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Mortal Engines Allusions and Cultural References

When authors give shout outs to other great works, people, and events, it's usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.

Historical References

  • MEDUSA is obviously a reference to that famous Gorgon with the stony gaze (referenced throughout) 
  • Hester's mom, Pandora, is a reference to the girl with the box (6.16) (27.9)

Pop Culture References

  • Disney's Pluto and Mickey Mouse (1.18)
  • Airsperanto is a reference to actual little-spoken language Esperanto (10.37)
  • The airship My Shirona is named after the one-hit-wonder (12.1)
  • There's a character named Walmart Strange (31.7). 'Nuff said.