Death

A Death was a sentient being which accompanied a human throughout their life. When the person died, their Death took them to the land of the dead.

Appearance

Deaths were humanoid beings which were always male.

Behaviour

During life

When a human was born, their Death was also created. The behaviour of the Death during life depended on the attitude of their human. In at least one world, the humans found the presence of their Death comforting and so it remained visible. In Lyra's world and Will's world, however, deaths were feared and so they hid from their humans until they died. They were quiet and were able to blend into the background with ease.

After death

"Your death taps you on the shoulder, or takes your hand, and says, ‘Come along o' me, it's time.'"

—Peter

When a person died, the Death gently alerted them of their time to go to the underworld. The Death accompanied them on the boat journey to the land of the dead.

Known deaths

• Lyra Silvertongue's Death
• Magda's Death

Appearances

• The Amber Spyglass