P. 1-28 Summary

The sun is rising and a new day has begun on the Discworld. Four giant elephants carry the world on their backs, and an even bigger turtle called A'Tuin carries the elephants. The turtle wanders slowly to a destination unknown to everyone but himself. Philosophers would like to know where he is going and are unhappy they may never find out. However, the author states they will know very soon, and when they do, they will wish they never did.

In the distance, the spaceship, the Potent Voyager, spins uncontrollably back towards the Discworld. On board the ship is Discworld's first and probably last tourist, Twoflower. Above the ship and also tumbling back to the world is the Wizard Rincewind. He is dressed in a spacesuit but has forgotten his helmut. The narrator says they were both leaving for very good...