Lord Asriel's Rebellion

Lord Asriel's Rebellion, from Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials.

Lord Asriel's Rebellion marks the armed uprising led by Lord Asriel against the Kingdom of Heaven and the Church-dominated authority. Centered on a basalt fortress built in an empty world, this conflict gathers armies from many different worlds to challenge the rule of the Authority and its Regent, Metatron. Asriel first opens a window in the aurora, using the energy generated by an intercision, in order to travel into a different universe. It begins with Asriel's imprisonment in Svalbard and culminates in a final stand on the edge of an abyss created by a bomb.

Quick Facts

Leader

Lord Asriel

Opposing force

The Authority and the Church

Primary location

Empty world (basalt fortress), Svalbard, Cittàgazze, Saint-Jean Les Eaux

Key allies

Ruta Skadi's clan
King Ogunwe
Lord Roke
rebel angels under Xaphania
Mrs Coul

Outcome

Lord Asriel, Mrs Coulter, and Metatron fall into the abyss for eternity; Lyra su

Lore & Background

The rebellion originated from Lord Asriel's work in 'experimental theology' and his desire to open windows between worlds using energy from intercision. After being imprisoned by the panserbjørne led by Iofur Raknison, Asriel escaped to Cittàgazze where he allied with rebel angels under Xaphania. He constructed an enormous basalt fortress in an empty world, recruiting forces from various universes. His imprisonment in Svalbard had been ordered by the General Oblation Board, which is headed by his ex-lover, Marisa Coulter. While imprisoned he waited for a child on whom to perform intercision, hoping to open a window in the aurora with the energy it generated.

Reader's Guide

The rebellion's outcome saw the destruction of Saint-Jean Les Eaux and the creation of a chasm under all worlds. Lord Asriel's forces fought the armies of the Authority and the Church while searching for Lyra and Will's dæmons to prevent control by the Authority's armies. The conflict ended with the deaths of Lord Asriel, Mrs Coulter, and Metatron in the abyss. Asriel and Mrs Coulter join forces to defeat Metatron simply to give Lyra, their child, a chance to live.

Did You Know?

Lord Asriel's dæmon is named Stelmaria, a snow leopard.
The rebellion utilized an 'Intention Craft' for travel and combat operations.
Roger Parslow was brought unwittingly by Lyra to be used as a child for intercision.