The legend of Valentine and the Mortal Cup is a captivating tale that has been passed down through generations, intertwining elements of Greek mythology, ancient magic, and the founding of the Shadowhunter world. This article delves into the origins of the Mortal Cup, its creation by the angel Raziel, and how it eventually fell into the hands of Valentine Morgenstern, a charismatic and ambitious Shadowhunter who would go on to shape the Nephilim world in profound ways.
Raziel and the Creation of the Mortal Cup
To understand how Valentine obtained the Mortal Cup, we must first journey back to the dawn of the Shadowhunter world, when the angel Raziel descended from the Heavens to teach humanity the art of runecasting and the use of seraph blades. In gratitude, the first Nephilim offered Raziel a cup made from the rarest and most powerful materials known to man: the tears of an angel, the blood of a fallen angel, the moon's essence, and the sun's fire. From these celestial ingredients, the Mortal Cup was born, imbued with immense power and the ability to grant any Shadowhunter the strength of an angel for a brief period.
The Mortal Cup's Role in Shadowhunter Society
For centuries, the Mortal Cup remained a sacred artifact, passed down through generations and used sparingly by the Shadowhunter Council to maintain the balance between the Nephilim and the demonic forces that threatened the world. Its power was so great that it was decided that only the Consul, the most senior member of the Council, could wield it, and then only in times of dire need. This ensured that the Mortal Cup's power would not be misused or abused, preserving the delicate balance of the Shadowhunter world.
Valentine Morgenstern: A Rising Star
Enter Valentine Morgenstern, a brilliant and charismatic Shadowhunter who rose to prominence in the late 19th century. Born into a wealthy and influential family, Valentine was a natural leader, inspiring loyalty and devotion in those around him. He was also a visionary, believing that the Nephilim could achieve greatness if they embraced their angelic heritage and sought to rule over the mundane world. This philosophy, known as the "Herondale Doctrine," gained many adherents, and Valentine's star continued to rise within the Shadowhunter world.
Valentine's Quest for Power
Despite his growing influence, Valentine was not content to simply lead the Nephilim; he yearned for the power to reshape the world according to his vision. He believed that the Mortal Cup was the key to achieving this goal, and began to secretly plot its acquisition. Valentine was well aware of the Council's strictures regarding the Cup's use, but he was convinced that he could wield its power responsibly and use it to create a brighter future for the Shadowhunter world.
The Dark Arts and the Mortal Cup
In his pursuit of the Mortal Cup, Valentine turned to forbidden magic, delving into the dark arts and seeking the aid of demons and warlocks. He learned of a ritual that could allow him to temporarily possess the power of the Cup without the need for the Consul's approval. This dangerous and unorthodox method carried with it a terrible risk: if Valentine were to fail in his attempt to control the Cup's power, he would be consumed by it, his body and soul destroyed.
The Ritual and its Consequences
Undeterred by the risks, Valentine proceeded with the ritual, gathering the necessary ingredients and enlisting the help of his most trusted allies. As the ritual reached its climax, Valentine successfully channeled the power of the Mortal Cup, but at a terrible cost. The Cup's immense energy tore through the room, destroying Valentine's sanctum and leaving his allies either dead or gravely injured. Valentine himself was left weakened and scarred, his body forever changed by the Cup's power.
Aftermath and Legacy
With the Mortal Cup now in his possession, Valentine turned his attention to the Shadowhunter world, seeking to reshape it in his image. He founded the Circle, a secret society of like-minded Nephilim who shared his vision of a new world order. Together, they sought to overthrow the existing Council and establish Valentine as the new leader of the Shadowhunter world. Their plans were ultimately thwarted by the combined efforts of the Clave and a small group of Valentine's former allies, who saw the danger he posed and banded together to stop him.
The Mortal Cup remained in Valentine's possession until his eventual defeat and death at the hands of his son, Jace Herondale. In the years that followed, the Cup was returned to the Shadowhunter Council, where it remains to this day, a reminder of the power that can be wielded by those who seek to shape the world in their image, and the dangers that come with such ambition.
