Memorable Worlds: The Kingdom of Wisdom

The Kingdom of Wisdom

My Experience with this World: 

The Phantom Tollbooth was one of those books that sat on my shelf for far too long because I didn't like the cover. One day, my mom handed it to me and told me that I would like it, so I grudgingly picked it up and discovered that the dog on the cover was not, in fact, the titular tollbooth, and was actually a rather nice fellow, and the world itself was quite fun. It then spent a few days hidden under my desk while I read it instead of doing my school work. *coughcough*

Also, when I was babysitting the cousins who live across the yard from me every week last year, they had me reading this book to them. They named a cat Milo as a result.

I have the movie on my Android, but I haven't watched it yet. Know what, I think I'll go hunt it down and watch it right now to put me in the mood. There. Found it. They're singing about what's to become of Milo right now.

Origin:

This world doesn't really have a creation story, but according to Faintly Macabre, it was originally a barren country called the Land of Null until a young prince came sailing over the sea of knowledge and founded a city and pushed back the demons and monsters. The city grew into a country, and he got married and had two sons, Azaz and the Mathematician and later found two baby girls, who he named Rhyme and Reason. The two boys, after his death, dived the country and declared themselves enemies, banishing Rhyme and Reason when they opposed them.

Geography:

This is the map in my copy of the book. (It's actually my mom's, but I pretend it's mine.)

The Kingdom of Wisdom is another very diverse country, and we get to travel through most of it. First we make a stop in the marshy doldrums where it's easy to get lost, then there are the foothills of Confusion where it's also easy to get lost. Then there's the city of Dictionopolis, and then the Forest of Sight with Point of View and Reality and Illusion. In the north there's the mountains and the Number Mine, and then the mountains of Despair. Oh, and the isle of confusion. Can't forget that!

Peoples and Culture:

There is no rhyme or reason to anyone in the Kingdom of Wisdom. Most of the inhabitants are humans, but there are the humbugs, the watchdogs, and the spelling bees buzzing around. Even the humans can be quite interesting.

As to the culture, the only thing that you have to remember is that it makes sense if you take it literally. Everything is literal. Oh, and don't forget that King Azaz and the Mathematition haven't agreed on anything since the Princesses of Rhyme and Reason were kidnapped.

What I like about this world:

The sheer insanity. The world is wonderfully described, yet not overbearing, and the people ... oh the people!

What I don't like:

My only complaint is that there was never a sequel written. The book doesn't need one, I know ... but ... I wanna go back!!!!

What I learned from this world: 

The Phantom Tollbooth was one of my first introductions to puns. I may have encountered a punny book before it, but it's not likely. It's not the book that made me put it into Bookania, but I'm sure it was a factor. I think it also had influence on the Land of Numbers.

These world-building posts are for the promotion of the upcoming release of my book The Ankulen. Feel free to do one yourself, just make sure you refer back to my blog and let your readers know about my upcoming book. If you do write a post, post a link in a comment somewhere on my blog and I'll add you to a giveaway for a copy of my book. Multiple entries are allowed, and one out of every three may be a world of your own.