This Convincing Discworld Theory Perfectly Connects It To Terry Pratchett’s Sci-Fi Book From 2 Years Earlier

A convincing theory regarding Sir Terry Pratchett’s Discworld links the iconic fantasy series to Pratchett’s sci-fi book that was published two years before the first novel. The Discworld book series is 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 of Discworld even 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 to Discworld’s best characters, extending the series’ lore years after its initial publication in 1983. One theory is particularly intriguing to me, as it stitches Discworld further 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 in Strata discover is, in fact, the setting of Discworld, the former’s premise lending some credence to the theory. Strata tells the story of three aliens who discover a flat Earth, their roles at a planet manufacturing plant driving their curiosity to 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 of Discworld long before Pratchett published it.

Due to the medieval style of the society and the flat Earth matching the Disk, many have theorized that the planet manufacturers in Strata made Discworld for their own reasons. Though Terry Pratchett’s Strata is meant to be a parody of Ringworld, those aspects of the flat world alongside the journey of the main characters broadly match those in Discworld, giving the theory some backing. Because Strata also helped Pratchett develop Discworld, 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

Strata helped Pratchett lay the groundwork for Discworld, 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, both Strata and Discworld were 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.

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If the flat world of Strata was the same as Discworld, 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 as Discworld‘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 between Strata and Discworld, 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 of Strata‘s premise and structure. The fact that it is specifically a flat Earth makes the theory unlikely, as Discworld is not meant to resemble our planet. Later Discworld novels also contradict Clark’s Third Law regarding time travel and history, one of the largest conceptual bases of Strata‘s world.

Others cite the literary tropes each book uses versus the specific details. Strata and the worlds within are characterized as obeying the laws of physics we encounter versus Discworld, 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, both Strata and Discworld would have to exist in separate universes despite their similarities, their satirical tones and whimsical writing the only concrete link between them.

Discworld

Discworld is 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.

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Terry Pratchett

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