The Gyptian Exodus
An expedition of Gyptians to the Arctic to rescue their abducted children.
The Gyptian Exodus refers to the expedition that the Gyptians mount to the Arctic in Northern Lights to rescue their abducted children. The Gyptians, canal-faring nomads of Lyra's world, have had many of their children taken by the Gobblers, and they form an expedition north with Lyra, to where they believe the Gobblers are holding the children.
Quick Facts
- Allies in flight
- Lee Scoresby
- Iorek Byrnison
- Lyra Belacqua
Lore & Background
Gyptians are water-travellers who live mainly aboard boats on the canals and rivers of 'Brytain'. They believe themselves to be "hit worse off than most" by the spate of child abductions, and this may be what prompts them to plan a rescue attempt collectively. Their society is small enough for all Gyptians to know each other by name, yet large enough to gather 170 men to travel north on the rescue mission. The heads of the families make up the Gyptians' Council, which is ruled by John Faa and includes Farder Coram.
Reader's Guide
The expedition stops in Trollesund, where Lyra meets the armoured bear Iorek Byrnison; he and the aeronaut Lee Scoresby, hired by John Faa and the Gyptians, join the group. The party continues towards Bolvangar, the Gobbler research station, where Lyra and the children are rescued by Scoresby, Iorek, the Gyptians and the witch clan of Serafina Pekkala. In the television series the Gyptians then return south with the rescued children, while Lyra and Roger travel on towards Svalbard in the balloon.
Did You Know?
- John Faa, sometimes known as Lord Faa, is the Lord of the western Gyptians.
- Gyptian children are extravagantly loved, and are looked after by other members if they stray.
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