Discworld Re-Read: Wyrd Sisters
Finally a Discworld novel that I can unabashedly praise. I first read Wyrd Sisters several years ago. I loved it then and revisiting it, I found that this novel is better than I remembered it.
Wyrd Sisters is the first real entry in the witches sub-series. Yes, technically, Equal Rites is listed in most places as the first witches novel because of the introduction of Granny Weatherwax, But I consider it more or less a stand alone. First off it includes none of the other prominent characters of the witches series, it also doesn’t have a literary theme like the other witches books do.
Wyrd Sisters is Pratchett’s take on Macbeth. An ambitious duke murders the king of Lancre, which is all well and good at first. However, as his guilt starts to unhinge him, Lord Felmet starts blaming the witches and fostering persecution. In the face of growing disrespect, the witches are forced to intervene for the sake of the kingdom.
Pratchett’s writing is so sharp and clever in this novel. The more you know about Macbeth and it’s creation the cleverer this book becomes. It does not merely reflect the surface plot of the Scottish Play, but also includes elements from the historical creation. Macbeth was written directly for King James. Many elements of the play were fitted by Shakespeare to suit the King’s taste. For example, King James had an obsession with witches and had even written a pamphlet about witches and identifying witchcraft. Most importantly, James was descended from Banquo (the friend Macbeth murders because the witches predict that his descendants shall become kings), so the story of Macbeth was reworked to portray James’ ancestors in a better light. The sub-plot of Felmet commissioning a play to promote his version of history is a wonderfully clever nod to Macbeth’s more practical origins. The overall themes about the power of words and propaganda, fit the subject matter so perfectly. Pratchett manages a perfect blend of affectionate parody and commentary.
Additionally, Pratchett employs some wonderfully subtle foreshadowing. The phrase, “only a fool would want to be king” comes up several times throughout the novel. It’s a great little nod to anyone re-reading the book, that isn’t explicit enough to catch the attention of first time readers.
Most of all, this book is hilarious. Granny Weatherwax was entertaining on her own, but as part of a trio she truly shines. The dynamic between Granny, Nanny Ogg and Magrat is great. The scenes of the witches interacting with the theater are simply hilarious. And the coven meetings are priceless riffs on the famous witch scenes from Macbeth. Add into that Greebo, the dreary Fool’s Guild, and all attempts to arrest or tax the witches. The high standards of Pratchett humor is on full display and it is wonderful.
Wyrd Sisters is a great intro book for newbies. It’s a good display of his style and humor, as well as kicking off one of the major sub-series. I especially recommend it to literary buffs and Shakespeare fans.