Lords and Ladies – Summary
Lords and Ladies is the fourteenth novel in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series and the fourth book featuring the witches of Lancre. The story begins as Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick return to Lancre after their adventures in Genua. They discover that in their absence, a group of young girls led by Diamanda Tockley has formed a new coven and has been dancing around the Dancers, a circle of magnetic stones that serves as a barrier between the Discworld and the realm of the elves.
As Magrat prepares for her upcoming wedding to King Verence, she struggles with her new role as queen and feels increasingly alienated from her fellow witches. Meanwhile, Granny and Nanny attempt to dissuade the young coven from their dangerous activities, knowing that their actions could potentially allow the elves to return to the Discworld.
The elves, far from being the benevolent creatures of folklore, are revealed to be cruel, capricious beings who view humans as playthings. As Midsummer’s Eve approaches, the barrier between worlds weakens, and the elves begin to infiltrate Lancre. The situation escalates when Diamanda foolishly enters the elven realm and is shot with a poisoned arrow, prompting Granny to follow and rescue her.
As the threat of the elves grows, the witches must rally the people of Lancre to defend their kingdom. Magrat, inspired by the (fictional) warrior Queen Ynci, dons ancient armour and takes on a more active role in the fight. The climax of the story unfolds at the Dancers, where Granny faces off against the Elf Queen in a battle of wits and willpower.
The novel also explores the relationship between Granny Weatherwax and Mustrum Ridcully, the Archchancellor of Unseen University, who share a romantic history. Their interactions provide both comic relief and deeper insights into Granny’s character.
In the end, the combined efforts of the witches, the people of Lancre, and some unexpected allies manage to repel the elven invasion. Magrat and Verence are married, and the witches reflect on the power of stories, identity, and their place in the world.
Key themes:
- The danger of romanticising the past and mythical creatures
- The strength found in embracing one’s true identity
- The power of community and tradition in facing external threats
- The complex nature of leadership and responsibility
Character Details
Granny Weatherwax
Esmerelda Weatherwax, known as Granny Weatherwax, is the most powerful witch in Lancre and a central figure in the story. She is known for her formidable willpower, sharp intellect, and no-nonsense approach to both magic and life. Granny practices “headology,” a form of psychology-based magic that relies on understanding and manipulating people’s perceptions. In “Lords and Ladies,” we see Granny facing her own mortality and grappling with the idea of her legacy. Her confrontation with the Elf Queen showcases her incredible mental strength and her ability to “borrow” the minds of other creatures, even managing the seemingly impossible feat of borrowing a swarm of bees.
Nanny Ogg
Gytha Ogg, better known as Nanny Ogg, is a jovial, down-to-earth witch with a large family and an even larger personality. She serves as a foil to Granny Weatherwax’s seriousness, often providing comic relief and practical wisdom. Nanny is known for her enjoyment of food, drink, and bawdy songs. In this novel, we see her fierce protectiveness of her community when confronted with the elven threat. Her no-nonsense attitude and quick thinking prove invaluable in rallying the people of Lancre against the elves.
Magrat Garlick
Magrat Garlick is the youngest of the three witches and is often the target of criticism from Granny and Nanny. In “Lords and Ladies,” Magrat undergoes significant character development as she struggles with her impending role as Queen of Lancre and her place within the coven. Initially feeling lost and uncertain, Magrat finds inspiration in the (fictional) warrior Queen Ynci and transforms herself into a more confident and assertive individual. Her journey from a meek, New Age-influenced witch to a sword-wielding defender of Lancre is a central arc of the story.
The Elf Queen
The Elf Queen is the primary antagonist of the novel. She embodies the true nature of the elves in Pratchett’s Discworld: beautiful, powerful, and utterly malevolent. The Queen uses glamour and manipulation to entice humans, seeing them as mere playthings for her amusement. Her confrontation with Granny Weatherwax forms the climax of the story, showcasing the battle between cold, inhuman power and human determination and wit.
Mustrum Ridcully
Mustrum Ridcully is the Archchancellor of Unseen University and an old flame of Granny Weatherwax. His presence in Lancre for the royal wedding adds both humour and depth to the story. Ridcully’s boisterous personality and magical knowledge provide a contrast to the witches’ more practical approach to magic. His interactions with Granny Weatherwax reveal aspects of her past and personality that add nuance to her character.
King Verence II
Formerly the court jester, Verence is now the King of Lancre and Magrat’s fiancé. His attempts to modernise Lancre and his struggles with the expectations of kingship provide both comic moments and commentary on the nature of leadership. Verence’s genuine love for Magrat and his desire to be a good ruler make him a sympathetic character, even as his naivety sometimes causes problems.
Reader Fit
“Lords and Ladies” would appeal to readers who enjoy fantasy with a humorous twist, particularly those who appreciate satirical takes on traditional fantasy tropes. Fans of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, especially those who have read previous books featuring the witches, will find much to enjoy in this continuation of their story. The novel’s exploration of themes such as the power of belief, the danger of nostalgia, and the importance of community make it relevant to readers interested in social commentary wrapped in fantasy.
Those who enjoy strong female characters and stories that subvert expectations about fairy tales and folklore will also find this book engaging.
Quick Facts
- Genre: Comic Fantasy
- Publication Year: 1992
- Reading Time Estimate: 8-10 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
- “Wyrd Sisters” by Terry Pratchett – Another Discworld novel featuring the witches of Lancre
- “The Wee Free Men” by Terry Pratchett – A Discworld novel that also deals with elves and their true nature
- “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman – For readers who enjoy Pratchett’s humorous take on fantasy and mythology
Buy the Book
Dive into the magical, witty world of Discworld with “Lords and Ladies.” Whether you’re a long-time fan of Terry Pratchett or new to his work, this novel offers a perfect blend of humour, fantasy, and social commentary. Don’t miss out on this thrilling adventure with the witches of Lancre!
