This article explores the enduring legacy of Philip Pullman's *His Dark Materials* and *The Book of Dust* trilogies, examining their profound themes of growing up, consciousness, and the critique of dogma. It highlights their critical acclaim, cultural impact, and Pullman's nuanced stance on religion versus storytelling.
Twenty-five years after its debut, Philip Pullman's *His Dark Materials* trilogy, and its sequel *The Book of Dust*, continue to captivate readers with their epic scope and profound themes. The article begins by recounting a visit to the iconic Oxford Botanic Garden bench, central to the first trilogy's emotional conclusion, highlighting its enduring literary significance. It then delves into the immense success and critical acclaim of Pullman's works, which have sold over 49 million copies, been translated into 40 languages, and inspired numerous adaptations. Pullman's initial trilogy, often seen as a critical portrayal of organized religion and a counterpoint to C.S. Lewis, explores a young girl Lyra's journey between worlds to confront universal mysteries, grappling with a powerful religious organization (the Magisterium) and falling in love. Key elements like daemons (animal companions representing identity) and Dust (particles of consciousness) are central to the narrative. The article discusses how the books, initially marketed for children, address fundamental questions about humanity, growing up, consciousness, imagination, religion, science, morality, and storytelling. It emphasizes Pullman's celebration of knowledge acquisition and sexuality, contrasting with traditional narratives like the Garden of Eden expulsion. His criticism of Lewis's Narnia series and the subsequent religious backlash against his own books are also detailed. However, the article clarifies that Pullman, an agnostic, is not simply undermining religion but rather critiquing dogma and absolutist thinking. He values the beauty of religious liturgy while condemning institutional cruelty. The second trilogy, *The Book of Dust*, further nuances this by showing heroic nuns and warning against excessive rationality, emphasizing the importance of imagination and the unseen world. It also expands the antagonists beyond the Magisterium to include self-serving polemicists, corrupt governments, and corporations manipulating truth. Ultimately, the article concludes that the primary antagonist across all six books is not spirituality or even organized religion per se, but rather dogma and authoritarianism, contrasting with 'the spirit of free inquiry.' More than anything, Pullman's work is a testament to the essential, nourishing function of storytelling itself, offering a framework for understanding the world and wrestling with profound questions about what it means to be human.
