Jotham Santelia: A Scholarly Prisoner in Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials

Introduction

Jotham Santelia is a significant character in Philip Pullman’s acclaimed series, His Dark Materials, specifically within the first book, The Golden Compass (published as Northern Lights in some regions). He is a professor from the University of Gloucester, known for his extensive research on various subjects related to the North, including Dust and the society of panserbjørn (armored bears). Santelia’s character adds depth to the narrative, highlighting themes of knowledge, manipulation, and the human (or bear) condition.

Santelia’s origins are rooted in academia, where he has spent his career studying the intricacies of the North. His backstory is marked by his capture by the bears of Svalbard, who imprisoned him for his writings about their society. This captivity has left him somewhat mad and isolated, yet still keenly intelligent and insightful.

Role in the Story

Jotham Santelia’s role in the story is pivotal, particularly in Chapters 18 and 19 of The Golden Compass. Lyra Belacqua, the protagonist, encounters Santelia while she is imprisoned in the palace of Iofur Raknison, the king of the panserbjørn. Santelia is chained to a wall in the same cell as Lyra, and through their conversation, Lyra learns crucial information about the bears and their society.

Santelia informs Lyra that Iofur Raknison is in love with Mrs. Coulter and is afraid of Lord Asriel, who is being kept captive but allowed to continue his research. He also explains that Iofur’s greatest desire is to be like a human and have a dæmon, which is a central theme in the series and a key to understanding Iofur’s motivations and vulnerabilities ^[1][4][5].

Lyra, using her knowledge of scholars’ inflated egos, flatters Santelia to extract more information from him. This interaction showcases Lyra’s growing skill in manipulation and her ability to think on her feet. Santelia’s information is crucial for Lyra’s plan to manipulate Iofur into allowing Iorek Byrnison, a disgraced bear and Lyra’s ally, to enter the palace and challenge Iofur in combat ^[1][4][5].

Character Analysis

Jotham Santelia’s personality is marked by his scholarly demeanor and a hint of madness due to his prolonged captivity. Despite his isolation, he remains intelligent and knowledgeable, often speaking with a tone of authority and expertise. His motivations are driven by a desire to share his knowledge, which is partly fueled by his ego and the need for human interaction.

Santelia’s strengths lie in his vast knowledge of the North and its inhabitants. He is a treasure trove of information, which he willingly shares once his ego is sufficiently flattered. However, his flaws include his vulnerability to manipulation and his somewhat unstable mental state, which makes him more susceptible to Lyra’s tactics.

The character of Jotham Santelia also highlights the theme of the scholar-prisoner, a figure often seen in literature who possesses great knowledge but is confined and marginalized. This archetype adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, emphasizing the power of knowledge and the consequences of its misuse.

Themes and Symbolism

Jotham Santelia embodies several key themes in The Golden Compass. One of the most significant is the theme of knowledge and its power. Santelia’s extensive research and knowledge about the bears and Dust serve as a catalyst for Lyra’s actions and decisions. His character underscores the idea that knowledge can be both empowering and dangerous, depending on how it is used.

Another theme is the human (or bear) condition, particularly the desire to transcend one’s nature. Iofur’s desire to be human and have a dæmon, as revealed by Santelia, symbolizes the universal longing for something more than what one is. This theme is central to the series and is explored through various characters, including Iofur and Lyra herself.

Santelia also represents the theme of isolation and the effects of captivity on the human psyche. His madness and eagerness to share his knowledge highlight the psychological impact of prolonged isolation and the importance of human connection.

Cultural Impact

Jotham Santelia, though a minor character, has a significant impact on the cultural reception of His Dark Materials. In adaptations, such as the TV series, Santelia’s character has been portrayed differently, sometimes more antagonistically towards Lyra, which deviates from the novel’s depiction of him as kindly but mad ^[2][5].

The character’s influence on popular culture is seen in how he represents the archetype of the scholar-prisoner, a figure that resonates with audiences who appreciate the power of knowledge and the complexities of human nature.

Critical Reception

Critics and audiences have generally praised the character of Jotham Santelia for his unique contribution to the narrative. His role in providing crucial information and his scholarly demeanor have been noted as significant elements that enrich the story. However, some adaptations have received criticism for altering his character, which some fans feel deviates too much from the original source material ^[2][5].

The character’s portrayal in the book has been praised for its nuance and depth, adding to the overall richness of Pullman’s world-building. Santelia’s interactions with Lyra are often cited as examples of Pullman’s skill in crafting complex characters and relationships.

Legacy

Jotham Santelia’s legacy in His Dark Materials is that of a memorable and impactful character who, despite his minor role, significantly influences the plot and themes of the book. His character has inspired discussions about the power of knowledge, the human condition, and the effects of isolation.

In contemporary discussions, Santelia’s character remains relevant as a symbol of the scholar-prisoner archetype and the complexities of human nature. His story continues to inspire other works and character archetypes, particularly in the genres of fantasy and science fiction.