In Terry Pratchett’s fantasy novel Mort, what job does Mort begin as an apprentice to Death?

In Terry Pratchett’s fantasy novel Mort, Mort begins as Death’s apprentice.

Mort is the fourth Discworld novel and follows a well-meaning but awkward young man whose father accepts Death’s offer to take him on as an apprentice. Mort learns to perform Death’s duties, including collecting the souls of the dead, while Death temporarily pursues ordinary human experiences.

The phrase “Death’s apprentice” describes Mort’s role, not a conventional occupation such as soldier or wizard. In Pratchett’s Discworld, Death is a personified cosmic figure who speaks in capital letters and rides a pale horse. Mort’s apprenticeship allows the novel to explore mortality through comic fantasy.

The title also puns on the French word for death, “mort,” while Mort himself gradually confronts the consequences of having supernatural responsibility. The novel was published in 1987 and was later adapted into other media, including a graphic novel.