Wyrd Sisters - Discworld Book 6

Synopsis

Three witches Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick become entangled in royal intrigue. They must restore order in Lancre after the king is murdered, drawing heavily from Shakespearean elements of magic and mischief.

Book Overview

"Wyrd Sisters" reintroduces Granny Weatherwax and expands the cast with her fellow witches Nanny Ogg and Magrat Garlick, creating one of the most beloved trios in Discworld. When the king of the small kingdom of Lancre is murdered by his ambitious cousin, the witches become entangled in royal politics. Reluctantly drawn into the struggle for Lancre’s future, they find themselves navigating treacherous political waters, balancing subtle magical interventions with pragmatic action.

Drawing heavily on Shakespearean motifs—particularly "Macbeth"—"Wyrd Sisters" humorously examines how power corrupts and how history and narratives shape reality. Granny Weatherwax’s fierce pragmatism contrasts sharply with Magrat’s idealism and Nanny Ogg’s earthy wisdom, providing rich character interplay as they attempt to restore rightful rule to Lancre. The novel explores storytelling’s potent influence, suggesting that stories and perceptions of reality may sometimes carry greater power than reality itself.

Thematically, "Wyrd Sisters" critiques the nature of monarchy, power, and propaganda. It cleverly demonstrates how easily history can be manipulated through narrative and perception, highlighting the witches’ role as outsiders who refuse to conform to the convenient narratives promoted by political authority. Pratchett underscores the value of independent thought, questioning the morality and legitimacy of authority built upon lies and coercion.

As a key installment in the witches’ story arc, "Wyrd Sisters" further develops Granny Weatherwax’s character, firmly establishing her moral authority, stubbornness, and sharp intellect. The witches’ narratives continue strongly throughout Discworld, exploring deeper ethical, social, and philosophical themes, and this novel sets a firm foundation for the thematic sophistication that will follow in later witch-centric novels.

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
Duke Felmet
Duke Felmet is a scheming and power-hungry nobleman who becomes the ruler of Lancre through nefarious means. His reign is marked by paranoia and cruelty, as he is tormented by guilt and the fear of losing his ill-gotten throne. Felmet's significance in the Discworld universe lies in his role as an antagonist in 'Wyrd Sisters,' where his actions set off a chain of events that challenge the natural order and bring the witches into conflict with the crown.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Duchess Felmet
Duchess Felmet is a manipulative and ambitious character, driven by her desire for power and control over the kingdom of Lancre. She plays a pivotal role in the events of 'Wyrd Sisters,' where her machinations and schemes set the stage for the witches' intervention. Her significance lies in her embodiment of the corrupting influence of power and her role as an antagonist to the witches' efforts to restore balance.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Tomjon
Tomjon is the rightful heir to the throne of Lancre, spirited away as a baby to protect him from the murderous ambitions of the usurper Duke Felmet. Raised by a troupe of traveling actors, he grows into a charismatic and talented performer, embodying the spirit of the theater. His journey back to Lancre and eventual acceptance of his royal heritage is marked by his innate sense of justice and a flair for the dramatic, reflecting the themes of identity and destiny in the Discworld universe.
Appears in 1 bookView Details

Auxiliary Characters

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
Greebo
Nanny Ogg's battle-scarred tomcat with a reputation for extreme ferocity. He appears fearless, one-eyed, and is occasionally transformed into human form, revealing an equally aggressive, swaggering, and oddly attractive man who still maintains feline behaviors.
Appears in 4 booksView Details