Season 3 Episode 11
We conclude our look at the wizards, and wizardry, of the Discworld. Our attention centers on the evolution of wizardry during the course of the Discworld novels. We take a look at the hierarchy of wizardry in the early books, and examine the evolution of wizardry at Unseen University. UU comes to embody Discworld wizardry, after the ascension of Mustrum Ridcully to the Archchancellorship. Ridcully is indeed the fulcrum on which the concept of wizardry transforms. No more Dead Men’s Shoes; no more reference to or concern with Orders or Levels of wizardry.
We also explore the role the younger wizards of UU, especially Ponder Stibbons, are playing in a further evolution of wizardry: a movement away from the octograms and dribbly candles of traditional magic practice, and toward a more scientific view of the vocation.
Finally, we end with Rincewind, whose evolution through the books takes him from being a failed student, ejected from UU after his look at the Octavo, to being a professor at UU, holding at least 18 positions (most all of which are meaningless) and even being allowed to sit in on faculty meetings.
And as always, you can reach me at randy@mindkindle.net, or go to the Portal’s Discworld feedback page, at https://discord.gg/snVHpxM
Remember you can also join the Portal’s Discord chat channel, Friends of the Discworld Portal, at https://discord.gg/YBD2rzK. There are now 11 listeners who have joined this channel, so with any luck we will be able to start having some actual chats soon. I host a one-hour chat at 7 a.m. and at 3 p.m. (US Pacific Standard Time, or 3 p.m. and 11 p.m. GMT.)
Finally, here is this week’s lottery question, and your last chance to enter the lottery. Winners will be announced at next week’s show, which will be the final episode of season three. To the question: If a “lost Discworld” novel were to be found, what would you like it to be about?
And remember to keep committing those random acts of kindness.