A convincing theory regarding Sir Terry Pratchett’sDiscworldlinks the iconic fantasy series to Pratchett’s sci-fi book that was published two years before the first novel. TheDiscworldbook seriesis well known for its odd premise, satirical views on the fantasy genre, and the well-executed humor Pratchett was famous for, providing a perfect read no matter where in the series you begin. However, some parts of the staple series have never properly been looked into despite Pratchett’s surprisingly careful world-building, leaving many curious about certain aspects of the Disk.
While Pratchett does go deeply into the politics and societal workings of cities like Ankh-Morpork, he does not dig into the earlier history ofDiscworldeven though he ends some of his books by pulling back to see the Disk’s flight in space. As a result, we can only speculate on the Disk’s origins and how it could link back toDiscworld’sbest characters, extending the series' lore years after its initial publication in 1983. One theory is particularly intriguing to me, as it stitchesDiscworldfurther together with one of Pratchett’s lesser-known but still wonderful works.
This Convincing Theory Suggests Discworld Was Created By The Company In The Strata
The Flat World Discovered In Strata Could Be Discworld
This theory posits that the world the protagonists inStratadiscover is, in fact, the setting ofDiscworld, the former’s premise lending some credence to the theory.Stratatells the story of three aliens who discover a flat Earth, their roles at a planet manufacturing plant driving their curiosityto see how this anomaly came to be. When they finally arrive, they discover a world with medieval inhabitants despite the sci-fi focus of the story, matching elements ofDiscworldlong before Pratchett published it.
Stratawas published in 1981.
Due to the medieval style of the society and the flat Earth matching the Disk,many have theorized that the planet manufacturers inStratamadeDiscworldfor their own reasons. ThoughTerry Pratchett’sStratais meant to be a parody ofRingworld,those aspects of the flat world alongside the journey of the main characters broadly match those inDiscworld,giving the theory some backing. BecauseStrataalso helped Pratchett developDiscworld,it would only make sense that the two worlds be as well tied together as the books are.
The Strata Laid The Groundwork For Discworld & This Would Connect Them Further
Strata Helped Pratchett Mold Discworld’s Story
Stratahelped Pratchett lay the groundwork forDiscworld,giving him the opportunity to craft a story that balanced parody and authenticity in the same way he did for the iconic series. As mentioned,bothStrataandDiscworldwere meant to be parodies, but their satirizations are well-balanced with the strong characters and world-building Pratchett utilized, making them unique to other parodies of the sci-fi and fantasy genres.Strata’s Company being the birthplace of the Disk would then add another layer of poetic connection between the two books.
If the flat world ofStratawas the same asDiscworld,it would be a great feat of genre-blending as well, since both exist in such parallel genres. It would show just how inventive and surprisingly subtle Pratchett was in his world-building, which is saying something considering some of the concepts within his writings. Still, there are some parts of the worldbuilding, such asDiscworld’s Great A’tuin, that this theory does not account for.
I Love This Discworld Theory, But There Are A Few Holes In It
The Wording And Differing Narrative Rules Make This Unlikely
Although this theory would be a great way to strengthen the connection betweenStrataandDiscworld,several parts of both books' world-building make the likelihood of it being true quite low. Readers have heavily debated this theory, with some bringing up the specific wording ofStrata’s premise and structure. The fact that it is specifically a flat Earth makes the theory unlikely, asDiscworldis not meant to resemble our planet. LaterDiscworldnovels also contradict Clark’s Third Law regarding time travel and history, one of the largest conceptual bases ofStrata’s world.
Others cite the literary tropes each book uses versus the specific details.Strataand the worlds within are characterized as obeying the laws of physics we encounter versusDiscworld,which works on the premise of narrative causality rather than any scientific law, the plot progressing out of the belief that things must happen a certain way. In that case, bothStrataandDiscworldwould have to exist in separate universes despite their similarities, their satirical tones and whimsical writing the only concrete link between them.
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.
