Hogfather
by Terry Pratchett · first published 1996
45% recommend55% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Witty, humane Discworld fantasy about Death and the Hogfather that explores belief, helpful lies, and how society makes meaning; often recommended as a yearly reread and a starting point in the Death series.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
Who would want to harm Discworld's most beloved icon? Very few things are held sacred in this twisted, corrupt, heartless -- and oddly familiar -- universe, but the Hogfather is one of them. Yet here it is, Hogswatchnight, that most joyous and acquisitive of times, and the jolly old, red-suited gift-giver has vanished without a trace. And there's something shady going on involving an uncommonly psychotic member of the Assassins' Guild and certain representatives of Ankh-Morpork's rather extensive criminal element. Suddenly Discworld's entire myth system is unraveling at an alarming rate. Drast
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…Discworld at such an early age. They've made me a optimistic cynic. I'd highly recommend anybody interested in starting the Discworld books to start with Mort, and then the rest of the Death series in order (Hogfather in particular).
on “Ask HN: Life Changing Books?” ↗…thinking about the ideas and treat them as some kind of dogma. I do recommend deep philosophical thinking though, and to try not to get caught up in the academic side of philosophy. Terry Pratchett's Hogfather, in retrospect, laid the foundation for a fundamental shift in my understanding of belief and how it interfaces with reality.
on “Ask HN: What's one book that changed your life?” ↗Hogfather by Sir Terry Pratchett. I read it a couple of days before Christmas every year without fail and have since it came out. I absolutely adore the discworld (Pratchett's books shaped me as a child - I wouldn't…
on “Ask HN: Which book would you pick to re-read for the rest of your life?” ↗(Also, go and read "Hogfather", by Terry Pratchett. As I seem to remember Yudkowsky said, though presumably in much better wording, Terry Pratchett's death is all the reason you could need to resolve to end death forever. Hogfather,…
on “Merry Christmas, HN” ↗If you haven't already read it, you might like Terry Pratchett's Hogfather [1]. [1](https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/583655-hogfather)
on “The Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus” ↗Hogfather was very good as well and I'm a massive fan of the books. Hogfather been my absolute favourite.
on “BBC adapting Terry Pratchett’s iconic Discworld books for six-part TV series” ↗I like Terry Pratchett, and Hogfather, a lot, but it's worth remembering that it's entertainment, and not philosophy. For example, it's possible to construct the same reductionist argument about market economics (or any other conceptual…
on “Crony Beliefs” ↗Perhaps you should read Hogfather or Making Money by Terry Pratchett. In which the importance of the lies that society tells itself is touched upon. "All right," said Susan. "I'm not stupid. You're saying humans need... fantasies to…
on “ST3000DM001” ↗…gets to be the gatekeepers, etc. If you like Monty Python style humor, you'll probably enjoy those that have Rincewind and/or the Unseen University the most. I love any of the books with Death in it (Hogfather, Reaper Man, Mort, Soul Music, Thief of Time). My son loved all of the Sam Vimes books. If you love police/detective stuff, this is for you. If you want a little more plot, the Tiffany Aching series…
on “Discworld on Page and Screen, Part 1: Serious Comedy” ↗Similar to re-reading a passage I go back and re-read books I really like 3-4 times (and a few many more than that). I've read all of the Discworld novels at least 3 times and a few like Hogfather more than a dozen (I re-read it ever Christmas). Reading is one of lives truly great pleasures and it's one of lifes most democratic.
on “The average person’s reading speed is slower than commonly thought” ↗> [M]y vote behind Guards! Guards! as a great starting point. That was my introduction, when it came out, but I recommend Hogfather to most as it captures the wide breadth of his writing. There's a lot of great comedy in it, but also some serious and scary moments.
on “Discworld on Page and Screen, Part 1: Serious Comedy” ↗…flirting with many of Pratchett’s common satire of organized religions. My son loved every Sam Vimes book, but didn’t care as much for the others. A good friend tried one, was ok with it, and then read Hogfather, after which he said “give me every one of these that has Death in it.” My daughters really enjoyed Tiffany Aching, I had read Maskerade earlier to them, but only when they did finish Tiffany Aching did…
on “Yan tan tethera pethera pimp – an old system for counting sheep” ↗There's also a great line in a Terry Pratchett novel, Hogfather: > Natural stupidity beats artificial intelligence every time.
on “AI boom could expose investors’ natural stupidity” ↗I loved Pratchett's Hogfather story about little lies. If you as child believe in little lies like tooth fairies and Santa as grown up you will believe in big ones like justice, mercy or duty.
on “Ask HN: What's the boldest white lie you've told your kids?” ↗Just chiming in to say thanks for the Pratchett quote! I dare say he's about to beat out Douglass Adams for my top author. Feets of Clay and Hogfather should be must reads for people dealing with AI right now imo.
on “Time Is Different” ↗