Vox Latina Winter 2020 2115281 (1) | Page 11

Inspired by the story of Perseus, Rick Riodan wrote the Percy Jackson series, portraying demigods as teenagers in the modern world. They can possess supernatural powers as early as toddler age. Some of them can have dyslexia or ADHD. The reason for this is unknown, but the dyslexia can allow them to translate Greek text easily . The ADHD allows them to be quick on their feet when danger approaches. However, these powers can be interpreted as personalities rather than powers. For example, Annabeth Chase, Daughter of Athena, is very wise and intelligent like her mother, Athena. Also, Clarisse La Rue, Daughter of Ares, has a very aggressive and hostile personality, like her father, the god of war. This is evidence that demigods’ godly parents have a major influence on their lives, not just causing them to possess powers, but forming some of their major characteristics.

Demigods are not just in Greek mythology. There are demigods that have Roman parents, and Rick Riordan also writes about Roman demigods. They are enchanted to have different sets of powers that correlate to their Roman parents. For Instance, Hazel Levesque, Daughter of Pluto, has the power to summon gems from beneath the ground because Pluto is referred to as “Rich One.” In addition, Leo Valdez, son of Vulcan, has a way with tools and machines and has fire powers because Vulcan is a blacksmith. Unfortunately, most of these Demigods are hunted by monsters because the monsters can sense their god heritage within them, and as a result most of them die at a very young age. They can also have trouble fitting in and are alienated by these supernatural powers. Demigods, whether classical or modern, face the same challenges: difficult quests, battles, and the wrath of Hera.

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Vox Latina, Winter 2020