Does 'Equal Rites' Feature Granny Weatherwax?

For fans who adore Granny Weatherwax's later appearances, 'Equal Rites' offers a fascinating origin story of sorts. She isn't the main protagonist - that's Esk - but her role as the stubborn village witch opposing tradition makes this essential reading. The way she schools the wizards about 'headology' before the term even exists is classic Weatherwax. You see her trademark techniques developing, like that piercing stare that makes people confess things they didn't intend to.

What's especially interesting is observing how Pratchett refines her character later. Here she still occasionally doubts herself in private moments, something the fully evolved Weatherwax would never admit. Her magic is also less polished - more folk remedies and less of the psychological mastery she demonstrates in 'Maskerade'. Yet all the core elements are present: the iron will, the hidden compassion, and that brilliant way she manipulates people into doing what's right while letting them think it was their idea all along.

As someone who's read every Discworld book multiple times, I can confirm Granny Weatherwax absolutely appears in 'Equal Rites'. This is actually her first major appearance in the series, though she's not yet the fully developed character she becomes later. Here she's establishing herself as Lancre's witch, showing that trademark stubbornness and practical magic that makes her so iconic. The way she handles Esk's magical education while battling the wizards' sexism is pure Weatherwax - no nonsense, deeply wise, and secretly kind beneath the crusty exterior. It's fascinating seeing her early dynamic with Esk compared to how she mentors later characters like Magrat.

Having just reread 'Equal Rites' last month, Granny Weatherwax's presence struck me as particularly significant for series continuity. While the story focuses on Esk's journey to become the Disc's first female wizard, Weatherwax serves as both obstacle and mentor in that quest. Her portrayal here differs slightly from later books - less refined in her witchcraft, more openly skeptical of book learning - but the core traits are unmistakable.

What's brilliant is how Pratchett uses her to contrast institutional magic with folk wisdom. Weatherwax represents the old ways of witchcraft that rely on headology and understanding human nature rather than spellbooks. Her famous 'borrowing' ability makes its debut here when she shares a bird's consciousness, hinting at the deeper powers she'll demonstrate in later novels like 'Wyrd Sisters'. The scenes where she verbally eviscerates Unseen University's faculty showcase the razor-sharp wit that becomes her trademark.

For new readers, this early version of Weatherwax might seem less formidable than her later incarnations, but all the seeds of her greatness are present. Her refusal to call herself a witch unless others need her to be one, her pragmatic approach to morality, and that wonderful moment where she outthinks Death himself - these moments define what makes her Discworld's most compelling witch.