mortals

Mortals are human beings who are subject to death and the natural limits of life, in contrast to immortal beings such as gods or certain mythic entities. The term emphasizes mortality as a defining aspect of human existence and is frequently used in myths, religions, and philosophical discourse to distinguish humans from beings reputed to live forever.

The term derives from Latin mortalem, from mors, mort- meaning 'death'. In biology and demography, mortality refers to the probability or rate of death in a population, and aging describes the progressive decline in biological function that accompanies most organisms' lifespans.

In mythologies and religions, mortals are typically depicted as vulnerable to fate, disease, and the limits of time; many stories center on mortal heroes who confront mortality or seek to transcend it, sometimes through divine aid, cunning, or tragic flaws.

In literature and philosophy, mortality is a central theme, shaping inquiries into meaning, ethics, and human responsibility. Discussions of mortality address how awareness of death influences behavior, culture, and art.

In contemporary usage, mortals often refer to living humans as distinct from supernatural beings, gods, or aliens in fiction. The term can appear in debates about human limitations, mortality rates, and the ethical dimensions of life-extension research.