Sourcery – Summary
Sourcery, the fifth book in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, is a fantastical tale of magic, wizardry and the potential end of the world. The story begins with the birth of Coin, the eighth son of an eighth son of an eighth son, making him a sourcerer—a being of immense magical power. Coin’s father, Ipslore the Red, a wizard exiled from Unseen University for marrying and having children, transfers his spirit into a magical staff upon his death, intending to use his son as a vessel for revenge against the wizarding world.
Eight years later, Coin arrives at Unseen University in Ankh-Morpork, wielding power far beyond that of ordinary wizards. He quickly takes control of the university and begins to reshape the world according to his father’s vengeful desires. As Coin’s influence grows, the very fabric of reality begins to unravel, threatening to bring about the Apocralypse—a cataclysmic event involving the return of ice giants and other mythical beings.
Meanwhile, Rincewind, a notoriously inept wizard, finds himself reluctantly thrust into the role of saviour. Accompanied by Conina, a barbarian hairdresser with a penchant for thievery, and Nijel the Destroyer, an inexperienced hero, Rincewind embarks on a quest to stop Coin and save the Discworld. Their journey takes them across treacherous seas, through exotic lands, and into confrontations with powerful magical forces.
As the story unfolds, we see the wizards of Unseen University grappling with their newfound power and ambition under Coin’s influence. The Librarian, an orangutan transformed by magic, plays a crucial role in preserving the university’s knowledge and resisting Coin’s changes. Meanwhile, Death, the anthropomorphic personification of mortality, watches the events unfold with growing concern.
The narrative weaves together elements of humour, satire, and fantasy as it explores themes of power, responsibility, and the nature of magic. Pratchett’s signature wit shines through in his portrayal of the often bumbling and self-important wizards, as well as in the absurd situations the characters find themselves in.
As the Apocralypse looms and reality begins to break down, Rincewind and his companions must find a way to confront Coin and break the influence of his father’s staff. The climax of the story brings together all the threads of the narrative in a spectacular and surprising resolution that challenges the very foundations of magic on the Discworld.
Key Themes:
- The corrupting influence of power
- The importance of free will and individual choice
- The conflict between tradition and progress
- The nature of magic and its relationship to reality
- The role of knowledge and wisdom in the face of raw power
- The power of storytelling and myths in shaping reality
Character Details
Rincewind
Rincewind is the reluctant protagonist of Sourcery. A wizard by title but not by talent, Rincewind is known for his remarkable ability to run away from danger and his even more remarkable ability to survive despite constantly finding himself in perilous situations. Despite his cowardice and ineptitude with magic, Rincewind possesses a sharp wit and a surprising amount of practical knowledge gained from his numerous misadventures. His primary goal throughout the story is self-preservation, yet he often finds himself inadvertently doing the right thing. Rincewind’s character serves as a comical counterpoint to the traditional fantasy hero, embodying the everyman thrust into extraordinary circumstances.
Coin
Coin is the sourcerer at the centre of the story’s conflict. Born as the eighth son of an eighth son of an eighth son, he possesses immense magical power that far surpasses that of ordinary wizards. Despite his youth—he’s only a child when he arrives at Unseen University—Coin quickly takes control and begins reshaping the world. However, Coin is not entirely in control of his actions, as he is heavily influenced by his father’s spirit residing in his magical staff. Throughout the story, Coin struggles with the weight of his power and the expectations placed upon him, making him a complex and somewhat tragic figure.
Conina
Conina is a skilled thief and warrior who dreams of becoming a hairdresser. The daughter of Cohen the Barbarian, she has inherited her father’s combat skills but wishes to pursue a less violent career. Conina is fierce, capable, and often serves as the voice of reason in the group. Her practical nature and fighting skills complement Rincewind’s cowardice and luck, making them an effective (if unlikely) team. Conina’s character challenges traditional gender roles and adds depth to the story’s exploration of destiny versus personal choice.
The Librarian
Once a human wizard, the Librarian was transformed into an orangutan by a magical accident and decided he preferred this form. He is one of the most powerful and respected members of Unseen University, fiercely protective of the library and its books. The Librarian communicates primarily through gestures and the word “Ook,” which somehow manages to convey complex ideas. His role in the story is crucial, as he works to preserve knowledge and resist the changes brought about by Coin’s arrival. The Librarian’s character adds both comic relief and a touch of wisdom to the narrative.
Ipslore the Red
Though physically deceased, Ipslore plays a significant role in the story through his influence on Coin. A former wizard exiled from Unseen University for marrying and having children, Ipslore transferred his spirit into Coin’s staff upon his death. Driven by bitterness and a desire for revenge against the wizarding world that rejected him, Ipslore manipulates Coin to fulfil his own agenda. His character represents the dangers of unchecked ambition and the lasting impact of past grievances.
Reader Fit
Sourcery is perfect for readers who enjoy humorous fantasy with a satirical edge. Fans of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series will find familiar characters and settings, while newcomers can easily jump into this standalone adventure. The book appeals to those who appreciate clever wordplay, absurd situations, and commentary on human nature disguised as fantasy.
It’s particularly suited for readers who enjoy subversions of traditional fantasy tropes and stories that blend comedy with deeper philosophical questions.
Quick Facts
- Genre: Comic Fantasy
- Publication Year: 1988
- Reading Time Estimate: 6-8 hours
- Notable Awards: None specific to this book, but Terry Pratchett was awarded the Carnegie Medal in 2001 for his Discworld novel “The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents”
Related Books
- “The Colour of Magic” by Terry Pratchett – The first book in the Discworld series, introducing Rincewind and the Discworld universe.
- “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman – A humorous take on the apocalypse, sharing similar themes and style with Sourcery.
- “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams – Another comedic science fiction/fantasy series with a similar irreverent tone.
