Wynne
A prolific British fantasy author known for whimsical yet profound stories spanning children's and adult literature.
Diana Wynne Jones (16 August 1934 – 26 March 2011) was a British writer of fantasy novels for children and adults who also wrote a small amount of non-fiction. Her career spanned decades, producing standalone classics like 'The Ogre Downstairs' and complex series such as the Chrestomanci books. She received numerous accolades throughout her life, including Carnegie Medal commendations for 'Dogsbody', 'Charmed Life', and 'The Lives of Christopher Chant'. Her work often blended humor with deep magical systems, earning her nominations for major awards like the British Fantasy Award for 'A Sudden Wild Magic' and the Mythopoeic Awards. Even after her death in 2011, her legacy continued through posthumous publications like 'The Islands of Chaldea', completed by her sister Ursula Jones.
- birth_date
- 16 August 1934
- death_date
- 26 March 2011
- nationality
- British
- primary_genre
- Fantasy
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Jones created several distinct magical universes that often interconnect. The Chrestomanci series, featuring six novels and four short stories, centers on a powerful enchanter with nine lives; the recommended reading order starts with 'Charmed Life' (1977) followed by 'The Lives of Christopher Chant' (1988). Her Dalemark Quartet includes 'Cart and Cwidder', 'Drowned Ammet', 'The Spellcoats', and 'Crown of Dalemark' (1993), which won the Mythopoeic Award. The 'Howl's Moving Castle' series comprises three novels: 'Howl's Moving Castle' (1986), 'Castle in the Air' (1990), and 'House of Many Ways' (2008). She also wrote the Magids series, beginning with the adult novel 'Deep Secret' (1997) and continuing with 'The Merlin Conspiracy' (2003). Some works, like 'The Islands of Chaldea', remained unfinished at her death in 2011.
In Their Own Story
Her narrative style often involved young protagonists navigating bizarre magical rules. In 'Dogsbody' (1975), a boy is transformed into the planet Saturn; in 'Power of Three' (1976), three siblings from different worlds clash and unite, earning a Guardian Prize commendation. The Chrestomanci series features short stories like 'The Sage of Theare', published in 1982 within 'Hecate's Cauldron', and 'Stealer of Souls', included in the 2000 collection 'Mixed Magics'. Jones frequently compiled her shorter works; 'Warlock at the Wheel and Other Stories' (1984) gathered eight tales from 1978 to 1984, while 'Unexpected Magic: Collected Stories' (2002) collected 16 stories published between 1978 and 2003. Her final novel, 'Earwig and the Witch', was illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky and released in 2011.
Reader's Guide
Jones's bibliography is vast, categorized into adult fiction like 'Changeover' (reissued in 2004 with a new introduction) and children's series. The Chrestomanci novels were later republished as the three-volume 'Chronicles of Chrestomanci' between 2001 and 2008. For younger readers, she wrote picture books such as 'Who Got Rid of Angus Flint?' (1978) and edited anthologies like 'Hidden Turnings' (1989), which included stories by Terry Pratchett and Tanith Lee. Her e-book collections, released in 2015, include the 'Fantastical Journeys Collection' and 'Magic and Myths Collection'. Awards recognized her work repeatedly: 'Archer's Goon' was a World Fantasy Award nominee, while 'Fire and Hemlock' (1984) became a Mythopoeic finalist. The source notes that short stories like 'The True State of Affairs' exist in the Dalemark universe but share no characters with the main quartet.
Did You Know?
- Diana Wynne Jones died in 2011; her unfinished novel 'The Islands of Chaldea' was completed by her sister Ursula Jones.
- Her novel 'A Sudden Wild Magic' (1992) was nominated for a British Fantasy Award.
- Jones recommended that readers start the Chrestomanci series with 'Charmed Life' (1977), followed specifically by 'The Lives of Christopher Chant' (1988).
- The short story collection 'Unexpected Magic: Collected Stories' contains 16 stories published between 1978 and 2003.
- 'Dogsbody' (1975) received a Carnegie Medal commendation, as did 'Charmed Life' and 'The Lives of Christopher Chant'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Wynne in Dragon Age?
She is a seasoned human mage who joins the Grey Wardens as a companion and mentor during the First Blight. Her extensive experience makes her one of the most knowledgeable allies available in Ferelden.
What role does she play in combat?
Wynne specializes in supportive magic, focusing on healing wounds and creating protective barriers for the party. While not a damage dealer, her spells are essential for maintaining group survival against darkspawn hordes.
Does Wynne survive Dragon Age: Origins?
Most commonly, she gives her life to stop a powerful enemy during the final battle, though some choices allow her to survive temporarily. Regardless of specific decisions, she is dead by the start of Dragon Age II.
Why is Wynne significant to the Circle of Magi?
She acts as a diplomatic link between the isolated Circle of Magi and the desperate Grey Warden war effort against the Blight. Her involvement helps mitigate tensions regarding mage involvement in military conflicts.
How does Wynne relate to the Grey Warden protagonist?
Wynne treats the Warden with maternal affection, often acting as a surrogate parent figure throughout their journey. This bond provides emotional support and guidance on moral dilemmas involving magic and power.
Elsewhere in the Dragon Age universe
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