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Mort - Discworld Book 4
Synopsis
When Death hires an apprentice named Mort, chaos ensues after Mort falls for a princess destined to die. Mort's meddling with fate threatens the fabric of reality, forcing Death himself to intervene.
Book Overview
In "Mort," the fourth Discworld novel, Death himself becomes a central figure, stepping beyond his earlier brief appearances to take center stage. Death, seeking an apprentice, chooses Mortimer—known simply as Mort—a gawky, earnest youth with little obvious promise. As Death teaches Mort the intricate responsibilities involved in guiding souls from life to whatever comes next, Mort quickly learns the gravity and complexity of his new occupation.
However, Mort soon faces his first significant moral dilemma when he finds himself emotionally entangled with his duties. He refuses to claim the soul of Princess Keli, disrupting fate itself and creating an unstable alternate reality. As Mort struggles to contain the resulting chaos, Death embarks on his own peculiar journey, attempting to experience humanity firsthand, exploring emotions, hobbies, and the simple pleasures of life that elude his immortal existence.
Thematically, "Mort" delves deeply into the nature of death and human mortality, examining compassion and duty. Pratchett subtly asks what it means to be human—highlighting love, empathy, and moral decision-making as essential human qualities. Mort’s struggle to reconcile his emotional impulses with his role as Death’s apprentice underscores the tension between compassion and impartial responsibility, and Death’s own existential exploration humorously yet poignantly reflects on life’s value precisely because it is finite.
As the first significant entry in the Death sub-series of Discworld, this novel introduces Mort and Death’s adopted daughter Ysabell, along with Albert, Death’s long-serving manservant, all characters who will recur in subsequent books. Death’s characterization here firmly establishes him as a beloved figure in Discworld—philosophical, ironic, and strangely endearing. "Mort" effectively balances Pratchett’s trademark humor with meaningful exploration of profound existential questions.
Principal Characters
Mort
Mort, short for Mortimer, is an awkward yet earnest young man who becomes Death's apprentice in the Discworld novel 'Mort.' His journey from a bumbling farm boy to a figure of cosmic significance highlights his growth in responsibility and understanding of life and death. Mort's significance lies in his unique perspective on mortality, which brings a human touch to the otherwise impersonal nature of Death's duties.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Death
The anthropomorphic personification of death on Discworld, who speaks in ALL CAPITALS and has a fondness for cats, curry, and humanity. Despite his intimidating appearance as a skeleton in a black robe, he's generally fair, philosophical, and tries to understand humans.
Appears in 7 booksView Details
Albert
Albert, whose full name is Alberto Malich, is the cantankerous and irascible servant of Death, having once been the most powerful wizard on the Disc. He is known for his grumpy demeanor, deep loyalty to Death, and his past as the founder of Unseen University. Albert's significance lies in his unique position as a bridge between the world of the living and the supernatural, providing a humorous yet poignant perspective on mortality.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Ysabell
Ysabell is the adopted daughter of Death, raised in his timeless realm, and plays a pivotal role in the book 'Mort.' She is characterized by her sharp wit, stubbornness, and a deep-seated desire for a life beyond the confines of Death's domain. Her significance lies in her unique perspective on life and death, which she gains from her unusual upbringing, and her eventual partnership with Mort, which brings a human touch to the otherwise cold and eternal nature of Death's world.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Princess Keli
Princess Keli, also known as Queen Kelirehenna, is a determined and strong-willed character who defies her fate with the help of Mort, Death's apprentice. Her role in the Discworld universe is pivotal in 'Mort,' where she challenges the inevitability of her own death and becomes a symbol of resilience and self-determination. Keli's significance lies in her ability to adapt and assert her own destiny, showcasing the theme of personal agency in a world governed by fate.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Igneous Cutwell
Igneous Cutwell is a wizard of the Unseen University, though not one of the most distinguished, who finds himself embroiled in the events surrounding Mort's apprenticeship to Death. Known for his pragmatic approach to magic and life, Cutwell is a practical and somewhat irreverent character who often provides comic relief. His significance lies in his role as an advisor and occasional ally to Mort, helping to navigate the complexities of life and death in the Discworld.
Appears in 1 bookView Details
Auxiliary Characters
Rincewind
An inept and cowardly wizard who consistently finds himself at the center of world-changing events despite his best efforts to run away from danger. He has an incredible talent for languages and surviving against all odds.
Appears in 8 booksView Details