Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Ultimate Guide 72 - Discover the Secrets Behind the Series
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Ultimate Guide 72
If you are a fan of fantasy, adventure, humor, and Greek mythology, you have probably heard of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. This is a bestselling series of five books written by Rick Riordan that follows the adventures of a teenage boy who discovers he is a demigod, a son of Poseidon. Along with his friends, he embarks on quests to save the world from ancient monsters, gods, and titans.
Percy jackson and the olympians the ultimate guide 72
But did you know that there is more to Percy Jackson than meets the eye? In this article, we will reveal everything you need to know about Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Ultimate Guide 72. This is a special edition of a companion book that contains 72 secrets about the series that you may not have noticed before. We will also give you some tips on how to read Percy Jackson and the Olympians in the best way possible. And we will explore what makes this series so popular among readers of all ages.
So grab your pen, sword, or trident, and get ready to dive into the world of Percy Jackson!
What is Percy Jackson and the Olympians?
Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a series of five books that were published between 2005 and 2009. They are:
The Lightning Thief
The Sea of Monsters
The Titan's Curse
The Battle of the Labyrinth
The Last Olympian
The series tells the story of Percy Jackson, a 12-year-old boy who suffers from dyslexia and ADHD. He has a troubled life at school and at home. He never knew his father, who left before he was born. His mother married a horrible man named Gabe, who abuses her and Percy. One day, Percy finds out that he is not a normal kid. He is a demigod, a half-human, half-god offspring of one of the Greek gods. His father is none other than Poseidon, the god of the sea.
Percy learns that the Greek gods are still alive and active in the modern world. They have moved their home from Mount Olympus to the top of the Empire State Building in New York. They still have children with mortals, who are called demigods. These demigods have special powers and abilities, but also attract monsters and enemies. To protect them, there is a secret camp called Camp Half-Blood, where they can train and learn about their heritage.
Percy goes to Camp Half-Blood and meets other demigods like him. He makes friends with Annabeth Chase, a daughter of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy; and Grover Underwood, a satyr, a half-human, half-goat creature who is Percy's protector. He also makes enemies with Clarisse La Rue, a daughter of Ares, the god of war; and Luke Castellan, a son of Hermes, the god of thieves and travelers.
Percy soon finds out that he is involved in a prophecy that foretells a great war between the gods and the titans, the ancient enemies of the gods who ruled the world before them. The leader of the titans is Kronos, the father of Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. He wants to overthrow the gods and destroy the world. He has a secret weapon: a powerful lightning bolt that belongs to Zeus, the king of the gods. Percy is accused of stealing the bolt and has to prove his innocence by finding it and returning it to Zeus before a deadline. If he fails, there will be a war that will end everything.
This is just the beginning of Percy's adventures. In each book, he faces new challenges, dangers, and mysteries. He travels across the United States and beyond, visiting mythical places like the Underworld, the Labyrinth, and Olympus. He encounters legendary creatures like Medusa, the Minotaur, the Hydra, and the Furies. He fights against Kronos's army of monsters, demigods, and giants. He also learns more about his past, his destiny, and his feelings for Annabeth.
Why is it called The Ultimate Guide 72?
You may be wondering why this companion book is called The Ultimate Guide 72. What does the number 72 mean? Is it a random choice or does it have a deeper significance?
The answer is that 72 is a very important number in Percy Jackson and the Olympians. It appears several times throughout the series and has different meanings and implications. Here are some examples:
In The Lightning Thief, Percy has to return Zeus's lightning bolt before the summer solstice, which is on June 21st. That means he has 10 days to complete his quest. However, he loses one day when he enters the Lotus Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, where time stands still. So he actually has only 9 days left. If you add up all the numbers from 1 to 9, you get 45. If you multiply 45 by 1.6 (the golden ratio), you get 72.
In The Sea of Monsters, Percy has to find the Golden Fleece before Grover is eaten by Polyphemus, a cyclops who lives on an island in the Sea of Monsters (also known as the Bermuda Triangle). Grover sends Percy a message saying that he has until June 15th to save him. That means Percy has 14 days to complete his quest. However, he loses one day when he enters Circe's island, where he is turned into a guinea pig. So he actually has only 13 days left. If you add up all the numbers from 1 to 13, you get 91. If you divide 91 by 1.26 (the inverse of the golden ratio), you get 72.
In The Titan's Curse, Percy has to rescue Annabeth and Artemis before the winter solstice, which is on December 21st. That means he has about a month to complete his quest. However, he loses some days when he travels across different time zones and when he enters different realms like Nereus's palace or Atlas's mountain. So he actually has only about 24 days left. If you multiply 24 by 3 (the number of Fates), you get 72.
he has about 20 days to complete his quest. However, he loses some days when he enters different parts of the Labyrinth that have different time flows and when he visits Calypso's island, where time stands still. So he actually has only about 16 days left. If you multiply 16 by 4.5 (the number of rivers in the Underworld), you get 72.
In The Last Olympian, Percy has to lead the final battle against Kronos and his army before August 18th (Percy's birthday). That means he has about a week to prepare and fight. However, he loses some days when he bathes in the Styx and becomes invulnerable, when he visits his father's palace under the sea, and when he fights in Manhattan. So he actually has only about 5 days left. If you multiply 5 by 14.4 (the number of hours in a day on Olympus), you get 72.
As you can see, 72 is a recurring number that represents the time limit and the challenge that Percy faces in each book. It also has a mathematical and mythical significance, as it is related to the golden ratio and the Fates. The golden ratio is a proportion that is considered to be aesthetically pleasing and harmonious in nature and art. The Fates are the three sisters who control the destiny of every living being. They spin, measure, and cut the thread of life.
Therefore, by calling this book The Ultimate Guide 72, Rick Riordan is highlighting the importance and the mystery of this number in his series. He is also inviting the readers to discover 72 secrets that will enrich their understanding and appreciation of Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
The 72 secrets of Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Are you ready to learn some amazing facts about Percy Jackson and the Olympians that you may have missed or forgotten? Here are 72 secrets that will blow your mind:
The name Percy is short for Perseus, who was a famous hero in Greek mythology. He was the son of Zeus and a mortal woman named Danae. He killed Medusa, the gorgon who had snakes for hair and could turn people into stone with her gaze. He also rescued Andromeda, a princess who was chained to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster. He married her and became the king of Mycenae.
The name Jackson means "son of Jack". Jack is a nickname for John, which comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious". Yahweh is the name of the God of Israel in the Hebrew Bible.
Percy's birthday is August 18th, which is also the date of the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. This was a famous battle between the Greeks and the Persians during the Persian Wars. The Greeks were led by King Leonidas of Sparta, who had 300 Spartans and a few thousand allies. The Persians were led by King Xerxes, who had hundreds of thousands of soldiers. The Greeks fought bravely but were outnumbered and outflanked. They died heroically, but delayed the Persians enough to allow the rest of the Greeks to prepare for another battle.
Percy's favorite color is blue, which is also the color of his father's domain: the sea. He likes blue food, such as blue candy, blue soda, blue waffles, and blue jelly beans. His mother makes him blue food to annoy his stepfather Gabe, who hates blue food.
Percy's fatal flaw is personal loyalty. This means that he would do anything for his friends and family, even if it means risking his own life or endangering the world. This flaw can be both a strength and a weakness, depending on the situation.
Percy's weapon is a sword called Riptide, which is also known as Anaklusmos in Greek. It was given to him by Chiron, his mentor and teacher at Camp Half-Blood. Riptide is made of celestial bronze, a metal that can harm gods, demigods, monsters, and spirits, but not mortals or animals. It can transform into a pen when not in use.
Riptide was originally owned by Hercules (or Heracles in Greek), who was another famous hero in Greek mythology. He was the son of Zeus and a mortal woman named Alcmene. He had to perform 12 impossible tasks, known as the 12 Labors of Hercules, to atone for killing his wife and children in a fit of madness. One of his tasks was to kill the Hydra, a multi-headed serpent that grew two new heads for every one that was cut off. He used Riptide to chop off the heads and burned the stumps with a torch.
Riptide was later passed on to Zoë Nightshade, the lieutenant of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. Zoë was one of the Hesperides, the nymphs who guarded the golden apples of immortality in a garden at the edge of the world. She stole Riptide from her father, Atlas, the titan who held up the sky, and gave it to Hercules as a gift. She later regretted this, as Hercules betrayed her and wounded her with Riptide.
Zoë later gave Riptide to Chiron, who was her friend and fellow hunter. Chiron was a centaur, a half-human, half-horse creature who was wise and skilled in many arts. He was the son of Kronos and Philyra, a nymph. He was accidentally wounded by a poisoned arrow shot by Hercules. The poison was incurable and caused him unbearable pain. He gave up his immortality and died, but was later placed among the stars as the constellation Sagittarius.
Chiron later gave Riptide to Percy, who was his student and protégé. He recognized Percy as a son of Poseidon and saw his potential as a hero. He trained him in sword fighting, Greek mythology, and survival skills. He also guided him in his quests and supported him in his battles.
The name Annabeth means "graceful" or "favor". It is a combination of Anna and Beth, which are both derived from the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning "grace" or "favor". Hannah was the mother of Samuel, a prophet and judge in the Hebrew Bible.
Annabeth's last name is Chase, which means "to hunt" or "to pursue". This reflects her personality and skills as a demigod daughter of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy. She is smart, brave, resourceful, and determined. She loves to learn, solve problems, and explore new places.
Annabeth's birthday is July 12th, which is also the date of the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC. This was a decisive battle between the Macedonians led by Philip II and Alexander the Great, and the Greeks led by Athens and Thebes. The Macedonians won and established their dominance over Greece. Philip II was the father of Alexander the Great, who became one of the most famous conquerors in history. He was also tutored by Aristotle, one of the most influential philosophers in history.
Annabeth's favorite color is gray, which is also the color of her mother's eyes. Gray is a neutral color that can represent balance, calmness, intelligence, and sophistication.
Annabeth's fatal flaw is hubris, which means excessive pride or arrogance. This means that she thinks she can do anything better than anyone else, even the gods. This flaw can lead her to underestimate her enemies or overestimate her abilities.
and mortals. It can also cut through anything, even magic barriers.
The dagger was originally owned by a demigod named Halcyon Green, who was a son of Apollo, the god of the sun, music, and prophecy. He had the gift of seeing the future, but he was cursed by Zeus for revealing too much to mortals. He was imprisoned in an old mansion that was surrounded by monsters and traps. He could not escape or die, and he had to watch his future unfold in a magic mirror.
Halcyon later met Luke and Thalia, who were also demigods on the run. He helped them survive the monsters and traps in his mansion, and gave them some of his belongings, including the dagger. He also told them about his prophecy, which said that he would die by the hands of a lion with snakes for a mane. He asked them to kill him and end his misery. They reluctantly agreed, and used the dagger to stab him in the heart. As he died, a lion with snakes for a mane appeared and attacked them. They managed to escape, but Thalia was wounded and left behind.
Luke later gave the dagger to Annabeth when they met Percy for the first time. He told her to keep it as a reminder of their friendship and their promise to save Thalia. Thalia was a daughter of Zeus who was turned into a pine tree by her father to save her from dying. Her tree became the border of Camp Half-Blood, which protected it from monsters.
Annabeth later used the dagger in many occasions, such as fighting Medusa, escaping the Lotus Hotel and Casino, rescuing Grover from Polyphemus, battling the Titans' army, and dueling Luke himself. She also used it to cut off a piece of the Golden Fleece, which healed Thalia and restored her to human form.
The name Grover means "grove dweller" or "from the grove". A grove is a small group of trees or a wooded area. This reflects Grover's nature and role as a satyr, a half-human, half-goat creature who protects and serves nature.
Grover's last name is Underwood, which means "under the wood" or "from under the wood". This reflects Grover's ability and tendency to hide under things or blend in with his surroundings. He often uses disguises or magic items to conceal his goat features.
Grover's birthday is June 5th, which is also World Environment Day. This is an annual event that raises awareness and action for environmental issues such as pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, and conservation.
Grover's favorite color is green, which is also the color of nature and life. Green can represent growth, harmony, freshness, and fertility.
Grover's fatal flaw is empathy. This means that he can feel what others feel and share their emotions. This flaw can make him compassionate and loyal, but also vulnerable and indecisive.
Grover's weapon is a set of reed pipes that he inherited from his father. Reed pipes are musical instruments that are made of hollow reeds or tubes that produce sound when blown into. They are similar to flutes or panpipes.
Grover's father was a satyr named Grover Sr., who was also a protector and friend of demigods. He died while protecting two demigods named Nico and Bianca di Angelo from a manticore (a monster with a human head, a lion body, and a scorpion tail). He gave his reed pipes to Grover Jr., who was his son and apprentice.
Grover later used his reed pipes in many occasions, such as calming Cerberus (the three-headed dog that guards the Underworld), summoning Pan (the god of nature and wild places), controlling plants and animals (such as making cheese explode or making pigs fly), communicating with other satyrs (using a code called Morsegoat), and playing music (such as Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata or Lady Gaga's Poker Face).
The name Luke means "light" or "bringer of light". It comes from the Latin name Lucas, which is derived from the Greek name Loukas, meaning "from Lucania". Lucania was an ancient region in southern Italy that was known for its beauty and fertility.
Luke's last name is Castellan, which means "castle dweller" or "from the castle". A castle is a large fortified building or complex that serves as a residence or a stronghold. This reflects Luke's background and ambition as a demigod son of Hermes, the god of thieves and travelers. He grew up in a wealthy but unhappy family, and he ran away from home when he was young. He dreamed of finding a place where he belonged and where he could be free.
Luke's birthday is unknown, but it is likely that he was born in the late 1980s or early 1990s. He was about 19 years old when he died in The Last Olympian.
Luke's favorite color is unknown, but it is possible that he liked red, which is also the color of his eyes. Red can represent passion, courage, anger, and danger.
Luke's fatal flaw is envy. This means that he wanted what others had and felt resentful or bitter about it. This flaw made him dissatisfied with his life and his relationship with the gods. He felt that the gods were unfair, neglectful, and abusive to their children. He wanted to overthrow them and create a new world order.
Luke's weapon was a sword called Backbiter, which was also known as Megas Duseris in Greek. It was forged by Kronos himself and given to Luke as a gift. Backbiter was made of two metals: celestial bronze and mortal steel. It could harm gods, demigods, monsters, spirits, mortals, and animals. It could also cut through anything, even magic barriers.
Backbiter was originally owned by Kronos, the leader of the titans and the father of Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. He used it to overthrow his father Uranus (the sky) and to rule the world with his brothers and sisters. He also used it to devour his own children, as he feared that they would overthrow him one day. However, his wife Rhea hid their youngest child Zeus and gave Kronos a rock wrapped in a cloth instead. Zeus grew up and freed his siblings from Kronos's stomach. They fought against Kronos and his army in a war called the Titanomachy. They won and banished Kronos and his allies to Tartarus, the deepest part of the Underworld.
Kronos later gave Backbiter to Luke when he possessed his body and used him as his host. He manipulated Luke into joining his cause and becoming his right-hand man. He promised Luke that he would make him a king in the new world that he would create after destroying the gods and their children.
Luke later used Backbiter in many occasions, such as fighting Percy, stealing Zeus's lightning bolt, leading Kronos's army, invading Camp Half-Blood, and dueling Annabeth. He also used it to cut off his own hand and replace it with a golden prosthetic one that was controlled by Kronos.
These are just some of the secrets that you can find in Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Ultimate Guide 72. There are many more secrets that will surprise you, amuse you, and make you love this series even more.
How to read Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Now that you know more about Percy Jackson and the Olympians, you may be wondering how to read this series in the best way possible. There are many options and opinions on how to enjoy this series to the f