Discworld Themes

Terry Pratchett's Discworld books explore a wide range of themes and ideas, from philosophy and religion to politics and social issues. These themes give depth and meaning to the humorous fantasy setting.

Below you'll find the major themes explored throughout the Discworld series. Each theme includes the books that feature it most prominently, with book order indicated by the star number in the top right of each cover.

Major Themes

Satire

Satirical works that humorously critique various aspects of human society, institutions, and behaviors.

Featured in 7 books

1
The Colour of Magic
2
The Light Fantastic
10
Moving Pictures
17
Interesting Times
21
Jingo
22
The Last Continent
25
The Truth

Gender and Equality

Explorations of gender roles, discrimination, and the struggle for equal rights and treatment.

Featured in 3 books

3
Equal Rites
31
Monstrous Regiment
37
Unseen Academicals

Mortality and the Human Condition

Examinations of death, mortality, and what it means to be human or alive.

Featured in 5 books

4
Mort
11
Reaper Man
16
Soul Music
20
Hogfather
26
Thief of Time

Power and Corruption

Reflections on the nature of power, how it corrupts, and the responsibilities that come with it.

Featured in 5 books

5
Sourcery
8
Guards! Guards!
19
Feet of Clay
24
The Fifth Elephant
29
Night Watch

Stories and Narrative

Meta-explorations of storytelling, narrative conventions, and the power of stories to shape reality.

Featured in 5 books

6
Wyrd Sisters
12
Witches Abroad
14
Lords and Ladies
18
Maskerade
28
The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents

Tradition versus Progress

The tension between cultural traditions and the forces of modernization, change, and progress.

Featured in 6 books

7
Pyramids
13
Small Gods
23
Carpe Jugulum
33
Going Postal
36
Making Money
40
Raising Steam

Diversity and Tolerance

Examinations of prejudice, integration, and the value of diversity in society.

Featured in 4 books

15
Men at Arms
34
Thud!
37
Unseen Academicals
39
Snuff

Coming of Age

Stories of personal growth, identity formation, and the journey from childhood to adulthood.

Featured in 5 books

30
The Wee Free Men
32
A Hat Full of Sky
35
Wintersmith
38
I Shall Wear Midnight
41
The Shepherd's Crown

Heroism and Responsibility

Explorations of what it means to be a hero and the responsibilities that come with power or position.

Featured in 4 books

27
The Last Hero
29
Night Watch
33
Going Postal
34
Thud!

Belief and Faith

Examinations of religion, belief systems, myths, and the role they play in human society.

Featured in 4 books

7
Pyramids
13
Small Gods
20
Hogfather
23
Carpe Jugulum

War and Conflict

Critical examinations of warfare, nationalism, and the politics of international conflict.

Featured in 3 books

21
Jingo
31
Monstrous Regiment
34
Thud!

Media and Communication

Explorations of mass media, information dissemination, and their impact on society.

Featured in 3 books

10
Moving Pictures
25
The Truth
33
Going Postal

Justice and Law

Examinations of legal systems, justice, fairness, and ethical decision-making.

Featured in 5 books

8
Guards! Guards!
15
Men at Arms
19
Feet of Clay
29
Night Watch
39
Snuff

Thematic Series

Industrial Revolution & Technological Progress

Books that explore the impact of technological advancements, innovation, and industrialization on society, examining how these changes reshape cultures, economies, and individuals.

Includes 6 books

10
Moving Pictures
25
The Truth
33
Going Postal
36
Making Money
37
Unseen Academicals
40
Raising Steam

Politics, War, and International Relations

Books that examine the complexities of political power, governance, international diplomacy, and the causes and consequences of conflict between nations or factions.

Includes 6 books

6
Wyrd Sisters
8
Guards! Guards!
17
Interesting Times
21
Jingo
24
The Fifth Elephant
31
Monstrous Regiment

Social Justice and Ethics

Books that explore moral dilemmas, systemic inequality, and the struggle for justice, examining what it means to be a person and the ethical responsibilities of individuals and societies.

Includes 5 books

15
Men at Arms
19
Feet of Clay
23
Carpe Jugulum
38
I Shall Wear Midnight
39
Snuff

Belief, Faith, and Mythology

Books that examine religious institutions, the nature of belief, theological questions, and the role of myths and traditions in shaping human understanding.

Includes 3 books

7
Pyramids
13
Small Gods
20
Hogfather

Identity and Personal Growth

Books that focus on characters' journeys of self-discovery, coming of age, and the development of personal identity in the face of societal expectations or internal conflicts.

Includes 5 books

3
Equal Rites
4
Mort
11
Reaper Man
32
A Hat Full of Sky
35
Wintersmith
View All Thematic Series