Wizard's First Rule facts for kids

Wizard's First Rule is an exciting epic fantasy book by Terry Goodkind. It's the very first story in his popular series called The Sword of Truth. Tor Books first published it in August 1994 as a hardcover book. A paperback version came out in July 1997. Later, a special edition was released in June 2001 with cool new art by Keith Parkinson.

Meet the Characters in Wizard's First Rule

This book features many interesting characters. Here are some of the main ones:

• Richard Cypher
• Kahlan Amnell
• Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander
• Adie
• George Cypher
• Michael Cypher
• Darken Rahl
• Demmin Nass
• Chase
• The Mud People
• Giller
• Queen Milena
• Princess Violet
• Rachel
• Denna
• Shota
• Samuel
• Brophy
• Scarlet
• Panis Rahl
• James the Court Artist

What Happens in Wizard's First Rule?

Richard's Journey Begins

The main character in Wizard’s First Rule is Richard Cypher. Richard is a woods guide who lives in a place called Westland. Westland is special because it has no magic. It's separated from other lands by a powerful, evil magic boundary. This boundary stops anyone from crossing into Westland from the Midlands.

Richard's job is to lead important people through the forests of Westland. He has a brother named Michael Cypher, who is a leader in Westland.

A Mysterious Death and a New Friend

At the start of the book, Richard's father, George Cypher, is mysteriously killed. This makes Richard very sad. He finds a strange vine left for him by his father. Richard decides to go into the forest to find the vine.

While in the forest, he helps a traveler escape from four men chasing her. This traveler is Kahlan Amnell. The men chasing her are called a quad.

Crossing the Boundary

Richard saves Kahlan. He then learns that she came through the magic boundary. This was thought to be impossible! Kahlan is looking for the First Wizard. Richard feels she needs help, so he takes her to his best friend, Zedd.

When they visit Zedd, Richard learns that Zedd has kept many secrets from him. Richard finds out that Zedd is actually the First Wizard Kahlan was looking for.

The Threat of Darken Rahl

Kahlan tells Zedd about terrible events happening in the Midlands. Darken Rahl, the main villain, is leading an army against the Midlands. After hearing this, Zedd decides that Richard is the true Seeker. The Seeker is a special hero chosen to fight evil.

Zedd gives Richard the powerful Sword of Truth. They decide they must cross the boundary to stop Darken Rahl. Darken Rahl wants to conquer the world using the magic of the Boxes of Orden.

The Boxes of Orden

Richard learns that the Boxes of Orden hold the power of life and death. Darken Rahl needs three boxes. He must open them in the correct order. The information for this is in the Book of Counted Shadows. Richard's father taught him about this book when he was a little boy.

Richard finds a way through the boundary with help from his friend, Chase. Chase is a boundary warden. Wardens are officials who keep people away from the boundary. Chase shows them a secret pass through it.

Challenges in the Midlands

On their way to the pass, Richard and his friends are attacked by creatures from the underworld. This encounter leaves both Zedd and Chase in a deep sleep.

Soon after, Richard and Kahlan reach the home of Adie. Adie is a bone sorceress. She is the only one who can tell them how to get through the boundary. They leave Zedd and Chase with Adie. Then, Richard and Kahlan cross into the Midlands.

Once in the Midlands, Richard learns that the Mud People know where one of the Boxes of Orden is. This box is needed to stop Darken Rahl. Richard helps the Mud People learn how to make roofs that don't leak. In return, they give him the information he needs.

The book then follows Zedd, Kahlan, Richard, and Chase. They try to keep the Box of Orden away from Darken Rahl. They must stop him from taking over the world.

The Wizard's First Rule Explained

The book's title comes from an important rule:

People will believe a lie either because they want to believe it's true or because they are afraid it might be true.

This rule is a big part of the story. It even helps Richard defeat Darken Rahl at the end of the book. It shows how people's beliefs and fears can be used against them.