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Small Gods - Discworld Book 13
Synopsis
In Omnia, the Great God Om returns in the form of a powerless turtle, visible only to the simple-minded novice Brutha. Together, they challenge dogmatic belief and restore faith's true meaning.
Book Overview
Small Gods stands out within the Discworld series as a profound exploration of religion, belief, morality, and human nature. Set in the harshly theocratic nation of Omnia, the novel follows Brutha, a naïve novice gifted with perfect memory and simple faith, who unexpectedly encounters his deity Om—manifested ignominiously as a small, powerless tortoise. Om, once an omnipotent god sustained by millions of believers, discovers he has dwindled in power because true belief has been replaced by empty rituals and oppressive dogma.
Brutha’s genuine faith allows him to see and communicate with Om, making him crucial to the god’s quest to regain power and restore true belief. Meanwhile, Vorbis, the ruthless head of the Omnian Inquisition, embodies the cruelty and manipulation of institutional religion divorced from genuine spirituality. Brutha’s journey, both physical and spiritual, confronts him with profound moral challenges, forcing him to reconcile his simplistic faith with the complex realities of human cruelty, fanaticism, and power.
Thematically, Small Gods is perhaps Pratchett’s most overt and incisive critique of organized religion. It starkly contrasts authentic spirituality—characterized by compassion, humility, and doubt—with institutional dogmatism, intolerance, and fanaticism. Through Brutha and Om, Pratchett argues that genuine belief cannot be mandated by fear or force, but must arise naturally from individual conscience and empathy.
Although largely standalone, Small Gods provides crucial philosophical and moral foundations echoed throughout the Discworld series. The novel’s examination of belief systems, fanaticism, and morality deeply informs later explorations of similar themes, making it one of the most important works in the Discworld canon. Through humor, insight, and compassionate wisdom, Pratchett delivers a powerful message about the human condition, the true nature of faith, and the importance of independent thought.
Principal Characters
Brutha
Brutha is a simple, earnest novice in the Omnian church who becomes the chosen prophet of the Great God Om. His unwavering faith and literal-mindedness make him an unlikely hero, yet his journey from a humble novice to a pivotal religious figure challenges the dogma of his world. Brutha's significance lies in his ability to inspire change and question authority, embodying the power of belief and the importance of questioning established norms.
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The Great God Om
The Great God Om is a once-mighty deity who finds himself trapped in the form of a small, powerless tortoise in "Small Gods." Known for his irascible and impatient nature, Om's journey is one of rediscovery and humility as he learns the true meaning of faith and belief through his interactions with his sole believer, Brutha. Om's significance lies in his embodiment of the themes of religion, belief, and the power dynamics between gods and their followers in the Discworld universe.
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Vorbis
Vorbis is the chief inquisitor and de facto ruler of Omnia, a theocratic nation in the Discworld universe. He is a cold, calculating, and ruthless individual, driven by an unwavering belief in his own righteousness and the absolute power of the god Om. Vorbis's significance lies in his role as the primary antagonist in 'Small Gods,' where he embodies the dangers of blind faith and religious extremism.
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Didactylos
Didactylos is a philosopher in the Discworld universe, known for his skeptical and pragmatic approach to knowledge and belief. He plays a significant role in 'Small Gods' as a voice of reason and critical thinking, challenging the dogmatic religious structures of Omnia. His character embodies the spirit of inquiry and the importance of questioning established norms, making him a pivotal figure in the narrative's exploration of faith and reason.
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General Simony
General Simony is a fervent revolutionary and a key figure in the rebellion against the oppressive religious regime in Omnia. His passionate belief in freedom and justice drives him to lead the movement against the tyrannical rule of the church, making him a significant catalyst for change in the Discworld universe. Simony's character embodies the spirit of defiance and the struggle for a more equitable society, often clashing with established authority.
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Auxiliary Characters
Lu-Tze
An unassuming sweeper at the Monastery of Oi Dong who is actually one of the most powerful History Monks. He follows "The Way of Mrs. Cosmopilite" and is known for his wisdom and exceptional martial arts abilities despite his humble appearance and demeanor.
Appears in 2 booksView Details