The Ankh was a river which flowed through Ankh-Morpork. A part of the city was named after it. It split up at the Isle of Gods then came back together before flowing out into the Circle Sea.
The river Ankh is famous for the sheer amount of silt mixed in with its waters, to the point where it's only considered a "river" because it moves faster than its banks (even once being described as "a river you could chew"). Its density is such that one would bounce off the surface if they jumped in, though its actual consistency can differ- those who fall in might be able to walk on the river's surface or simply sink slowly; Rincewind was noted as being scared of drowning in it. For those who have drowned (or, more likely, suffocated) in the river, the city Watch could actually draw a chalk outline on its surface.
Fishes are known to dwell in the Ankh, but they can't be easily observed, because they tend to explode when removed from their natural habitat. Few of them are eaten, due to the "terrible gastric trouble" that would otherwise occur.
There is a legend in Ankh-Morpork of an ancient drum in the palace that will bang itself if ever an enemy fleet is seen sailing up the Ankh, although the legend has died out in recent centuries, partly because it's the Age of Reason , but mostly because no enemy fleet could sail up the Ankh without a gang of men with shovels going in front.
Appearances[]
- The Colour of Magic
- Soul Music
- Discworld (video game)
- Discworld 2
- Soul Music (TV series)
- The Colour of Magic (film)