Sourcery - Discworld Book 5

Synopsis

A powerful sourcerer, a wizard who channels raw magical force, returns to Discworld, sparking conflict and risking apocalyptic destruction. Once again, reluctant hero Rincewind is dragged into saving the world.

Book Overview

"Sourcery," the fifth Discworld book, sees the return of the hapless wizard Rincewind. The story introduces a dangerously powerful individual—a "sourcerer," a wizard who channels pure, raw magic, something not seen in generations. This sourcerer, a young boy named Coin, manipulated by a power-hungry magical staff once belonging to his ambitious father, begins a campaign to dominate Discworld, threatening the delicate balance of magical forces and potentially causing global destruction.

Rincewind, as always reluctant but inevitably pulled into heroism by circumstance, finds himself embroiled in an increasingly dire struggle as wizards at Unseen University and across the Discworld descend into power-hungry chaos. Alongside Conina, the daughter of Cohen the Barbarian, and Nijel the Destroyer, an aspiring (yet wholly ineffectual) barbarian hero, Rincewind must attempt to halt Coin’s apocalyptic ascent to power.

At its heart, "Sourcery" explores themes of power, ambition, and responsibility, highlighting the corrupting potential inherent in unchecked strength and the ethical obligations of those who wield it. Pratchett critiques the destructive potential of power divorced from wisdom, compassion, or self-restraint, underscoring how easily ambition and pride can overwhelm rationality. The novel humorously yet seriously asks questions about the ethics of power—both magical and mundane—and the potential dangers in blindly pursuing dominance over others.

Within the Discworld series, "Sourcery" serves as another pivotal point in Rincewind’s personal arc, reinforcing his paradoxical role as both coward and reluctant savior. It also significantly deepens the lore and politics of Unseen University and wizardry, elements that will recur frequently throughout later books. Ultimately, the novel serves as an entertaining yet thought-provoking examination of humanity’s perennial temptation toward destructive ambition.

Principal Characters

Rincewind
An inept and cowardly wizard who consistently finds himself at the center of world-changing events despite his best efforts to run away from danger. He has an incredible talent for languages and surviving against all odds.
Appears in 8 booksView Details
Coin
Coin is the eighth son of an eighth son, making him a sourcerer, a being of immense magical power capable of reshaping reality itself. In "Sourcery," he is manipulated by his father, Ipslore the Red, to bring about a new age of magic, threatening the very fabric of the Discworld. Coin's journey is one of innocence corrupted by power, ultimately leading to a poignant realization of his own humanity and the consequences of unchecked magic.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Conina
Conina, the daughter of the legendary barbarian hero Cohen the Barbarian, is a unique blend of warrior prowess and a desire for a more peaceful life. Despite her innate combat skills and instincts, she dreams of becoming a hairdresser, showcasing a humorous conflict between her heritage and personal aspirations. In "Sourcery," she plays a crucial role as a reluctant hero, navigating the chaos of magic and destiny with wit and determination.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Nijel The Destroyer
Nijel the Destroyer is an unlikely hero in the Discworld universe, embodying the quintessential reluctant adventurer. Initially a timid and bookish young man, he aspires to be a barbarian hero, inspired by the heroic tales he reads. His significance lies in his unexpected bravery and determination, which ultimately play a crucial role in the events of 'Sourcery,' where he aids in the battle against the resurgence of sourcery.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Archchancellors Hat
The Archchancellor's Hat is not just a piece of headwear but a symbol of authority and power within the Unseen University, the premier institution of wizardry on the Discworld. It possesses a personality of its own, imbued with the wisdom and eccentricities of past Archchancellors, and plays a pivotal role in the events of 'Sourcery' as it seeks to guide and influence the wizards in times of crisis.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Spelter
Spelter is a wizard at the Unseen University, serving as the bursar during the events of 'Sourcery.' He is characterized by his nervous disposition, eagerness to please, and a tendency to be overshadowed by more dominant personalities. Despite his timidity, Spelter plays a crucial role in the unfolding events as he navigates the chaos brought about by the arrival of a sourcerer, showcasing the often-overlooked complexities and vulnerabilities of the wizarding world.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Carding
Carding is a wizard at the Unseen University, known for his ambition and willingness to align with powerful figures to advance his own status. In 'Sourcery,' he becomes one of the key players in the power struggle that ensues when a sourcerer arrives, threatening the very fabric of magic on the Disc. His significance lies in his representation of the internal politics and rivalries within the wizarding community, often highlighting the absurdity and danger of unchecked ambition.
Appears in 1 bookView Details

Auxiliary Characters

The Luggage
A sentient trunk made of sapient pearwood that follows its owner anywhere, even across dimensions. Fiercely loyal and protective, it has hundreds of little legs, can move fast, and contains more space inside than physically possible. Known to eat those who threaten its master.
Appears in 4 booksView Details
Death
The anthropomorphic personification of death on Discworld, who speaks in ALL CAPITALS and has a fondness for cats, curry, and humanity. Despite his intimidating appearance as a skeleton in a black robe, he's generally fair, philosophical, and tries to understand humans.
Appears in 7 booksView Details