The Golden Compass Setting & Symbolism

The Golden Compass Objects/Places

Jordan College at Oxford

Where Lyra grew up and setting where much of the initial story occurs.

Daemon

A familiar that every human is born with. When humans are children, their daemons have the ability to change forms. The daemons of adults, however, stay in a single form. Humans cannot separate from their daemons.

Tokay

A type of wine.

Dust

Mysterious particles that can only be seen with a special lens. These particles are attracted to adults, but not to children.

Aurora

The Aurora Borealis

Gobblers

The name given to a group of individuals who kidnap children. Also known as the

General Oblation Board.

Alethiometer

A compass-like device that can tell the truth.

Royal Arctic Institute

An institute dedicated to exploration of the North. Mrs. Coulter is a member.

Tartars

Northern Warriors who are known for scalping their enemies and putting holes in the heads of their own (in order to let the Dust in).

Gyptians

A water faring people.

Fen

A thick marsh area that...
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