One sci-fi book from over 40 years ago laid the groundwork for Sir Terry Pratchett’sDiscworldlong before the series was published.Pratchett’sDiscworldbooksare one of the most well-known series in the fantasy genre, largely due to both the satirical interpretations of fantasy’s classic tropes and the memorable dialogue and characters Pratchett created. Pratchett’s world-building is what truly makes theDiscworldseries so unique, though, as he establishes many odd caveats and designs that make the series' world stand out from later fantasy works.
Various aspects of Pratchett’s series, from his magic system to how many of his fictitious cities, such as Ankh-Morpork, work make theDiscworldbooks bafflingto some readers but still enjoyable. The most notable detail, though, is where the world itself is located, the answer easily setting the tone of the series. However, that portion of the premise is not just found inDiscworld;rather, Pratchett penned another novel that used a similar idea, likely allowing him to work out the logistics behindDiscworld’sdisc-shaped world:Strata.
Terry Pratchett’s Strata Took Place On A Disc-Shaped World, 2 Years Before Discworld Debuted
Strata Was Published in 1981
Terry Practhett’s sci-fi novelStratatook place on a disc-like world years before the firstDiscworldbook,The Color Of Magic,was published.Stratatold the story of three aliens who discover a flat Earth with the help of the mysterious Jago Jalo,an anomaly in their planet-manufacturing universewith a focus on maintaining each new planet’s stability. Upon visiting this new world, the three protagonists find a planet filled with medieval inhabitants in a story that straddles the line between sci-fi and fantasy as both genre’s tropes are in play.
One Underrated Discworld Detail Is A Breath Of Fresh Air Compared To Other Fantasy Books
Terry Pratchett’s Discworld is a huge and sprawling set of books with one refreshing detail that sets it apart from other fantasy series.
WhileStratawas originally meant to be a parody of the novelRingworldby Larry Niven, the flat Earth plotline may bewhyDiscworldis located on Great A’Tuin’s back.Pratchett likely wanted to explore the idea of a flat Earth more but also added in some other absurd elements, such as the fact that the world is held up by four elephants who are riding on a giant turtle’s back through space. By including those details, Pratchett could have usedStrataas a jumping-off point forDiscworld,using the elements he liked and elaborating on them.
How Terry Pratchett’s Strata Laid The Groundwork For His Success With Discworld
Strata Helped Pratchett Balance Discworld’s Parody And Characters
Pratchett’sStratashowcases the balance he used in creating a parody as well as the rich characterization thatDiscworldwould later have, giving him the chance to cultivate the world and its odd but delightful detailing.Strata’s deconstruction of sci-fi tropes never overwhelms the story, allowing it moments to forge its own identity and rulesalongside of poking fun at the genre’s staples. That balance may have assisted Pratchett in craftingDiscworld’s original parody premise, resulting in the books transforming into the unique fantasy series we love today.
Strata’s characters also get the chance to learn and grow, much like the characters inDiscworld, with each amazed and confused as their worlds shift in the most hilarious ways possible.
Not only that, butStrata’s characters mirror those ofDiscworld,showcasing the author’s iconic wit and ability to dissect complex concepts humorously and with heart. Kin Arad and Captain Vimes' storyline of people who have lost their passion for their jobs only to refind it again mirror each other, with their comedic beats and touching moments fleshing both characters out in a way only Pratchett could construct.Strata’s characters also get the chance to learn and grow, much like the characters inDiscworld,with each amazed and confused as their worlds shift in the most hilarious ways possible.
Discworld
Discworldis a celebrated fantasy franchise created by Sir Terry Pratchett. The series takes place on a flat, disc-shaped world that is carried through space on the backs of four elephants, who stand on the shell of the giant turtle Great A’Tuin. Known for its satirical humor and incisive social commentary, the franchise began with novels but later expanded to adaptations in film, television, radio, stage plays, and video games. It has had a lasting impact on fantasy literature and pop culture.
