In the realm of fantasy literature, few series have captivated readers as much as Terry Pratchett’s Discworld. With its slightly metafictional take on adult fantasy, the Discworld series has become a beloved staple for fans of the genre. The inhabitants of Discworld, existing parallel to our own reality, often find themselves entangled in the leakage between the two worlds. Among the many intriguing elements of the series, one that stands out is Hex, a computer developed by the wizards at the university. Let us explore the complexities of Hex and also delve into the surprising connection with real-life ants in computers.
Hex, the creation of the wizarding equivalent of IT nerds, is a fascinating invention within the Discworld series. Initially, Hex is composed of ants housed in blown glass tubes and operates by utilizing cards with holes. This clever nod to the early punchcard data processing of our world showcases Pratchett’s attention to detail. As the series progresses, Hex evolves and gains more prominence, with its own set of quirky attributes. It boasts an “Anthill Inside” sticker, utilizes a beehive as external memory, and even hosts a resident mouse. However, Hex’s functionality is contingent upon the presence of this mouse. The computer’s self-awareness becomes a concern for one of the wizards, yet he rationalizes it by concluding that Hex only believes itself to be self-aware.
The unexpected convergence of fiction and reality arises when we encounter a Reddit post by user Thejus_Parol. They shared their unfortunate discovery that their computer was infested with ants, which were not enhancing its processing power, but rather causing it to overheat. This incident challenges the romanticized notion of a computer full of ants being a positive thing, as portrayed in the Discworld series. The problem is not unique, as evidenced by a post from a few years ago by lazylollipop, who shared an extended gif displaying their CPU/GPU overrun by ants. These ants happen to be red fire ants, an invasive species from South America that is attracted to electrical equipment. Their presence can lead to the erosion of wire coatings, resulting in short circuits. Furthermore, when an ant encounters an electric shock, it releases pheromones to summon help, perpetuating a troublesome cycle of ants infiltrating the computer. Escaping their grasp can prove challenging, leaving one to wonder if relocation to Canada and starting anew might be the only solution.
Amidst the disheartening real-life ant invasion, there are glimmers of hope within the Discworld realm. Rhianna Pratchett, the daughter of Terry Pratchett and an esteemed writer herself, expressed the possibility of new Discworld games if the right developers present compelling ideas. While the ownership of the rights to the old 90s adventure games remains uncertain, the potential for fresh adaptations piques the interest and anticipation of Discworld enthusiasts worldwide.
The intertwining of fiction and reality within Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series is not limited to metaphysical concepts alone. The portrayal of Hex, a computer filled with ants, exemplifies Pratchett’s ability to blend whimsy with a deeper understanding of our world’s technological intricacies. As readers continue to journey through the magical realm of Discworld, they are reminded that even ants can create chaos, both in fiction and reality.
Leave a Reply