Granny Weatherwax, the local witch, becomes Esk’s mentor and guide. As Esk grows, her innate magical abilities begin to manifest, causing chaos and concern. Granny realises that Esk’s powers are beyond her control and decides to take her to Ankh-Morpork, where the prestigious Unseen University for wizards is located.
Their journey is fraught with challenges and magical mishaps. Upon reaching the university, they face staunch opposition from the all-male faculty, particularly the misogynistic Vice-Chancellor, Master Treatle. Esk is denied entry based solely on her gender, despite her evident magical talent.
Undeterred, Granny secures Esk a position on the cleaning staff, allowing her to sneak into lectures. During this time, Esk befriends Simon, a brilliant but socially awkward male student. Together, they stumble upon dangerous magical forces from the Dungeon Dimensions threatening to invade Discworld.
In a climactic sequence, Esk is pulled into another dimension where she must confront these otherworldly threats. Meanwhile, Granny and Archchancellor Cutangle, initially at odds, join forces to aid Esk. Through her ordeal, Esk discovers that the key to overcoming these entities lies not in performing magic, but in refraining from it.
Esk and Simon return triumphant, having developed a new form of magic that baffles yet impresses the wizards. Their success prompts Cutangle to end the male-only policy at the university. The novel concludes with hints of a budding romance between Granny and Cutangle, and the promise of a more inclusive future for magic on Discworld.
Key themes:
- Gender equality and challenging societal norms
- The power of determination and perseverance
- The dangers of rigid thinking and tradition
- The importance of education and knowledge
- The strength found in cooperation and understanding
Character Details
Eskarina (Esk) Smith
Esk is the protagonist, a young girl with an innate talent for wizardry. Born as the eighth child of an eighth son, she inherits a wizard’s staff at birth, setting her on an unconventional path. Esk is curious, determined and often stubborn. She struggles with controlling her magical abilities and faces significant opposition due to her gender. Throughout the story, Esk shows remarkable resilience and adaptability, ultimately proving that magical talent knows no gender boundaries.
Granny Weatherwax
Granny Weatherwax is a formidable witch and Esk’s mentor. She’s known for her no-nonsense attitude, sharp wit and powerful magical abilities. Initially sceptical about Esk’s wizard potential, Granny becomes her staunchest advocate. She’s pragmatic, often using “headology” (a form of psychology) rather than outright magic. Granny’s journey with Esk challenges her own preconceptions and leads to personal growth, showcasing her capacity for change despite her stubborn nature.
Archchancellor Cutangle
Cutangle is the head of Unseen University. Initially portrayed as a typical, tradition-bound wizard, he undergoes significant character development. His interactions with Granny Weatherwax and Esk challenge his views on gender roles in magic. Cutangle shows an increasing openness to new ideas and eventually becomes an ally in the fight for equality at the university.
Simon
Simon is a gifted male student at Unseen University who befriends Esk. He’s brilliant but socially awkward, with a stutter that disappears when he’s working with magic. Simon’s friendship with Esk is pivotal to the story, as they work together to confront the dangers from the Dungeon Dimensions. His character illustrates the potential for cooperation between male and female magic users.
Master Treatle
The Vice-Chancellor of Unseen University, Treatle represents the entrenched misogyny and resistance to change within the wizarding world. He’s pompous, narrow-minded, and staunchly opposed to the idea of female wizards. Treatle serves as the primary antagonist in Esk’s quest for acceptance at the university.
Reader Fit
Equal Rites would appeal to readers who enjoy fantasy with a humorous twist and those interested in stories that challenge societal norms. Fans of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series will appreciate the introduction of beloved characters like Granny Weatherwax.
The book is particularly suited for readers who enjoy narratives about breaking barriers, gender equality and the power of determination. Its blend of comedy and social commentary makes it accessible to both young adults and older readers.
Quick Facts
- Genre: Comic Fantasy
- Publication Year: 1987
- Reading Time Estimate: 6-8 hours
- Notable Awards: None specific to this book, but Terry Pratchett received multiple awards for his Discworld series.
Related Books
- Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett (another Discworld novel featuring witches)
- The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett (the first book in the Discworld series)
- The Tiffany Aching series by Terry Pratchett (young adult Discworld books with a female protagonist)
