Deep-Dive Into Percy Jackson and Greek Mythology
Rick Riordan has created a world which has engulfed us all. Into a world where Greek Mythology and the modern world live in somewhat harmony. The two pieces that collide together that you wouldn’t think work and yet they do. In this fandom we get to see that even someone that’s ordinary can be extraordinary. That there are those who have limitations, and it's okay it doesn’t make you less than a person. We can see that the main protagonist, Percy Jackson, isn’t perfect. Yes, he is a child, he makes mistakes, he doubts himself, has great responsibility on his shoulders, and yet he overcomes so many obstacles. He doesn’t let what people call his weakness slow him down. We also see that adults aren’t perfect either (Gods and Goddesses included) they make mistakes, some are good, some are bad, but in the end they are flawed too.
As the series has Greek Mythology contained within it, there is no surprise the great Rick Riordan found inspiration when making the main character. If you were a fan of Greek Mythology before you found the Percy Jackson series, then it is likely you might have spotted some similarities. As even Percy Jackson apart from his Godly Parentage has some similarities from Greek Mythology to other heroes too. So if you are ready shall we take this deep dive into Percy Jackson and Greek Mythology together.
Percy Jackson's Name and Connection to Greek Mythology
It isn't uncommon for someone to go by a nickname rather than their actual name. There are a few reasons for why someone would choose to go by a nickname. In the series it really isn't clear why Percy decided to be called Percy rather than Perseus. Perhaps it had to do with the connection to the name being that of a hero. Going by Percy allowed him to have his own identity even if mortals likely wouldn't have made the Greek Connection to him in a modern time.
The reason that Rick Riordan gave Percy the name Perseus was because he liked the name. That is something we all can relate to as well, especially as writers. As there are names that just speak to us, names that fit our characters so well. Though I wouldn't believe that Perseus had the meaning that fit Percy Jackson, as the meant "destroyer". Maybe in some sense it did make sense, as he did destroy Kronos' plan.
As for the real one named Perseus he too had a Godly Parent of the big three. He was the child of Zeus (this was way way before the agreement of no children). Similar to Percy not just because of his name but the connection of being born from a God of the Big Three.
Another connection is that they both defeated Medusa! They both had help from Gods or Goddess on their quests. Such as both had the help of Hermes. Perseus got a pair of winged sandles from Hermes, and Percy got a few helpful items llike the thermos of wind. They both had prophecies about their life, and they were both brave heroes.
Other Connections Percy Jackson has to Greek Mythology
- Had (and survived) the Curse of Achilles - Achilles also had it too
- Killed a snake when he was younger - Heracles did too
- He won a fight against the God of War, Ares - Diomedes did too
- He managed to trick Polyphemus and get the Golden Fleece - Jason did too
- He met and stayed with Calypso - Heracles did too
What are your thoughts on Percy Jackson and his connection to Greek Mythology?