The Unlikely Apprentice

Mort, a gangly and awkward young man, is taken by his father to a hiring fair in hopes of finding him an apprenticeship. Despite his father's best efforts, Mort is not chosen by any of the local tradesmen. As the fair ends, a mysterious figure arrives—Death himself, who offers Mort a job as his apprentice. Mort accepts, intrigued by the opportunity to learn the secrets of time and space, and leaves with Death to begin his new life.

Death's New Assistant

Mort begins his apprenticeship under Death, who introduces him to the duties of ushering souls into the afterlife. Mort struggles with the concept of death and the impersonal nature of the job. He is introduced to Death's peculiar household, including his daughter Ysabell and the ancient servant Albert. Mort's curiosity and humanity lead him to question the fairness of the universe and the role of Death.

The Princess's Fate

While on duty, Mort encounters Princess Keli, who is destined to be assassinated. In a moment of compassion, Mort intervenes and saves her life, disrupting the natural order of events. This act creates a ripple in reality, causing confusion and chaos as the universe struggles to reconcile the change. Mort is torn between his duty and his growing feelings for Keli.

A Dance with Destiny

As Mort grapples with the consequences of his actions, he becomes more like Death, gaining powers and a detachment from humanity. Meanwhile, the universe attempts to correct itself, threatening to erase Keli's existence. Mort seeks help from Cutwell, a bumbling wizard, to find a way to stabilize reality and protect Keli. Together, they face the challenges of altering fate.

The Ripple Effect

The disruption caused by Mort's intervention grows, creating a dome of alternate reality around Sto Lat. Mort and his allies race against time to prevent the collapse of this reality and the erasure of Keli. They face opposition from the Duke of Sto Helit, who seeks to seize power. Mort's internal struggle intensifies as he balances his human emotions with the responsibilities of his role.

The Final Confrontation

Mort confronts Death, demanding a chance to save Keli and restore balance. In a climactic duel, Mort fights Death, wielding the powers he has gained. The battle tests Mort's resolve and his understanding of justice and mercy. As the fight reaches its peak, Mort realizes that true power lies in compassion and choice, not in wielding a scythe.

A New Beginning

With the universe stabilized and Keli's existence secured, Mort chooses to leave Death's service. He marries Ysabell and becomes the Duke of Sto Helit, embracing a life of humanity and leadership. Death, acknowledging Mort's growth, gifts him a pearl of reality—a seed for a new universe. Mort's journey from awkward youth to a man of wisdom and compassion is complete.

Characters

Mort

Mortimer, known as Mort, begins as a clumsy and well-meaning young man with little direction. His apprenticeship with Death transforms him, granting him powers and insights into the nature of life and death. Mort's journey is marked by his struggle to balance duty with compassion, ultimately leading him to challenge Death and embrace his humanity.

Death

Death is a skeletal figure tasked with guiding souls to the afterlife. Despite his fearsome appearance, he is curious about humanity and seeks to understand their pleasures. Death's relationship with Mort is complex, as he becomes both mentor and adversary. His desire for a break from his duties leads to Mort's appointment as his apprentice.

Ysabell

Ysabell has lived in Death's realm for decades, frozen in time. She is initially aloof and sarcastic, but her interactions with Mort reveal her longing for a normal life. Ysabell's relationship with Mort evolves from antagonistic to romantic, culminating in their marriage and her escape from Death's timeless domain.

Albert

Albert is Death's loyal servant, hiding from his past as a powerful wizard. He is gruff and secretive, but his knowledge proves invaluable to Mort. Albert's fear of returning to the mortal world is overcome by Mort's determination, leading to a reluctant alliance in the quest to save Keli.

Princess Keli

Keli is the heir to the throne of Sto Lat, marked for assassination. Mort's intervention saves her life, creating a rift in reality. Keli is strong-willed and determined to assert her existence, even as the universe tries to erase her. Her relationship with Mort is pivotal in his journey to understanding love and duty.

Cutwell

Cutwell is a young wizard tasked with helping Mort stabilize reality. Despite his lack of confidence and skill, he becomes a crucial ally in the fight against fate. Cutwell's humor and resourcefulness provide support to Mort and Keli, and his loyalty is unwavering.

Duke of Sto Helit

The Duke seeks to seize power by orchestrating Keli's assassination. His machinations are thwarted by Mort's intervention, but he remains a threat throughout the story. The Duke's actions highlight the themes of power and justice, as Mort learns to navigate the complexities of leadership.

Plot Devices

The Hourglass

Each person's life is represented by an hourglass, with sand flowing from the future to the past. The hourglass is a central motif, symbolizing the passage of time and the inevitability of death. Mort's manipulation of the hourglass for Keli sets off the chain of events that drive the narrative.

The Interface

The interface is a shimmering wall that separates the altered reality created by Mort's actions from the true timeline. It represents the universe's attempt to correct itself and restore balance. The shrinking interface creates tension and urgency, as Mort races to save Keli before it closes.

The Duel

The duel between Mort and Death is the story's turning point, representing Mort's growth and his challenge to the natural order. The battle is both physical and philosophical, exploring themes of justice, mercy, and the power of choice. Mort's victory is not in defeating Death, but in choosing compassion.

Analysis

"Mort" by Terry Pratchett explores themes of fate, choice, and the nature of humanity through the lens of fantasy and humor. The story challenges the idea of predestination, suggesting that individuals have the power to shape their own destinies. Mort's journey from awkward youth to a man of wisdom and compassion highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in a world governed by rules and order. Pratchett's use of humor and satire provides a unique perspective on the human condition, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives and the choices they make. The novel's exploration of life and death, through the character of Death himself, offers a poignant commentary on the value of life and the inevitability of mortality.