Rincewind, Are You All Right? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Falling off the Disc

'The Colour of Magic' (1983) is Sir Terry Pratchett's first Discworld novel. It introduces Rincewind the Wizzard and his rather unwanted companion Twoflower, the Disc's very first tourist.

After being in no way coerced by the Patrician into helping and protecting Twoflower, Rincewind journeys from burning Ankh-Morpork to the forbidden Temple of Bel-Shamharoth. Heroically defeating the Soul-Eater by using the flash of Twoflower's iconograph, the Disc's most revered hero finds himself in the Wyrmberg where - once again - his courage and magical prowess allows Rincewind to defeat his superior enemies.

When Fate rightly decides that Rincewind's boundless lust for danger and adventure is still not satisfied, Wizzard and tourist find themselves in the rimward empire of Krull. As the Krullians want to use their starship 'Potent Voyager' to finally find out Great A'Tuin's gender, they need, coincidentally, two sacrifices in order to ensure the safety of their expedition. Enter Rincewind and Twoflower! After using the, well, oldest trick in the book, both our heroes find themselves wearing spacesuits and aboard the 'Voyager', which, right then drops over the edge and out of sight.

Answer: The Lugagge

'The Light Fantastic' (1986) is the second Discworld novel and the sequel to 'The Colour of Magic'.

It has been explained that one of the powerful Eight Spells is lodged deeply in the mind of Rincewind who was last seen going over the edge, looking unhappy. As A'Tuin cannot afford to lose that spell and, by reflex, the mind and body of the Wizzard, it (or he, or she?) changes course and lets Rincewind fall back upon its, well, back.

After radiantly facing numerous dangers Rincewind and Twoflower finally arrive safely home in Ankh-Morpork. Before Twoflower voyages back to his home, the Counterweight Continent, he presents Rincewind with his most precious Luggage. A little grudgingly accepting that gift, Rincewind has forthwith won a faithful, if a little homicidal, companion.

Rincewind's adventures in 'The Colour of Magic' and 'The Light Fantastic' can also be enjoyed on screen as both have been made into a movie in 2008. It stars Sean Astin, Tim Curry, Jeremy Irons, Sir Christopher Lee (as the voice of Death) and an absolutely awesome Sir David Jason as Rincewind the Wizzard. Worth watching!

Answer: A sock filled with sand

'Sourcery' (1988) is the fifth Discworld novel and sees the return of the Wizzard.

When the rise of Sourcery threatens the very fabric of existence, and the creatures from the Dungeon Dimensions prepare to invade the Discworld, only one man can stand in the way of darkness: Rincewind the Wizzard.

Completely of his own free will, Rincewind takes it into his very own hands to face Coin the Sourcerer (all right, he had a little help from the Luggage, Conina the Hairdresser, Nijel the Destroyer, the Seriph of Klatch and a genie).

Since the use of spells and Sourcery is out of the question, as the invading fiends feed upon the magic, the Wizzard wisely decides to use an old-established and traditional Ankh-Morpork weapon: Rincewind fills his flea-ridden sock with a handful of sand and knocks Coin out cold. Rincewind the Magnificent!

Answer: The Dungeon Dimensions

While defeating Coin with a sock full of sand eliminated the threat of Sourcery, the danger of the creatures from the dawn of time still hung over Rincewind the Bold.

In an unusual moment of almost Spock-like righteousness the Wizzard decides to sacrifice his own well-being for the greater good. Allowing the slowly recovering Coin to flee, Rincewind hefts his powerful Sock of Smiting and remains in the Dungeon Dimensions to encounter its denizens.

We later get to know that his martyrdom was to be remembered by the faculty of Unseen University with a statue in honour of Rincewind, which would soon become a small plaque bearing his name, which in turn would become a censure for being improperly dressed.

Answer: Tezumen

'Eric' (1990) is the ninth Discworld novel.

By an unusual conjunction of circumstances, Rincewind the Wizzard is brought from the Dungeon Dimensions back to the Discworld. Unfortunately he is now bound to grant his liberator - Eric Thursley, Pseudopolis - three wishes. As the male mind tends to think alike, no matter where in the multiverse you might be, the three wishes may be summed up thusly: women, wealth, immortality (choose your own preferred order).

As it happens, Rincewind and Eric begin their journey with acquiring wealth: they land in the Tezuman Empire and are given huge amounts of gold and gems, which should have been followed by huge amounts of pain and death. Happily enough, Rincewind's Lugagge appears - a little late, as luggage does, but still in the nick of time - and greatly assists Wizzard and demonologist in their escape from the Tezumen.

Answer: Hell

After Rincewind and Eric arrive at the beginning of the Multiverse, they realize that there is not much to do for the next couple of thousand years.

Following a brief conversation with a Creator, in which Rincewind finds out everything he really needn't know about snowflakes, Eric uses a reverse magic circle (an exact thaumaturgical explanation of which might go a little too far right here; just send me a message and I will provide you with one, of course) to leave that boring place.

Unfortunately, instead of arriving at Ankh-Morpork, Rincewind and Eric land at the very doorstep of hell. Happily, both are later able to escape. Onward, Wizzard!

Answer: The Counterweight Continent

'Interesting Times' (1994) is the 17th Discworld novel.

As revolution shakes the very core of the Counterweight Continent, a Great Wizzard from Ankh-Morpork is needed. Despite Archchancellor Ridcully's initial plan the Dean of Unseen University is not sent. Nay! There can only be one Wizzard great enough: Rincewind starts yet another perilous journey on which his ability to scream for mercy in nineteen languages might come in handy.

After a series of, well, rincewindish events, the Wizzard finds himself as the leader of the revolutionary Red Army. When all his efforts of fleeing the war end fruitlessly, Rincewind finally accepts his responsibility and (sort of) leads the revolutionaries to victory.

Answer: Meat Pie Floater

'The Last Continent' (1998) is the 22nd Discworld novel and brings us to a slightly Australian country.

Fourecks suffers from a long-lasting drought and - of course - only one man can help: Mate Rinso.

Whereas fighting rampaging robbers, defeating highly poisonous spiders, escaping prison cells, inventing tasty desserts, riding wonder horses and bringing back the Wet are feats easily accomplished by Rinso, his greatest test awaits him in Bugarup: eating Fair Go Dibbler's famous Meat Pie Floater! Luckily Rinso's stomach is already hardened by having enjoyed the various meals of Dibbler, Dibhala, Al-Jiblah, Dhiblang, Dib Diblossonson, Dibooki and Dlang-Dlang. So, no worries!

Answer: The Disc's moon

'The Last Hero' (2001) is a Discworld novel illustrated by Paul Kidby.

When Cohen the Barbarian gets angry because the gods have let him grow old, he and his Silver Horde endeavor to travel to Cori Celesti, intent on returning (with interest) the fire which the first hero Mazda has stolen from the gods.

As this would ultimately lead to the Disc's destruction, a hero is needed - and forth comes Rincewind the Wizzard. Together with Carrot (night watch), Leonard of Quirm (inventor) and the librarian (ape), he uses the flying 'Kite' to swiftly travel to Cori Celesti. When their fuel runs low, they need to stop on the Disc's moon to recharge, wherefore Rincewind must once more visit a place that he would rather have avoided.

Needless to say, the Wizzard's mission (motto: Morituri Nolumus Mori) is successful - the Disc saved again.

Answer: The Megapode

'Unseen Academicals' (2009) is the 37th Discworld novel.

While it is not centered on the adventures of the beloved Rincewind, he still manages a short appearance.

Once every 100 years the faculty of Unseen University hunts the Megapode through the ancient halls. This is absolutely necessary as noone wants to have such a creature running around freely. This year the honour of being the Megapode falls onto Rincewind. Dressed in "bits of beast unknown to science or nightmare or even kebab" Rincewind the Megapode is finally caught by the faculty, but not before he achieves the longest lasting chase ever in the history of Megapode hunting.

Aho, the Megapode! Aho, the Wizzard!