Small Gods (1992) is a satirical fantasy novel by Terry Pratchett, part of his Discworld series. The story explores religion as a competitive business, with gods struggling to maintain belief on a world where people are largely indifferent to their existence. The plot follows Om, a god who, after failing to convince anyone of his divinity, manifests as a powerless tortoise. He encounters Brutha, a junior cleric who can hear Om’s voice, though he doesn’t believe in him. As they journey together, Brutha’s eidetic memory and growing belief in Om lead them to confront the oppressive religious system of Omnia. Ultimately, Brutha seeks a more tolerant approach to religion, while Om grapples with his need for followers and power, leading to a poignant conclusion about belief, power, and the role of gods in human life.
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