Dust
The physical proof of consciousness that binds the multiverse together.
Dust is a mysterious, elementary particle of consciousness that permeates the universe in Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials saga. It is attracted to consciousness, especially after puberty: in Lyra's world it settles on people once their dæmon is fixed in shape. In Pullman's universe Dust is "consciousness and knowledge and wisdom", while the Church in Lyra's world has identified it as what it calls "original sin". Throughout the trilogy, Dust is central to the conflict between the Magisterium, which views it as evidence of original sin to be eradicated, and the rebels who recognize it as the source of life, wisdom, and freedom.
Quick Facts
- Primary attraction
- Adults and conscious beings
- Magisterium view
- Original Sin; Evil
Lore & Background
In the cosmology of His Dark Materials, Dust transcends mere scientific anomaly; it is the very substance of experience itself. The Magisterium believes that intercision, severing a child from their dæmon, protects children from Dust's corrupting influence when their dæmon's form settles. Dust cannot be seen by the unaided human eye, but it can be viewed with special photographic emulsions; Lord Asriel shows the scholars of Jordan College photograms of it as "a fountain of glowing particles".
It is attracted to objects that have been formed by consciousness. Within the books, Dust came into existence when consciousness did: it was created by consciousness, as well as being conscious. In The Amber Spyglass, Will and Lyra learn that "without Dust, people will not be able to survive". Dust is also what connects humans to their dæmons.
The Mulefa are able to see Dust directly and call it "sraf". The most notable is the amber spyglass, which Mary Malone constructs in the world of the Mulefa using lacquer from the sap of their trees. It allows her to see the otherwise invisible Dust.
Reader's Guide
Dust is the cornerstone of the metaphysical and scientific conflict in His Dark Materials. While the Magisterium interprets its attraction to adults as proof of Original Sin—a corruption that must be purged through the severing of daemons—scientists like Lord Asriel and Mary Malone discover it is actually a sign of consciousness, wisdom, and free will. The particle behaves uniquely under observation; it is drawn to sentient minds and flows through the subtle cracks between parallel worlds.
Dust can communicate with humans by several methods, including alethiometers, Mary Malone's computer program and I Ching divination. The suppression of Dust is a primary motive for the Church's cruelty. However, the rebellion understands that Dust is essential for the survival of all worlds. At the end of the trilogy all the windows between worlds must be closed, apart from one, to prevent the loss of Dust.
Did You Know?
- Dust was previously known in Lyra's universe as "Rusakov particles", after their discoverer, Boris Mikhailovitch Rusakov.
- In our universe Mary Malone studies the same particles as dark matter and calls them "Shadows".
More in Theology & Metaphysics
Elsewhere in His Dark Materials
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