Small Gods

[I, Brian]

I like a good single fully wrapped story, without need for sequel or prequel, and Small Gods is one of these.

Of all the "good versus evil" use of plot, it empowers the tale if the chief protagonist has genuine humility. This is where Small Gods really shone for myself - sort of almost like some loose parody of "Glass Bead Game" by Herman Hesse.

The use of the tortoise is also quite inspired.

I don't believe that Terry Pratchett has a good grasp of religious or spiritual thought - or, at least, the concept seems intellectualised in this book, hence the notion of "gods" only existing if you actually believed in them.

But overall, a definite favourite story. It's always good when you find yourself really rooting for the "hero".

[dwndrgn]

Originally Posted by I, Brian

I don't believe that Terry Pratchett has a good grasp of religious or spiritual thought - or, at least, the concept seems intellectualised in this book, hence the notion of "gods" only existing if you actually believed in them.

This is actually not a new theory - it's shown up in many stories I've read at least. I can't recall one in particular at the moment as this type of thing isn't central to the stories but I do know I've seen it a couple of times before in different fantasy stories.

If I'm not a complete idiot, I recall even discussing this theory in my religion class at University.

I think it is basically a mutation of the thought that without faith there can be no religion, and what is faith but belief? If you have no belief in something can it exist? Ok, I'll stop there - this isn't the religion forum after all.

[G-borg]

I actually think he has some rather profound insights into the nature of religion. Think about the fact that OM has thousands of followers but noone 'believes' in him. They have started believing in the church instead of the god.
I don't need to tell you what real life religion is contrasted here

[I, Brian]

Indeed, and that's a very good point. Perhaps I shuold have been clearer and said that I do not believe the story suggests Terry Pratchett has a good grip on the nature of God.

Gods as something that people simply create and destroy by believing or not in them is rather nihilistic - but it still makes for a great story in Small Gods.

I really fancy reading that story again now.

[Lacedaemonian]

Sorry, are we talking about Terry 'Shoplifted' Pratchett here? Concepts?

[dwndrgn]

Ugh Peter. Are you trodding on one of my favorite authors? What did he ever do to you? Or are you just peevish 'cause you aren't in the tropics anymore?

[I, Brian]

No, were talking about Frederic Nietsche.

[Winters_Sorrow]

I love this book!
The idea of the young disciple who's a bit "slow" so he actually believes everything he's told and so actually finds God because no-one else believes in him.
I think this is his best written book by a long, long way.
I also loved the idea of many "forgotten" gods who just want to find someone to believe in - the hermit is brilliant
I also love the village fisherman who gets caught along in the amarda and his god's explanation of war...."Remember when Pacha Moj hit his uncle with big rock? Like that, only more worse"

[Princess Ivy]

Originally Posted by I, Brian

No, were talking about Frederic Nietsche.