How Did I Get Familiar with “His Dark Materials” Trilogy?

When diving into the realm of consciousness, it’s almost impossible not to touch on theology, even for just a moment. It’s been a while since I philosophized, firmly convinced of my disbelief in God and death. And I intended to stick to that stance.

After all, this view has had the most significant impact on my own life. But as I delved into brain studies and its complexities, I realized I had overlooked an important task. 

Around 2000, I read Philip Pullman’s “Northern Lights,” the first installment of the “His Dark Materials” trilogy. Later, Hollywood adapted this into the movie “The Golden Compass” three years ago.

Unfortunately, both the title and the film fail to capture the depth of the literature that inspired them. In Poland during my time, only the first two volumes were published: “Northern Lights” and “The Subtle Knife.” The latter title, however, doesn’t fully convey the story’s darker and more intense themes.

The release of the third volume faced challenges, likely due to our ultra-Catholic country’s stance. Pullman doesn’t hold back when it comes to God and the Church.

According to Gooderham (2003), Children’s Literature, the trilogy’s religious language deliberately subverts conventional theological imagery. This construction builds its own fantastical cosmology.

Recently, I revisited this tale and discovered that the final volume of the trilogy had been translated and titled “The Amber Spyglass.” This title is rather odd considering there’s no telescope involved, as I read carefully. All these books are readily available for download on platforms like Chomik for those interested.

How Does Philip Pullman Build His Fantasy World?

Above all, Pullman’s world-building is fascinating. He blends fantasy and physics to create a captivating, dynamic, and occasionally harsh fairy tale.

Pullman draws inspiration from Hugh Everett’s vision of the universe. Notably, Everett was a physicist who was often overlooked during his mid-20th century lifetime.

According to Everett (1957), Reviews of Modern Physics, his “relative state” formulation of quantum mechanics—later popularized as the many-worlds interpretation—was published. Indeed, it received little attention for over a decade afterward.

Everett dismissed Schrödinger’s theory as nonsense, asserting that the superposition of quantum states, determined by human observation, shouldn’t exist. He proposed that a multitude of overlapping universes coexist, each representing all possible outcomes.

In Pullman’s world, the laws of physics align with fantasy. For instance, flight requires wings, swords are the weapons of choice, all beings are mortal, and the dead do not return to the living world.

The character dimension introduces more of the fantasy element. For instance, each person has a daemon, an animal that embodies their traits, inspired by Jung or antiquity. Moreover, these daemons are inseparable from their human counterparts and share a deep bond.

What Is “Dust,” the Central Concept of this Fantasy World?

Yet, the core concept revolves around Dust, barely visible but detectable through specialized methods. Essentially, Dust surrounds living beings, answering questions through the alethiometer, an instrument that seemingly communicates with this elusive substance.

Dust’s true nature remains a mystery. Only the deceitful Church knows this, as they seek to destroy it under the pretense of its malevolence.

According to Pullman, Dust was the primordial essence from which conscious beings emerged. The first to evolve from Dust were angels.

The initial angel, claiming to be the creator, amassed followers, abusing power and commanding the Church to eliminate Dust. In Pullman’s world, God is portrayed as aged, feeble, and detached from current events.

According to Oliver (2012), Children’s Literature in Education, this parody of religious authority is a deliberate device. Pullman uses it throughout the trilogy to challenge organized religion’s claims to moral authority.

Who Are the Heroes of the Story?

The trilogy’s story follows Lyra, a girl with the ability to read Dust’s speech through the alethiometer. And Will, a boy who can open passages between worlds. They, along with other captivating characters, launch a war to overthrow the deceptive deity.

Pullman doesn’t hesitate to weave his writing with quotes from William Blake. Therefore, the narrative echoes the works of William Blake.

Finally, the trilogy concludes with a bittersweet yet strangely positive ending. According to Green and Brock (2000), stories that transport us this deeply also measurably shift our beliefs.

In total, the trilogy spans around 1,000 pages, mostly describing vivid landscapes. Rather than a straightforward war story, it’s more like a road movie. It’s a profound affirmation of humanity’s role as the architects of their destinies.

Having just finished it an hour ago, I can say it left me feeling uplifted. I wholeheartedly recommend it.