Summary
In Terry Pratchett’s “Hogfather”, the 20th novel in his beloved Discworld series, the Discworld’s version of Father Christmas – the Hogfather – has gone missing. The story unfolds on Hogswatchnight (December 32nd), when the Hogfather traditionally delivers presents to children across the Disc. However, this year, sinister forces are at work.
The Auditors of Reality, cosmic beings obsessed with order, hire an assassin named Mr. Teatime (pronounced “Teh-ah-tim-eh”) to eliminate the Hogfather. Teatime, a brilliant but psychotic young man, devises a plan involving the Tooth Fairy’s realm and children’s teeth to destroy belief in the Hogfather.
As belief in the Hogfather wanes, Death himself steps in to fill the role, donning a red suit and beard, and delivering presents with the help of his servant Albert. Death’s well-meaning but literal interpretation of Hogswatch traditions leads to both humorous and poignant moments as he tries to understand human nature and belief.
Meanwhile, Death’s granddaughter, Susan Sto Helit, reluctantly gets involved. Susan, who works as a governess and prefers a normal life, investigates the Hogfather’s disappearance. Her journey takes her to the Castle of Bones, where she encounters Bilious, the Oh God of Hangovers, and eventually to the Tooth Fairy’s realm.
The story weaves between various characters and locations, including the wizards of Unseen University, who become entangled in the plot through their computer, Hex. As Hogswatch morning approaches, Susan races against time to save the Hogfather and, by extension, the sun itself from never rising again.
Throughout the novel, Pratchett explores themes of belief, imagination, and the importance of human myths. The story culminates in a confrontation between Susan and Teatime in the Tooth Fairy’s castle, with the fate of the Discworld hanging in the balance.
“Hogfather” is a witty, philosophical and heart-warming tale that uses the lens of holiday traditions to examine deeper questions about human nature, belief and the power of stories.
Key themes:
- The importance of belief and imagination in human existence
- The nature of reality versus fantasy
- The role of myths and traditions in shaping society
- The conflict between order (represented by the Auditors) and chaos (human belief and imagination)
- Death’s attempts to understand humanity
- The power of childhood and innocence
Character Details
Death
Death is the anthropomorphic personification of death in the Discworld. In “Hogfather”, he takes on the role of the missing Hogfather, delivering presents and trying to maintain belief. Death speaks in ALL CAPITALS and has a literal mindset, often struggling to understand human metaphors and emotions. Despite his fearsome appearance, Death is fascinated by humanity and often tries to protect them. His attempts to fill in as the Hogfather lead to both comical and touching moments as he grapples with the concept of giving and the spirit of Hogswatch.
Susan Sto Helit
Susan is Death’s granddaughter and the main protagonist of the story. She works as a governess and possesses some of Death’s powers, which she tries to ignore in favour of living a normal life. Susan is practical, no-nonsense, and highly intelligent. She has the ability to see things others can’t and can manipulate reality to some extent. Despite her attempts to distance herself from her supernatural heritage, Susan is drawn into the mystery of the missing Hogfather. Her journey throughout the book showcases her growth as she comes to terms with her unique abilities and her role in maintaining the balance of the Discworld.
Mr. Teatime
Jonathan Teatime is the antagonist of the story, a brilliant but psychotic assassin hired to “inhume” the Hogfather. His name is pronounced “Teh-ah-tim-eh”, a fact he frequently reminds others of. Teatime is described as having a glass eye with a pin-prick pupil and a disconcertingly cheerful demeanour that masks his sociopathic nature. He is incredibly clever and thinks outside the box, coming up with plans that others would never consider. His lack of normal human empathy and his creative approach to assassination make him a formidable opponent.
The Hogfather
The Hogfather is the Discworld’s equivalent of Father Christmas. He’s a jolly, fat man who delivers presents to children on Hogswatchnight. In the story, the Hogfather is targeted by the Auditors and goes missing, setting off the main plot. The Hogfather represents the spirit of belief and imagination, and his absence threatens not just Hogswatch celebrations but the very fabric of reality on the Discworld.
Bilious, the Oh God of Hangovers
Bilious is a minor god who comes into existence due to the excess belief floating around after the Hogfather’s disappearance. As the Oh God of Hangovers, he suffers from constant hangovers without ever having drunk alcohol himself. Bilious joins Susan on her quest and provides comic relief while also serving as a representation of the power of human belief to create new realities.
Reader Fit
“Hogfather” would appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Fantasy with a humorous twist
- Satirical takes on holiday traditions and human nature
- Philosophical musings wrapped in entertaining storytelling
- Character-driven narratives with a mix of action and introspection
- British humour and wordplay
Fans of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series will find familiar characters and settings, but the book can also serve as an entry point for new readers due to its standalone plot. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate clever, thought-provoking fiction that challenges perceptions of reality and belief.
Quick Facts
Genre: Comic Fantasy
Publication Year: 1996
Reading Time Estimate: 8-10 hours
Notable Awards: Nominated for the 1997 British Fantasy Award
Related Books
- “The Colour of Magic” by Terry Pratchett (the first Discworld novel)
- “Mort” by Terry Pratchett (another Death-centric Discworld novel)
- “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman (for more humorous fantasy)
