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Lords and Ladies - Discworld Book 14
Synopsis
Granny Weatherwax and her coven confront malevolent elves threatening their homeland during midsummer. Their battle pits witchcraft against fairy glamour in a tale of enchantment and danger.
Book Overview
In Lords and Ladies, Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick return to Lancre, now confronting an ancient and dangerous threat—the malevolent elves. Far from the charming, whimsical figures of folklore, Pratchett’s elves embody predatory cruelty and seductive menace. Attracted to Discworld through ancient rites, these elves attempt to regain their foothold by exploiting human fears, insecurities, and desires.
The witches must not only protect their land but also grapple with personal tensions, notably Magrat’s upcoming royal marriage and Granny Weatherwax’s complex relationship with her own past and power. The elves exploit dreams and illusions, promising beauty and perfection but delivering only cruelty and emptiness. Granny, steadfast in her pragmatic wisdom, recognizes the danger inherent in glamorizing power and perfection, understanding that true strength lies in acceptance of human imperfection and reality.
Pratchett thematically examines the human tendency to idealize myths and legends, warning against romanticizing the past or accepting narratives at face value. Lords and Ladies critiques nostalgia, illusion, and escapism, emphasizing the importance of confronting reality, however difficult or uncomfortable. Granny Weatherwax’s fierce independence and skepticism provide the central moral voice, insisting on the importance of clarity, self-awareness, and the strength to resist seductive but harmful ideals.
As part of the witches’ sub-series, Lords and Ladies significantly deepens character relationships and thematic exploration, building upon foundations laid in earlier books like Wyrd Sisters and Witches Abroad. It also foreshadows key themes explored in later novels featuring Tiffany Aching, such as The Wee Free Men and The Shepherd’s Crown, solidifying the witches' narrative arc as central to the broader Discworld universe.
Principal Characters
Granny Weatherwax
The most powerful witch on the Discworld, known for her formidable willpower, sharp intellect, and mastery of "headology" (practical psychology). Although stern and intimidating, she's a force for good who believes strongly in personal responsibility.
Appears in 10 booksView Details
Nanny Ogg
A jovial, earthy, and sociable witch who's the matriarch of the large Ogg clan. Despite her seemingly carefree personality, she's extremely shrewd and nearly as powerful as Granny Weatherwax. Known for her bawdy humor, love of drinking, and inappropriate songs.
Appears in 7 booksView Details
Magrat Garlick
The youngest of the original witches trio, initially portrayed as naive and excessively romantic. She's often the butt of jokes but shows surprising resourcefulness when needed. Eventually marries King Verence II of Lancre and becomes queen.
Appears in 5 booksView Details
King Verence Ii
King Verence II of Lancre is a progressive and well-meaning ruler, striving to modernize his small kingdom with ideas often ahead of his time. Despite his earnestness, he is sometimes seen as naive or overly optimistic, especially when dealing with the more traditional or magical aspects of Lancre. His significance lies in his role as a bridge between the old ways and new ideas, often providing a humorous contrast to the more mystical elements of the Discworld.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Elven Queen
The Elven Queen is a malevolent and manipulative ruler of the Elves, embodying the dangerous allure and cruelty of her kind. In 'Lords and Ladies,' she serves as the primary antagonist, seeking to invade and dominate the Discworld with her otherworldly charm and ruthless ambition. Her significance lies in her representation of the seductive yet perilous nature of the Elves, challenging the boundaries between reality and the enchanting yet treacherous world of Faerie.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Casanunda
Casanunda, the world's second greatest lover, is a bold and audacious dwarf who defies traditional dwarfish norms by embracing romance and adventure. Known for his flirtatious nature and unyielding confidence, he plays a significant role in 'Lords and Ladies' by assisting Granny Weatherwax and the Lancre witches in their battle against the Elves. His charm and wit make him a memorable character, adding humor and depth to the Discworld universe.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Auxiliary Characters
Ponder Stibbons
A young wizard at Unseen University who serves as the head of Inadvisably Applied Magic and the closest thing the university has to a research scientist. Intelligent and often exasperated, he manages the magical computer Hex and gradually accumulates administrative responsibilities.
Appears in 7 booksView Details