Magical Compass

A truth-telling symbol reader that can answer any question for those able to read it.

The Golden Compass, known within the narrative as an alethiometer, is a truth-telling symbol reader with a ring of 36 standard symbols. Unlike standard navigational tools, this artifact points to truth rather than direction. A skilled practitioner poses a question by setting the alethiometer's hands to point to symbols around the dial, and the answer comes through the movement of a further hand. The device was entrusted to Lyra by the Master of Jordan College, with a warning to keep it secret, just before she left the college.

Quick Facts

Common name: Alethiometer
Key wielder: Lyra Belacqua

Lore & Background

Lyra has a natural ability to use the alethiometer and is able to read it intuitively. Lyra learns to decipher its meanings with guidance from Farder Coram, a Gyptian elder, after he recognizes the artifact's significance. Each symbol on the rim has several levels of meaning; for example, the anchor can mean steadfastness, hope, the sea, or other interpretations. In Lyra's world six alethiometers were constructed, and in La Belle Sauvage it is said that no more can be built, because knowledge of the special treatment of the rare metal they depend on has been lost.

Reader's Guide

To use an alethiometer, a reader sets its hands to point to symbols around the dial to pose a question. The question is answered by the movement round the dial of a further hand. Gyptian elder Farder Coram recognises the alethiometer and, with his guidance, Lyra learns to decipher it. At the end of the trilogy Lyra loses her ability to read the alethiometer intuitively and decides to take up the academic study of alethiometry.

Did You Know?

Following directions from the alethiometer, Lyra finds Billy Costa in a stupor, separated from his dæmon.
When Mrs. Coulter asked for the alethiometer, Lyra gave her the sealed tin containing the spy-fly, which stunned her mother.