The Fifth Elephant - Discworld Book 24

Synopsis

Commander Vimes travels to Uberwald for diplomatic negotiations, uncovering plots involving dwarven politics and werewolves. Tensions mount as intrigue threatens war.

Book Overview

In The Fifth Elephant, Commander Samuel Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch faces one of his most complex diplomatic challenges yet. Sent to Überwald, a remote land of dwarves, werewolves, and vampires, Vimes navigates intricate political tensions following the disappearance of a revered dwarfish artifact. Political intrigue, assassination attempts, and hidden conspiracies swiftly entangle Vimes and his officers in a complex web of allegiances, traditions, and ancient hostilities.

Vimes, ever the pragmatic investigator, confronts the stark realities of international diplomacy and the complex interplay between tradition and progress within dwarf and werewolf societies. Überwald’s rigid social structure, ancient rivalries, and deeply ingrained prejudices mirror real-world tensions between modernity and tradition, highlighting how easily cultural misunderstandings can escalate into violence or war.

Pratchett uses the narrative to explore themes of diplomacy, cultural identity, and the consequences of inflexible tradition versus adaptive progress. The dwarves’ fiercely maintained cultural norms become a metaphor for resistance to social change, while the werewolves’ complex family dynamics examine themes of identity, loyalty, and morality. Vimes’s relentless pursuit of justice and truth underscores Pratchett’s consistent advocacy for moral clarity, rationality, and humane principles amid political chaos.

The Fifth Elephant deepens the ongoing character arcs of Vimes and the City Watch, particularly through the evolution of their roles from local law enforcement to international diplomatic figures. This novel provides essential thematic groundwork for subsequent Watch novels, exploring increasingly complex issues of morality, cultural integration, and governance, making it central to the broader Discworld narrative.

Principal Characters

Sam Vimes
The Commander of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch who rises from a drunk night watchman to a respected leader and eventually Duke of Ankh. Known for his intense hatred of injustice, deep cynicism, and the "Vimes boots theory of socioeconomic unfairness."
Appears in 9 booksView Details
Lady Sybil Ramkin
A wealthy aristocrat who breeds swamp dragons and later marries Sam Vimes. Large, good-natured, and considerably more politically savvy than her husband, she provides both emotional support and practical assistance while maintaining her own interests and independence.
Appears in 7 booksView Details
Carrot Ironfoundersson
A human raised by dwarfs who becomes a member of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch. Exceptionally strong, honest, and charismatic, he's implied to be the rightful heir to Ankh-Morpork's throne but chooses to serve as a watchman. He takes everything literally and knows everyone in the city by name.
Appears in 9 booksView Details
Delphine Angua von Überwald
A member of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch who happens to be a werewolf. Intelligent, practical, and struggling with the dual nature of her existence, she forms a relationship with Captain Carrot and serves as one of the Watch's most effective investigators.
Appears in 6 booksView Details
Wolfgang Von Uberwald
Wolfgang von Überwald is a ruthless and sadistic werewolf, serving as a primary antagonist in 'The Fifth Elephant.' He embodies the darker side of werewolf nature, reveling in violence and chaos, and is driven by a desire for power and dominance. His significance lies in his role as a foil to the more civilized werewolves and as a catalyst for the political intrigue surrounding the Scone of Stone.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Gaspode
A small, scruffy, intelligent talking dog who's often reluctantly pulled into adventurous situations. He's cynical, sarcastic, and suffers from numerous canine ailments, but proves surprisingly resourceful. Most humans don't realize he can talk, as they rationalize his speech as their own thoughts.
Appears in 4 booksView Details
Sally Von Humpeding
Sally von Humpeding is a vampire and a member of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, introduced in 'The Fifth Elephant.' She is known for her cool demeanor, intelligence, and professionalism, often serving as a counterbalance to the more chaotic members of the Watch. Her significance lies in her role as a bridge between the vampire and human communities, showcasing the potential for cooperation and understanding in a diverse city like Ankh-Morpork.
Appears in 1 bookView Details

Auxiliary Characters

Detritus
A troll who joins the Ankh-Morpork City Watch after previous careers as a bouncer and splatter. Initially not very bright (even by troll standards), his intellect improves dramatically in colder temperatures. He becomes a sergeant specializing in troll affairs and weapon training.
Appears in 7 booksView Details
Cheery Littlebottom
Cheery Littlebottom is a pioneering dwarf in the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, known for her courage in challenging traditional gender roles within dwarf society. As one of the first openly female dwarfs, she plays a crucial role in promoting diversity and acceptance, while also being a skilled forensic alchemist. Her character adds depth to the exploration of identity and societal norms in the Discworld universe.
Appears in 2 booksView Details
Grag Ardent
Grag Ardent is a staunch traditionalist among the dwarfs, known for his unwavering adherence to ancient customs and his role as a leader within the conservative faction of dwarf society. In 'Raising Steam,' he emerges as a significant antagonist, opposing the modernization and integration efforts symbolized by the advent of the railway. His character embodies the tension between progress and tradition, serving as a catalyst for conflict and change within the Discworld's dwarf community.
Appears in 1 bookView Details