The Folklore of Discworld Audiobook By Terry Pratchett, Jacqueline Simpson cover art

The Folklore of Discworld

Legends, Myths, and Customs from the Discworld with Helpful Hints from Planet Earth

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The Folklore of Discworld

By: Terry Pratchett, Jacqueline Simpson
Narrated by: Michael Fenton Stevens
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Terry Pratchett joins up with a leading folklorist to reveal the legends, myths and customs of Discworld, together with helpful hints from Planet Earth.

Most of us grew up having always known when to touch wood or cross our fingers, and what happens when a princess kisses a frog or a boy pulls a sword from a stone, yet sadly some of these things are beginning to be forgotten. Legends, myths, and fairy tales: our world is made up of the stories we told ourselves about where we came from and how we got here. It is the same on Discworld, except that beings, which on Earth are creatures of the imagination — like vampires, trolls, witches and, possibly, gods — are real, alive and, in some cases kicking, on the Disc.

In The Folklore of Discworld, Terry Pratchett teams up with leading British folklorist Jacqueline Simpson to take an irreverent yet illuminating look at the living myths and folklore that are reflected, celebrated and affectionately libelled in the uniquely imaginative universe of Discworld. Mythology Tradition Fantasy Witchcraft Fairy Tales Magic Witty Literary History & Criticism Fiction Anthologies & Short Stories Classics Magic Users Literature & Fiction Funny Social Sciences Folklore Horror

Critic reviews

“One of the most interesting and critically underrated novelists we have … The Folklore of Discworld — co-authored with the eminent folklorist Jacqueline Simpson — emphasizes his irreverence and drollery.”
— The Times

“Pratchett is, like Mark Twain or Jonathan Swift, not just a great writer but also an original thinker … funny, exciting, lighthearted and, like all the best comedy, very serious.”
— Guardian
Interesting Folklore Comparisons • Entertaining Connections • Fine Narrator • Insightful References • Engaging Introduction

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As always Sir Terry provides enjoyment on many levels. The stories alone would make it worthwhile. The skillful way in which Discworld lore is interwoven with history and traditions from our own world adds depth to one's enjoyment of the novels while enticing you to research myths and legends of our world.
The narrator's voice is soothing without ever becoming monotonous. I have already listened multiple times. As the world grows more chaotic this book helps my brain calm down and destress a bit.
10 out of 10 would recommend

educational and entertaining

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It was very entertaining to see how the world and customs of Discworld were weaved around true folklore, people's stories with its typical spice of absurdity and humor. And Terry sings us some tunes at the end too!

Safari through Discworld.

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Sir Terry sings (+ writes with usual wit & aplomb) - specifically folk songs, and then Shakespeare.

Sir Terry Sings

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just booked details his interaction with the mythology and folklore of Discworld. It is a fun and interesting look at how he developed it all and what much of it is based on. Final chapter is a audio interview between Terry Pratchett and his folklorist. Lots of fun.

Interesting romp through Terry Pratchet's mind.

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Sir Terry and Miss Simpson tells us about the folklore and how it came to be. They also do a wonderful job discussing "urban legends" and how this also becomes folklore. It's truly interesting and displays why history is important. After all if you don't know your origins, how will you know your destination?

very interesting

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