Small Gods – Summary
In the thirteenth instalment of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, “Small Gods” takes readers on a satirical journey through the complex world of religious belief and institutions. The story centres around the Great God Om, who finds himself incarnated as a small tortoise with only one true believer left in the world: a young novice named Brutha.
The tale unfolds in the theocratic nation of Omnia, where the church wields absolute power through fear and oppression. Om, stripped of his divine powers due to a lack of genuine believers, must rely on Brutha to restore his godhood. Brutha, gifted with an eidetic memory but unable to read or write, becomes an unwitting prophet as he accompanies the zealous Deacon Vorbis on a diplomatic mission to the neighbouring country of Ephebe.
As Brutha’s journey progresses, he encounters philosophers and new ideas that challenge his rigid beliefs. Meanwhile, Om struggles with his newfound vulnerability and the realisation that gods are dependent on human belief for their existence. The story culminates in a conflict between faith and reason, with Brutha caught in the middle as he tries to prevent a holy war and reform the corrupt Omnian church.
Pratchett weaves a narrative that is both humorous and thought-provoking, exploring themes such as the nature of belief, the corruption of power, and the importance of critical thinking. The author’s signature wit and wordplay are on full display as he satirises religious dogma, philosophical debates, and the human tendency to twist faith for personal gain.
Key themes:
- The relationship between gods and their believers
- The corruption of religious institutions
- The power of critical thinking and questioning beliefs
- The nature of faith versus reason
- The dangers of blind obedience and dogmatism
- The evolution of religious thought and practice
Character Details
Brutha
Brutha is a young novice in the Omnian church, possessing an extraordinary eidetic memory that allows him to recall everything he sees or hears with perfect clarity. Despite his gift, Brutha is illiterate and initially lacks the ability to think critically about his faith. As the story progresses, he becomes the reluctant prophet of Om and undergoes significant character development. Brutha’s innocence, compassion, and growing ability to question his beliefs make him the moral centre of the story. His journey from a simple, obedient novice to a thoughtful reformer drives the narrative and embodies the book’s central themes.
Om
Once a powerful deity, Om finds himself reduced to the form of a small tortoise with only a fraction of his former power. Arrogant and short-tempered at first, Om’s experience as a vulnerable creature gradually changes his perspective on the relationship between gods and humans. His character arc involves learning humility, empathy, and the true nature of belief. Om’s interactions with Brutha form the core of the story, as the god comes to understand the importance of genuine faith over mere lip service and fear.
Vorbis
Deacon Vorbis is the head of the Quisition, the feared religious police of Omnia. He is a master manipulator, using his position to further his own ambitions and maintain the church’s iron grip on the populace. Vorbis represents the dangers of religious extremism and the corruption of power. His unwavering belief in his own righteousness, combined with his cunning and cruelty, make him a formidable antagonist. Vorbis’s character serves as a stark contrast to Brutha’s growing enlightenment and compassion.
Didactylos
A blind philosopher from Ephebe, Didactylos plays a crucial role in expanding Brutha’s worldview. Known for his work “De Chelonian Mobile” (The Turtle Moves), which contradicts Omnian dogma about the shape of the Discworld, Didactylos embodies the spirit of free inquiry and scepticism. His interactions with Brutha help to catalyse the young novice’s intellectual awakening, introducing him to new ways of thinking and questioning established beliefs.
Simony
A young soldier in the Omnian army, Simony represents the potential for change within the younger generation of Omnians. Initially a devout follower of the church, he becomes disillusioned with its corruption and joins forces with Brutha to bring about reform. Simony’s character arc demonstrates the power of critical thinking and the courage required to challenge ingrained beliefs.
Reader Fit
“Small Gods” will appeal to readers who enjoy thought-provoking satire and fantasy with a philosophical bent. Fans of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series will find familiar elements of humour and social commentary, while newcomers can easily enter the world through this standalone novel.
The book is particularly suited for those interested in exploring themes of religion, philosophy, and the nature of belief in a lighthearted yet insightful manner. Readers who appreciate clever wordplay, memorable characters, and narratives that challenge conventional thinking will find “Small Gods” a rewarding read.
Quick Facts
- Genre: Comic Fantasy, Satire
- Publication Year: 1992
- Reading Time Estimate: 8-10 hours
- Notable Awards: Nominated for the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel in 1993
Related Books
- “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
- “Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal” by Christopher Moore
- “American Gods” by Neil Gaiman
