dæmons and their origins

so the question must be asked... what exactly is a dæmon? being as most of this page is centered around them, i'll take the time to answer this question, among others.

to find the original roots of the dæmon, you've got to look at the source of it all--the trilogy of books by Phillip Pullman, titled His Dark Materials. in these books is a universe "similar to our, but different in many ways." the main difference is, of course, the existance of dæmons.

dæmons are described by many (me included) as "physical manifestations of the human soul in animal form." in this alternate universe, where the first book of the His Dark Materials takes place, every human being is born with a dæmon. throughout childhood, dæmons can change form, into any animal, including those of myth, such as dragons. however, upon the humans reaching of adolescance, the dæmon must assume one shape, that best reflecting the person's soul. as quoted directly from the series, "a man may want a lion [dæmon], and end up with a poodle." neither human nor dæmon has any choice as to what he or she may be.

dæmons are almost always the opposite gender of the human that they are linked to, and the two cannot be seperated by any great distance, with the exception of witches and their dæmons, which can be as far apart as needed. if a human and his or her dæmon are more than a few yards apart, neither can take it any longer. it is described in the series as an intense feeling of sadness as well as a physical pain.

if you have any further questions regarding dæmons or the His Dark Materials series, e-mail me at cy the spoonsicle@yahoo.com.

other sources of information on dæmons

• the His Dark Materials trilogy, by Phillip Pullman
• http://www.bridgetothestars.net/
• me! you can e-mail me with any further questions on dæmons at cythespoonsicle@yahoo.com

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