"Northern Lights," also known as "The Golden Compass" in North America, is a fantasy novel by Philip Pullman, part of the His Dark Materials trilogy. The story revolves around a young girl named Lyra Belacqua, who lives in a parallel universe where human souls manifest as animal companions called daemons. After overhearing a plot regarding kidnapped children, Lyra embarks on a journey to the Arctic, seeking to rescue her friend and uncover the mysteries of an enigmatic substance known as Dust.
Throughout her journey, Lyra encounters various characters, including the armored bear Iorek Byrnison and the witch Serafina Pekkala. The novel explores themes of bravery, friendship, and the quest for knowledge while challenging established norms and questioning authority. As Lyra discovers her true potential, she learns about the significance of Dust and its connection to parallel universes and the existence of a powerful force that influences their realities.