Literature

Summary: Chapter Three

After arriving at the bus terminal, Percy ditches Grover and departs for home on his own. Before entering the apartment, he tells readers about his mother, Sally Jackson. She is the best person Percy knows, despite some unfortunate circumstances in her life. Percy’s father was the only great break she received although they never married, and Percy has no memories of him before he left for an ocean voyage. Sally later married Gabe, whom Percy refers to as “Smelly Gabe, the world-class jerk.” Inside the apartment, Smelly Gabe rudely welcomes Percy home and Percy storms upstairs to his bedroom. He is later comforted by his mother who gives him the exciting news about taking a trip to Montauk Beach where she met his father. As they are leaving for their trip, Smelly Gabe warns Percy not to damage his car. 

While at the beach, Sally answers some of Percy’s questions about his father. He learns that his father wanted to send him to a special camp, but Sally couldn’t bring herself to take him there. That night, a knock on the door amidst the hurricane brewing outside wakes Percy and Sally. Sally opens the door to Grover who says he has been searching all night for Percy since losing him at the bus terminal. Sally is not fazed by Grover’s presence other than why he came and demands that Percy tell her everything that happened at Yancy and at the museum. After Percy finishes telling his mother everything, the three of them run to the car where Percy notices Grover has hooves for feet.Summary: Chapter Four

While driving away from the storm, Percy notices a creature following them in the distance. He questions Grover and Sally’s relationship and what kind of animal Grover is. Grover explains that he is a satyr in charge of protecting Percy, but the less he knows, the fewer monsters he will attract. Sally begins driving Percy to the camp for protection after learning that the three old women Percy encountered were the Fates. The car swerves into a ditch, which injures Grover. Sally encourages Percy to get help by running past a big tree that marks the property line to safety. He refuses to leave without her and Grover, despite the creature that is steadily creeping up on them. 

Sally and Percy finally pull Grover out of the car and head toward the tree. Outside of the car, Percy recognizes the monster as half bull, half man. He starts to name the monster, but his mother warns him that names have power. She advises him to jump to the side if the creature attacks, since a bull cannot change directions easily. Percy does so when the bull charges, which angers the monster. The monster then attacks his mother and Grover who are on the side of the road. The bull-man grabs Percy’s mother by the neck, and she disappears into a golden light. Furious, Percy defeats the monster by tearing off one of the monster’s horns and shoving it into the monster’s ribs. Percy helps Grover to safety and the two pass out on the porch of a farmhouse after a young girl recognizes him as the “one.” 

Summary: Chapter Five

After being nursed back to health, Percy enjoys the beautiful views of the camp, despite feeling remorse for what he assumes was his mother’s death. He tries to remember the battle with the bull-man, which he now calls the Minotaur. Grover apologizes to Percy for not being able to save Sally and for his failure in the role of a keeper. Percy does not blame Grover though and the two leave the farmhouse and enter into the main part of Camp Half-Blood. Percy meets Mr. D, the camp director; Chiron, who he knew as Mr. Brunner; and Annabeth, one of the daughters of Athena. He learns that Chiron had been at the school to teach Percy after Grover suggested that Percy was special. 

Percy joins Chiron, Mr. D, and Grover in a game of pinochle. While playing the game, they discuss the presence of Greek gods in the world and comment on how Mr. D is one himself: Dionysus, the god of wine. Mr. D and Grover leave so that Chiron and Percy can have a private conversation. Chiron and Percy discuss more about Mount Olympus and the Greek gods. Chiron tells Percy that he will learn more about himself and his role after he gets settled in his cabin. At this point, Percy sees Chiron as his true self—a centaur.

Summary: Chapter Six

While walking Percy to his cabin, Chiron gives Percy a tour of the camp. Percy learns this was Grover’s second chance to restore his role as a keeper after he failed five years ago. Percy fears he will be in trouble if Mr. D and the Council of Cloven Elders consider his mission to protect Percy a failure. Upon approaching the cabins, Percy notices that each cabin features a mascot dedicated to a god. Annabeth greets him before he enters his cabin. He has been placed in “Hermes,” the cabin for undetermined campers. Here, he meets his cabin counselor, Luke, the son of Hermes. 

Percy is disappointed that he has not received proper recognition for fighting the Minotaur and leaves the cabin. Annabeth joins him outside and explains that monsters do not die because they lack a soul. They can still reform and he should refer to them as “Kindly Ones,” rather than by their names. Annabeth also points out that Percy would not be here if he were not a half-blood by his father. As they are talking, another girl, Clarisse, the daughter of Ares, provokes Percy and Annabeth into a fight in the bathroom. Percy defends himself by unknowingly manipulating the water to soak Clarisse and her friends. Angered and humiliated, she declares war on Percy.

Summary: Chapter Seven

Percy feels overwhelmed by his new home and everything he is learning as he continues to wonder who his father is. Annabeth tells him that although he may never know, it is important that he remain at the camp in order to protect himself from monsters and mortals. The camp’s border does not allow monsters or mortals to enter unless summoned by someone within the camp. If he were to stay in the mortal world, he would be more susceptible to danger. Annabeth explains that Percy is only allowed to leave the camp with permission or if assigned to a quest. 

Percy asks Annabeth what she knows about the summer solstice. She only recalls an unease with the weather after her trip to Mount Olympus for the winter solstice with Clarisse and Luke. She also overheard talk about something that was stolen and if the item was not returned by the summer solstice, a war would break out. Percy and Annabeth return to their cabins where Percy chats with Luke. Luke tells Percy that although Annabeth desperately wants to go on a quest, she is unable to until somebody special arrives. Percy does not understand what Luke means but drops the conversation.

Summary: Chapter Eight

As Percy settles into the camp, he discovers his skill in sword fighting, his gift with water, and his father’s identity. During a sword-fighting lesson with Luke, Percy successfully beats him, which catches Luke off guard. Later, Percy asks Grover about Grover’s desire for a searcher’s license. Grover does not share much detail other than how he may be one step closer if he successfully protects Percy during a quest. They also talk about the “Big Three” gods: Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. 

Grover explains that the children of the “Big Three” gods are more powerful than other half-bloods. Because of this, the “Big Three” decided not to have any more children after they recognized that their children were causing catastrophic events. Zeus, however, broke this pact by having a daughter named Thalia. Hades was angered at Zeus for his indiscretion and sent monsters to attack Thalia. She sacrificed herself by fighting the monsters alone to save other half-bloods and a satyr who were accompanying her on their way to Camp Half-Blood. As Thalia was dying, Zeus turned her into a pine tree. Through this tree, now called Half-Blood Hill for her heroic act, Thalia’s spirit still protects the surrounding borders. 

In the evening, during a game of capture the flag, Percy is attacked by Clarisse and several other campers, leaving a deep wound in his arm. Percy falls back into a creek and, even though he is weak, he is mysteriously able to defend himself against his opponents. Meanwhile, Luke wins the game for his cabin. Annabeth magically appears near Percy in the creek after taking off her invisibility cap. As they are getting out of the water, Annabeth notices that Percy’s arm has already healed. Suddenly, a hellhound from the Fields of Punishment attacks Percy, but is promptly killed by arrows fired by Chiron, piercing its neck. Chiron trots over and points out that someone from inside the camp must have summoned a monster to attack Percy. As Percy resubmerges into the water to heal, a hologram of green light shines above him and reveals that Poseidon has claimed Percy as his son

Summary: Chapter Nine

The camp responds to Poseidon’s claim by granting Percy his own private cabin as well as other freedoms, while also assigning him to a world-saving quest. Despite these luxuries of freedom, Percy feels isolated and angered after hearing he is being blamed for his mother’s disappearance back home. That night, Grover encourages Percy to talk with Chiron about accepting the quest and speaking with the Oracle about his destiny. Percy agrees to the quest and Chiron explains why Zeus and Poseidon are fighting. Zeus believes that Poseidon stole his lightning bolt, the symbol of his power. Poseidon denies this allegation and seeks an apology by the summer solstice, the day Zeus also wants his master bolt returned by. If the quest fails, a catastrophic war will be unleashed. Zeus thinks that having Poseidon’s son return his bolt will be a rewarding peace offering. Percy seeks advice from the Oracle and learns that he has to go west and face a god to find the stolen item. The Oracle tells him that along the way, he will be betrayed by a friend and fail to save what matters most. 

Chiron tells Percy that he suspects that Hades stole the master bolt because he was angry that Zeus broke their pact by having another child. He knew that Zeus would blame Poseidon and a war would unfold. Chiron believes Hades also knew Poseidon would claim Percy as his son, so Hades has tried to kill Percy by sending monsters such as the Minotaur before Percy’s quest could begin. Percy is angry that Hades’ desire to kill him caused his mother to disappear and has instilled fear in the rest of the camp. He takes Grover and Annabeth on the journey, so that Grover can get his searcher’s license and Annabeth can fulfill her desire for a quest.

Summary: Chapter Ten

As Percy, Grover, and Annabeth prepare to depart for their quest, Luke gives Percy magical shoes that fly. As a precaution, Percy hands the shoes over to Grover because Percy fears that Zeus will strike him down if he travels through the sky. Chiron gives Percy the ballpoint pen that transforms into a sword, named Riptide. The sword cannot be lost. It cannot hurt any mortal, only monsters, but Percy is reminded that he is susceptible to both mortal and celestial weapons. 

Once in the city, Percy starts thinking about his family. Grover shares with Percy how his mother was protecting him by staying with Smelly Gabe because his scent masked Percy’s scent from monsters. While they are on a bus headed toward the entrance to the Underworld, three old women who look like Mrs. Dodds get on the bus. These women are actually monsters. They are called the Furies. Percy wears Annabeth’s invisible cap and slips past them, hoping that the Furies only want him and will ignore his friends. Instead, the Furies attack Annabeth and Grover. 

While still invisible, Percy spins the bus by taking control of the steering wheel. He pulls the emergency brake and releases the mortals from the bus. Then he takes off the cap and instigates a fight with the monsters, so they will leave his friends alone. Annabeth and Grover help hold the Furies while Percy uses Riptide to turn the first two to dust. As Percy strikes the third Fury, he and his friends escape from the bus just as it bursts into flames. The Mrs. Dodds look-alike calls for reinforcements amidst the flames and the three friends flee into the nearby woods.

Summary: Chapter Eleven

Percy, Annabeth, and Grover emerge from the woods and come upon a curio shop that smells like food. As they stop to eat, Grover notices a life-size statue outside that looks strangely like his Uncle Ferdinand. A woman who calls herself Aunty Em feeds them and offers to take their picture. Percy accepts the offer, but Annabeth and Grover are skeptical about the woman’s statues. Suddenly, Grover realizes that the statue was his uncle and Annabeth warns Percy and Grover to look away from the woman. Percy learns that Aunty Em is actually Medusa, a monster seeking revenge on Annabeth for being the daughter of Athena, the god who cursed her. She tells Percy that he would be better off as a statue than having to play the Olympians’ game. 

Grover attacks Medusa with a tree branch with his eyes shut while Percy uses the reflection of a gazing ball to approach her. Percy severs Medusa’s head with Riptide. Annabeth says that even though the head is a spoil of war it can still turn him to stone. Tired of being used as a pawn, Percy steals money from Medusa’s office to use on their journey. He grabs a freight bill showing the Underworld’s billing address and now knows it is located at a DOA Recording Studio in California He finds a box and fills out a delivery slip to send Medusa’s head to Mount Olympus before they plan their next move. 

Summary: Chapter Twelve

Back in the woods, Percy, Annabeth, and Grover rest for the night while Percy learns that in order to earn his searcher’s license, Grover must find Pan, the god of wild places. To the satyrs, Pan is their master who once protected the earth. Although legend says that he died, the satyrs refuse to believe he is gone and many dedicate their lives to finding him, although none have survived the search. Grover says that despite the risk, he still desperately wants to search for Pan to restore the earth’s goodness. 

On this part of the trip, Percy also discovers that Grover was the keeper for Annabeth five years ago when he failed, but she forgave him. Grover stops Percy from asking more questions about that quest and instead says how he and Annabeth think this quest is different because the monsters seem to be holding back from attacking them while they look for something. The next morning, Percy meets Gladiola, a missing pink poodle. They collect enough money to buy train tickets by returning Gladiola to his owner.

Summary: Chapter Thirteen

The Amtrak train takes Percy, Annabeth, and Grover to Denver. Percy tries to keep a low-profile after his image is plastered on the front page of newspapers as a wanted fugitive for the disappearance of his mother and for the flaming bus accident. While Percy takes a nap, he dreams of a dreary, scary pit and tries to barter to save his mother’s life. Later, Annabeth reveals that she ran away to Camp Half-Blood when she was seven after learning that her father never wanted her and resented her after he remarried. 

The three explore the top of the Gateway Arch during a layover in St. Louis. Percy waits at the top of the Arch with the other tourists while Annabeth and Grover take the remaining seats on the elevator back down. A fat woman and a Chihuahua confront Percy and reveal that they are monsters trying to hurt him. The woman is the Mother of Monsters, a reptile-looking creature named Echidna. The Chihuahua is actually Chimera, a rabid, fire-breathing, lion serpent. Chimera attacks Percy by plunging its serpent fangs into Percy’s leg and damaging the Arch with a ball of fire. Percy feels defeated after he loses Riptide trying to defend himself and the other tourists. Echidna taunts him, saying if he truly believed he were the son of Poseidon then he would jump into the water to save himself. Percy prays and jumps into the river.

Summary: Chapter Fourteen

As Percy enters the water, he realizes he wasn’t hurt by the impact of the water or Chimera’s bite, but rather feels dry and can breathe underwater. As he looks around, he sees Riptide a few feet in front of him. A female spirit tells him that his father believes in him, he should go to Santa Monica before going to the Underworld, and to not trust gifts. Before she departs, the spirit reassures Percy that his mother’s fate is not hopeless. As the spirit disappears, Percy grabs Riptide and swims off to find Annabeth and Grover. 

Several news stations and police officers surround the area below the Arch, as they try to figure out what happened to it. Eyewitnesses tell them they saw a boy jump into the water. As ambulance technicians attend to the civilians on the roof, Percy finds his friends and tells them everything that happened. While they make plans to go to Santa Monica, they hear news reporters making the connection between the boy who jumped and the fugitive they have been reporting on. The three quickly dash toward the train station before anyone recognizes Percy and head to Denver.

Summary: Chapter Fifteen

In Denver, Percy, Annabeth, and Grover contact Chiron through Iris-messaging, the rainbow goddess who carries messages for the gods. Luke answers and is updated on all that has happened so far. Percy and Luke discuss the possibility of Hades stealing the master bolt during the winter solstice by using his Helm of Darkness. While eating at a diner, Ares, Clarisse’s dad and the god of war, joins the group and asks Percy to retrieve his shield, which he lost in the Tunnel of Love while at a waterpark with his girlfriend. In turn, Ares will disclose information about Percy’s mother and help the three continue west. 

After initial reluctance, Percy and his friends head to the waterpark. Percy discovers that Ares was dating Aphrodite, the goddess of love, despite Aphrodite’s marriage to Hephaestus, the blacksmith. Hephaestus is aware of his wife’s affair and always tries to embarrass her and Ares. While Grover stands guard, Percy and Annabeth are caught in a trap that was set by Hephaestus to catch his wife and Ares together. A camera emerges and spotlights shine down on Percy and Annabeth. A loudspeaker voice announces the beginning of a countdown until the broadcast goes live to Mount Olympus. Annabeth is concerned about looking like a fool before the gods until thousands of metal spiders emerge and begin to swarm toward them. Annabeth is paralyzed with terror. Percy moves her back to the boat and uses his connection with water to move the boat along and fight off the spiders. Before the boat crashes, the two of them jump and Grover grabs them by flying with his shoes and carries them to safety before dropping them along the way. They survive the fall and Percy vows to confront Ares on this assignment.

Summary: Chapter Sixteen

At the diner, Percy and his friends return the shield they recovered to Ares. He takes his shield and gives Percy a backpack with food and directs them to a truck that will take them to Los Angeles. Before leaving, Ares tells Percy that his mother is not actually dead, but rather a hostage in metamorphosis. Percy, Annabeth, and Grover join some caged animals on the truck headed to Los Angeles with a stop in Las Vegas. While on the road, Percy learns that Grover was the keeper for Thalia, Zeus’ daughter who died. The two half-bloods she was protecting at the time were Annabeth and Luke. Annabeth shares how she tried to reconcile with her family a couple of years ago only to return to Camp Half-Blood. 

Percy dreams about the pit again. He hears a mysterious voice and sees his mother reaching out to him but wakes up to the truckers checking on the animals. After witnessing the abuse of some of the animals, Percy releases them into Vegas while he and his friends leave the truck. They enter the Lotus Hotel and Casino and are given a room key. They shower, eat, relax, and play video games until Percy realizes something seems off. People appear to be in a daze. No one can tell him what year they are in. Percy snaps Annabeth and Grover out of the trance they are in and they leave the hotel only to realize that since they lost track of time, they only have one day left to complete the quest.