Witches Abroad – Summary
In Terry Pratchett’s “Witches Abroad”, the twelfth novel in his Discworld series, we follow the adventures of three witches: Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Magrat Garlick. The story begins when Magrat inherits a magic wand and the role of fairy godmother from the recently deceased Desiderata Hollow. With this inheritance comes a task: to travel to the far-off city of Genua and prevent a servant girl named Emberella from marrying a prince.
The three witches embark on a journey across the Discworld, encountering various fairy tale scenarios along the way. They navigate through the Copperhead dwarf mines, survive a perilous waterfall, and cross the gloomy land of Uberwald where they inadvertently free a city from vampire tyranny. Their travels take them down the Vieux River on a riverboat, through a village with a traditional bull stampede, and finally onto the road to Genua.
As they near their destination, it becomes clear that someone is manipulating events to fit fairy tale narratives. The witches find themselves confronting twisted versions of familiar stories, including Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood, and The Wizard of Oz. They soon discover that the mastermind behind these machinations is Lilith de Tempscire, also known as Lily Weatherwax – Granny Weatherwax’s sister.
In Genua, the witches find a city trapped in a storybook version of perfection, where citizens are forced to play out fairy tale roles against their will. Lilith, as the self-appointed “good” fairy godmother, plans to cement her control over Genua by marrying Emberella to a magically created prince during Mardi Gras.
The climax of the story unfolds in Lilith’s hall of mirrors, where the witches confront her. In a battle of wits and willpower, Granny Weatherwax outsmarts her sister, trapping Lilith in the mirror world. With Lilith defeated, the spell over Genua is broken, and Emberella is free to choose her own path.
Throughout the novel, Pratchett uses his signature wit and humour to subvert fairy tale tropes and explore deeper themes. The story serves as a commentary on the power of stories, the nature of good and evil, and the importance of free will. It also delves into the complexities of family relationships, particularly through the revelation of Granny and Lilith’s sisterhood.
The novel concludes with the witches attending the end of Mardi Gras and Emberella’s coronation before deciding to see more of the world on their journey home. Their adventures abroad have not only saved Genua but also deepened their understanding of themselves and the power of narratives.
Key themes:
- The power and danger of stories
- Subversion of fairy tale tropes
- Free will vs destiny
- The nature of good and evil
- Family relationships and sisterhood
- Cultural differences and adaptability
- The responsibility that comes with power
Character Details
Granny Weatherwax
Esmerelda Weatherwax, known as Granny Weatherwax, is the formidable leader of the witch trio. She is renowned as one of the most powerful witches on the Discworld, possessing a sharp intellect, unwavering moral compass and a deep understanding of human nature. Granny’s approach to witchcraft is rooted in psychology and common sense rather than flashy magic. She has a stern, no-nonsense demeanour and believes strongly in self-reliance and personal responsibility. Despite her often prickly exterior, Granny has a strong sense of right and wrong and will go to great lengths to protect those she cares about. Her character is further complicated by the revelation of her estranged sister, Lilith, which forces her to confront her own past and potential for darkness.
Nanny Ogg
Gytha Ogg, affectionately known as Nanny Ogg, provides a stark contrast to Granny Weatherwax’s seriousness. She is a jolly, fun-loving witch with a penchant for bawdy songs, strong drink, and good times. Nanny has been married multiple times and has a large, extended family. Despite her seemingly carefree nature, she possesses a deep wisdom and understanding of human nature that often proves invaluable. Nanny acts as a mediator between Granny and Magrat, smoothing over tensions with her easygoing attitude and practical approach to problems. Her mischievous cat, Greebo, often accompanies her on adventures, causing chaos wherever they go. Nanny’s earthy humour and worldly experience make her a grounding force in the trio, balancing out Granny’s intensity and Magrat’s naivety.
Magrat Garlick
Magrat Garlick is the youngest and most inexperienced of the three witches. Often described as a “wet hen” by Granny Weatherwax, Magrat is idealistic and romantic, with a tendency to believe in the more mystical aspects of witchcraft. She is caught between her respect for traditional witchcraft as practiced by Granny and her desire for a more modern, New Age approach. Magrat is kind-hearted and well-meaning, but often finds herself out of her depth in the face of the older witches’ experience. Her inheritance of Desiderata’s wand and the role of fairy godmother sets the events of the story in motion, forcing Magrat to confront her own abilities and grow into her power. Throughout the journey, she learns to balance her idealism with practicality and gains confidence in her own unique approach to witchcraft.
Lilith de Tempscire (Lily Weatherwax)
Lilith de Tempscire, revealed to be Lily Weatherwax, Granny’s sister, is the primary antagonist of the story. She is a powerful witch who has appointed herself as the “good” fairy godmother of Genua. Lilith is obsessed with stories and happy endings, using her magic to force the citizens of Genua to live out fairy tale roles. Her belief that she knows what’s best for everyone leads her to create a twisted version of perfection, suppressing individual free will in the process. Lilith’s character serves as a dark mirror to Granny Weatherwax, showing what Granny might have become if she had chosen a different path. Her eventual defeat comes not through magical power, but through her inability to distinguish reality from the reflections she has surrounded herself with.
Reader Fit
“Witches Abroad” would appeal to a wide range of readers. Fans of fantasy literature, particularly those who enjoy humorous and satirical takes on the genre, will find much to love in Pratchett’s witty prose and clever subversion of fairy tale tropes. Readers who appreciate strong female characters will be drawn to the three witches, each unique and complex in their own right. Those interested in exploring themes of free will, the power of stories, and the nature of good and evil will find plenty of food for thought.
The book’s blend of comedy and philosophical musing makes it accessible to both casual readers looking for entertainment and those seeking deeper literary analysis. Fans of the Discworld series will enjoy the continued development of beloved characters, while newcomers can easily jump in, as the book stands well on its own.
Quick Facts
- Genre: Comic Fantasy
- Publication Year: 1991
- Reading Time Estimate: 8-10 hours
- Notable Awards: Nominated for the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel in 1992
Related Books
- “Wyrd Sisters” by Terry Pratchett (another Discworld novel featuring the same trio of witches)
- “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman (for more of Pratchett’s humorous take on the supernatural)
- “The Wee Free Men” by Terry Pratchett (the first in the Tiffany Aching series, which also features witches and fairy tale elements)
Buy the Book
Embark on a hilarious and thought-provoking journey across the Discworld with Granny, Nanny and Magrat. “Witches Abroad” offers a perfect blend of humour, adventure, and insightful commentary on the power of stories. Whether you’re a long-time Pratchett fan or new to the Discworld, this novel promises a thoroughly entertaining read that will leave you chuckling and pondering in equal measure. Don’t miss out on this magical misadventure – get your copy today and discover why Terry Pratchett’s wit and wisdom continue to captivate readers worldwide!
