"Pyramids," a novel by Terry Pratchett, is part of his Discworld series and takes readers on a humorous journey through a fantastical version of ancient Egypt. The story revolves around a young man named Pteppic, who is the son of a dead god and trained as an assassin in a distant city. After the death of his father, he returns to the desert kingdom of Djehuty to take the throne and confront his royal duties, which include strange traditions related to pyramid construction and burial rites.
The narrative explores Pteppic's struggles to adapt to the expectations of being a pharaoh while contending with the absurdities of his culture. He finds himself dealing with a slew of comical situations, particularly involving the construction of the Great Pyramid, which leads to unexpected consequences. The blend of satirical humor and philosophical musings on power and belief systems forms the backbone of the story.
As Pteppic navigates his new role, he discovers that the concepts of fate, duty, and the misunderstanding of reality influence his reign. Ultimately, "Pyramids" not only entertains with its clever wit and satire but also invites readers to reflect on culture, power dynamics, and the nature of belief in an engaging and whimsical manner.