Lyra's Oxford facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Philip Pullman |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | John Lawrence |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fantasy short story |
| Publisher | Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers |
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Publication date
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28 October 2003 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 64 pp |
| ISBN | 0-375-82819-2 |
| OCLC | 53317246 |
| [Fic] 22 | |
| LC Class | PZ7.P968 Ly 2003 |
Lyra's Oxford is a short and exciting book by Philip Pullman. It tells a new adventure about Lyra Belacqua, the main character from Pullman's famous His Dark Materials trilogy. This story happens when Lyra is 15 years old, which is two years after the events of the last book in the trilogy.
The book is mostly a short story called "Lyra and the Birds." It also has a cool fold-out map of Oxford. This map shows a fictional Oxford from Lyra's world, with places like the Oxford Canal. You'll also find fun extras like old advertisements and travel guides.
Some pages from a "Baedeker" guide from Lyra's world are included. These mention places like the Eagle Ironworks. There's also a postcard from the character Mary Malone. It shows four important places from the His Dark Materials books. These include the lab where Mary Malone works and the bench where Lyra and Will promised to meet. A brochure for a cruise ship called Zenobia is also part of the book.
Philip Pullman wrote a special note at the beginning of the book. He said that the extra items might be linked to the story. Or, they might be clues for stories that haven't been written yet. It's like a puzzle for readers to figure out!
Contents
Lyra's New Adventure: "Lyra and the Birds"
A Mysterious Attack on a Dæmon
The story begins with Lyra looking out from Jordan College in her Oxford. She sees a flock of birds attacking something. It turns out to be a dæmon shaped like a bird. This dæmon must belong to a witch, because no human is nearby.
Lyra bravely saves the dæmon from the attacking birds. The dæmon, named Ragi, asks Lyra for help. He needs to find a man called Sebastian Makepeace. Lyra uses her cleverness to figure out where to find him. She also learns that Sebastian is the last alchemist. Lyra promises to take Ragi to him after school.
A Secret Journey Through Oxford
That evening, Lyra slips away from St Sophia's School. She leads Ragi from Jordan College to Juxon Street, where Sebastian Makepeace lives. Ragi flies above Lyra, hiding on rooftops to avoid being seen. On their way, some pigeons attack Ragi, but he manages to escape.
Ragi tells Lyra why he needs Sebastian Makepeace's help. His witch, Yelena Pazhets, is very sick. This new illness makes witches die, but their dæmons stay alive. This leaves the dæmons alone and sad after their witch is gone. Lyra is shocked to hear about this strange and sad illness.
A Dangerous Trap and a Brave Fight
When they reach Makepeace's house, Lyra's dæmon, Pantalaimon, peeks through a window. He sees the alchemist lying on the floor. There are also witch's tools nearby. Lyra senses that something is wrong. She keeps walking past the house.
Suddenly, Ragi cries out for his witch. Lyra realizes it was a trap! The witch, Yelena, attacks Lyra. Lyra moves towards the Oxford Canal, ready to fight. She thinks about Will and how he would be brave. As Yelena charges, a swan rushes past Lyra. The swan attacks the witch.
The Truth Revealed and Oxford's Protection
The witch dies shortly after the swan's attack. Lyra carries the swan back to the canal. A recovered Sebastian Makepeace then takes Lyra into his house. He explains everything. Yelena wanted to kill Lyra and blame him for it. Yelena and Sebastian were once in love. Their son died in the big war from The Amber Spyglass. Yelena blamed Lyra for her son's death.
Sebastian helps Lyra get away without being noticed. The dead witch in the street had caused a lot of attention. Lyra safely returns to St Sophia's. Back home, Lyra and Pan think about the day's events. They realize the birds were actually helping Lyra. Lyra feels that Oxford itself is protecting her.
Images for kids
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First edition cover of Lyra's Oxford
es:El Oxford de Lyra
