Summary
Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch is a 1990 fantasy novel co-written by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. This witty tale about the coming of the apocalypse centers on an unlikely friendship between the demon Crowley and the angel Aziraphale as they team up to prevent the end of the world. With its irreverent humor and clever subversion of religious themes, Good Omens became a cult classic. The novel skillfully blends elements of horror, fantasy, and comedy in an insightful exploration of good, evil, and human nature. At its heart is a cast of colorful characters, including the young Antichrist Adam, the witch Anathema Device, the bumbling witchfinder Sergeant Shadwell, and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, reimagined as bikers.
Plot
Good Omens follows the angel Aziraphale and demon Crowley as they attempt to prevent the apocalypse. The story begins when Hell delivers the infant Antichrist to Crowley, with instructions to swap him with the son of an American diplomat. However, due to a mix-up at the hospital, the real Antichrist—Adam Young—ends up growing up in the idyllic village of Lower Tadfield instead.
As the foretold end of the world approaches, Adam begins unknowingly using his reality-altering powers to reshape the world according to his whims. Meanwhile, the Four Horsepersons of the Apocalypse assemble to bring about Armageddon. Aziraphale and Crowley realize their mistake in losing track of the Antichrist and frantically search for him, joined by others like the descendant of a witch and the last remaining witchfinder.
Everyone converges at a military base where the Four Horsemen are attempting to start a nuclear war. Adam arrives with his friends and defeats three of the Horsemen, with only Death remaining. When Satan begins to ascend to Earth in fury, Adam uses his powers to replace him with his human adoptive father. The apocalypse is averted, and Adam alters everyone's memories of recent events.
In the aftermath, Crowley and Aziraphale speculate that this may have been God's plan all along. The various human characters settle into new relationships and roles. Adam continues to use his powers in small ways, like sneaking out to watch the circus despite being grounded. The story concludes with the suggestion that the real apocalyptic conflict may someday be between humanity and the combined forces of Heaven and Hell.
Themes
Conflict between good and evil
Friendship and unlikely alliances
Free will versus destiny
Human nature and morality
Power of prophecy and fate
Subversion of religious concepts
Environmental themes and human impact
Setting
Good Omens is set in contemporary England, primarily in the late 20th century. The story unfolds against the backdrop of an impending apocalypse, with events centered in Lower Tadfield, a small village in Oxfordshire. This idyllic rural setting serves as the unlikely epicenter for the end of the world, contrasting sharply with the cosmic nature of the plot.
While much of the action takes place in and around Lower Tadfield, the narrative also spans other locations across England. London features prominently, serving as the base of operations for the angel Aziraphale and the demon Crowley. The story occasionally ventures to other parts of the world, including the Middle East, as the characters race to prevent Armageddon.
The novel's setting is not limited to the physical realm, however. It also incorporates elements of Heaven and Hell, though these supernatural domains are often portrayed with a distinctly bureaucratic flavor. This juxtaposition of the mundane and the divine creates a unique backdrop for the story's blend of humor and fantasy, grounding cosmic events in the familiar landscape of modern Britain.
Characters
Aziraphale: An angel and rare book dealer. Aziraphale is fussy, particular, and fond of fine dining. He has been on Earth since the beginning and formed an unlikely friendship with the demon Crowley. Despite being an angel, Aziraphale has grown quite attached to human ways and is reluctant to see the world end.
Crowley: A demon who was originally the serpent in the Garden of Eden. Crowley is stylish, sarcastic, and drives a vintage Bentley. Like Aziraphale, he has grown accustomed to life on Earth and doesn't want the Apocalypse to happen. Crowley takes a liking to humanity and often performs small acts of kindness, though he'd never admit it.
Adam Young: The Antichrist and leader of a gang of children called “The Them.” Adam is an imaginative 11-year-old boy with reality-altering powers he is unaware of. He was switched at birth and raised by normal human parents in the village of Lower Tadfield. As the Apocalypse approaches, Adam must decide whether to embrace his destiny or save the world.
Anathema Device: A witch and descendant of Agnes Nutter. Anathema is trying to interpret Agnes's prophecies to prevent the end of the world. She is practical and determined in her mission.
Newton Pulsifer: A bumbling young man who becomes a witchfinder. Newton is well-meaning but prone to disaster, especially around electronics. He joins forces with Anathema to try to avert the Apocalypse.
Agnes Nutter: A 17th-century witch who wrote the only accurate book of prophecies. Her predictions, while true, are often cryptic and specific.
Sergeant Shadwell: The last active member of the Witchfinder Army. Shadwell is gruff and eccentric, obsessed with witches and their “nipples."
Madame Tracy: Shadwell's neighbor, a part-time medium and courtesan with a kind heart.
The Four Horsepersons: War, Famine, Pollution (replacing Pestilence), and Death. They assemble to bring about the Apocalypse.
The Them: Adam's gang of friends—Pepper, Wensleydale, and Brian. They unknowingly help Adam shape reality and ultimately prevent Armageddon.
Quick facts
Good Omens was originally conceived as a parody of Richmal Crompton's William stories, with the working title “William the Antichrist."
Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett wrote the novel by mailing floppy disks back and forth to each other in 1988.
Pratchett estimated he wrote about two-thirds of the book, while Gaiman wrote one-third, though they heavily edited each other's work.
The character names Agnes Nutter and Anathema Device were inspired by real victims of the 1612 Pendle witch trials.
The US edition of the book contains an extra 700-word section not found in the British version.
Gaiman and Pratchett had planned a sequel titled 668 - The Neighbor of the Beast, but it was never written.
Good Omens was nominated for both a World Fantasy Award for Best Novel and a Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel in 1991.
In 2019, Good Omens was adapted into a miniseries for Amazon Prime Video and BBC Two, starring Michael Sheen as Aziraphale and David Tennant as Crowley.
A BBC radio adaptation was produced in 2014, with Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett making cameo appearances.
A film adaptation was in development for years with Terry Gilliam attached to direct, but never materialized due to funding issues.
About the Author
Neil Gaiman (1960-) is one of the most prolific and celebrated fantasy and science fiction authors of our time. Spanning novels, short stories, graphic novels, and children's books, his writing often blends elements of fantasy, horror, and mythology to create richly imaginative worlds. Some of his best known works include the novels American Gods, Neverwhere, and The Ocean at the End of the Lane, as well as the children's books Coraline and The Graveyard Book.
Born in Hampshire, England, Gaiman began his career as a journalist before turning to fiction writing. He shot to fame in the late 1980s with his groundbreaking comic book series, The Sandman. Over his career, Gaiman has received numerous literary honors, including the Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker awards.
In addition to his solo work, Gaiman has collaborated with other notable authors. His partnership with Terry Pratchett produced the beloved apocalyptic comedy novel Good Omens in 1990. More recently, Gaiman has found success as a screenwriter and producer, adapting several of his works for film and television, including the TV series based on American Gods and Good Omens.
Terry Pratchett (1948-2105) had his first story published when he was just 13. After leaving school at 17 to become a journalist, he continued writing. He published his first novel, The Carpet People, in 1971 and went on to produce the phenomenally successful Discworld series. Proving early critics wrong, he became one of the UK’s most successful authors, receiving a knighthood in 2009 and seeing many of his books adapted for the screen.
