The Gyptians
The Gyptians, from Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials.
The Gyptians are water-travellers who live mainly aboard boats traversing the canals and rivers of Lyra's 'Brytain'. They are divided into large families, the heads of which make up the Gyptians' Council, ruled by John Faa, the King of the Western Gyptians. Their society, while widely dispersed geographically, is tightly knit, and despite their honourable nature they are sometimes perceived negatively by mainstream society. In His Dark Materials many of their children are abducted by the Gobblers, and they form an expedition to the Arctic with Lyra Belacqua to rescue them.
Lore & Background
Gyptian society is divided into large families whose heads make up the Gyptians' Council, which is ruled by John Faa and also includes Farder Coram. Gyptians sometimes gather in a "byanroping", a summons or muster of families, and their group is large enough to gather 170 men to travel north on a rescue mission. Gyptian children are extravagantly loved and looked after by other members if they stray, and the Gyptians believe themselves to be "hit worse off than most" by the child abductions in Northern Lights. They are an honourable people who trade fairly, although they are described as partaking in "incessant smuggling and occasional feuds", and they have little standing in law.
Did You Know?
- The name 'Gyptian', like 'gypsy', is derived from the word 'Egyptian'; the Gyptians are roughly analogous to Romani people.
- The Gyptians have a distinctive accent and a vocabulary containing "Fens-Dutch" words, such as "landloper" for someone who is not a Gyptian.
- Serafina Pekkala's witch clan shares a friendship with the Gyptians, born from the relationship between Serafina and Farder Coram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Gyptians?
The Gyptians are a nomadic community of travelers who live aboard houseboats and barges, navigating river networks to maintain their independence from land-based authorities. They are divided into large families and are roughly analogous to Romani people.
What is their relationship with the Magisterium?
When the Gyptians are made aware of the excesses of the Church researchers at Bolvangar, they do their best to stop them. Their own children are among those abducted by the Gobblers, a project secretly funded by the Church.
What role do they play in the story?
They rescue Lyra Belacqua when she runs away from Mrs Coulter and form an expedition to the Arctic with her to rescue the abducted children, hiring the aeronaut Lee Scoresby to aid them.
How do they live their daily lives?
They live mainly aboard boats on the canals and rivers, and their primary source of income appears to be trading as they travel.
More in Factions & Organizations
Elsewhere in His Dark Materials
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