The Golden Compass Page

Lyra’s life at Jordan College changes when she overhears her uncle, , discussing "Dust"—mysterious particles that settle on adults but not children. Around the same time, children across England, including Lyra’s best friend Roger , begin disappearing, kidnapped by a group known as the "Gobblers". The Journey North

On her trek to the frozen North, Lyra gathers a band of unique allies:

Before Lyra is taken into the care of the glamorous but cold , the Master of Jordan College gives her an alethiometer —a golden, truth-telling compass that only she can learn to read. After discovering that Mrs. Coulter leads the Gobblers, Lyra escapes and joins forces with the Gyptians , a group of water-travelers whose children have also been stolen. The Golden Compass

: An exiled armored bear ( panserbjørn ) whom Lyra helps regain his dignity and throne.

: A Texan aeronaut who provides transport in his hot-air balloon. Lyra’s life at Jordan College changes when she

Lyra reaches the research station at , where she discovers the horrific truth: the Gobblers are performing "intercision," a process that surgically severs children from their dæmons to prevent them from being "tainted" by Dust. Lyra leads a daring escape, freeing Roger and the other children. The Climax and Betrayal

: A witch queen whose clan aids Lyra in battle. The Dark Secret After discovering that Mrs

The story of The Golden Compass (also known as Northern Lights ) follows , a spirited and deceptive young girl living in a parallel Oxford where human souls exist outside the body as animal companions called dæmons . The Call to Adventure