A small archery target on an easel with one arrow in it and a gold ring floating above, on a teal background.

Original artwork, not a still

Small Gods ‧ 1992

Terry Pratchett

“He says gods like to see an atheist around. Gives them something to aim at.”

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The idea that gods enjoy having an atheist around sounds unexpectedly welcoming, until the last sentence explains why. 'Something to aim at' turns apparent tolerance into a threat. The joke gives divine power a distinctly touchy streak, with disbelief treated as a convenient target.

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