If you are a fan of fantasy and science fiction, you may have heard of two popular book series: The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare and Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve. Both series have been adapted into movies, and both have intriguing titles that suggest some connection between them. But are they really related? And if so, how?
Contents
The Origins of the Titles
The first thing to note is that the titles of both series are derived from literary sources. The Mortal Instruments is a reference to a line from John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost, which reads: “What in me is dark / Illumine, what is low raise and support; / That to the height of this great argument / I may assert eternal Providence, / And justify the ways of God to men.”The phrase “mortal instruments” implies that humans are tools or agents of a higher power, which is relevant to the plot of the series, where a group of half-angel warriors called Shadowhunters fight against demons and other supernatural threats.
Mortal Engines, on the other hand, is a reference to a line from William Shakespeare’s play Othello, which reads: “And O you mortal engines whose rude throats / Th’immortal Jove’s dread clamors counterfeit…” The phrase “mortal engines” implies that humans are machines or devices that can cause destruction or harm, which is relevant to the plot of the series, where giant mobile cities roam a post-apocalyptic world and devour smaller towns for resources.
The Differences in the Genres
Another thing to note is that the two series belong to different subgenres of fantasy and science fiction. The Mortal Instruments is classified as urban fantasy, which means that it is set in a contemporary or near-future world where magic and supernatural elements coexist with modern technology and society. The series also incorporates elements of paranormal romance, as it focuses on the relationships between the main characters, who are mostly teenagers.
Mortal Engines, on the other hand, is classified as steampunk, which means that it is set in an alternate history or future where steam power and Victorian-era aesthetics dominate the technology and culture. The series also incorporates elements of dystopia, as it depicts a bleak and violent world where humanity has regressed to a state of barbarism and warfare.
The Similarities in the Themes
Despite the differences in their titles and genres, the two series do share some common themes and motifs. For example, both series explore the concepts of identity, destiny, and free will. In The Mortal Instruments, the main character Clary Fray discovers that she is a Shadowhunter and has to deal with the consequences of her heritage and her choices. In Mortal Engines, the main character Tom Natsworthy learns that his city London is not what it seems and has to decide whether to follow his loyalty or his conscience.
Another example is that both series feature antagonists who are motivated by a twisted vision of creating a new world order. In The Mortal Instruments, the villain Valentine Morgenstern wants to purge the world of all non-human beings and create a pure race of Shadowhunters. In Mortal Engines, the villain Thaddeus Valentine wants to unleash an ancient weapon that can destroy all static settlements and create a world where only mobile cities can survive.
The Conclusion
So, is Mortal Instruments related to Mortal Engines? The answer is no, they are not related in terms of plot or characters. They are two separate and distinct series that have different authors, settings, and styles. However, they are related in terms of inspiration, as they both draw from classic literary works for their titles. They are also related in terms of themes, as they both deal with similar issues and questions about humanity and society. Therefore, if you enjoy one series, you may find something to like in the other as well.
