dæmons

In Philip Pullman's fantasy novel series, "His Dark Materials," a dæmon is the external bodily manifestation of a human's soul. These dæmons take the form of an animal, and their appearance changes throughout a child's life, reflecting their evolving personality and experiences. Once a person reaches adolescence, their dæmon settles into a permanent animal form, which is believed to reflect their true nature. The dæmon and their human are intrinsically linked; they feel each other's pain and can communicate telepathically. The dæmon is always in close proximity to their human, and it is considered deeply taboo and harmful for them to be separated. The nature of a dæmon is closely tied to the concept of dust, a mysterious cosmic substance that plays a central role in the series' theology and metaphysics. Dæmons are seen as essential companions, providing comfort, wisdom, and a constant reminder of one's inner self.