In Philip Pullman’s fantasy novel Northern Lights, Lyra Belacqua’s dæmon is named Pantalaimon.
Pantalaimon, usually called Pan, is Lyra’s dæmon and closest companion. In the world of the novel, dæmons are external manifestations of human souls, and children’s dæmons can change animal form before settling permanently during adulthood.
Pan’s shifting forms reflect his and Lyra’s changing circumstances. He can appear as animals including a moth, ermine, cat, and mouse, while his personality provides advice, emotional support, and occasional caution. The bond between Lyra and Pan is one of the novel’s central relationships.
Northern Lights was published in the United Kingdom in 1995. It was published in the United States as The Golden Compass, a title that can cause confusion when readers compare editions. Kirjava is associated with Will Parry, Stelmaria with Lord Asriel, and Hester with Lee Scoresby.