Percy Jackson and the Myth of Becoming a God
Percy Jackson and the Myth of Becoming a God
Is it possible for Percy Jackson to become a god in the Percy Jackson universe? Let's delve into the myth and explore why Percy Jackson, despite being offered immortality twice, remains firmly human.
Imagining Percy as a God
In the laterinstallments of the Percy Jackson series, it might seem tempting to envision Percy Jackson as a god. However, the likelihood of Percy becoming a god is incredibly low, given the Greek mythological rules and the character's personal desires.
The Greek gods are wary of increasing one demigod's powers too much, as this could lead to an imbalance in the power dynamics. Zeus, for instance, would be hesitant to promote Percy to a god, as this could result in Poseidon, his brother, gaining more power, which Zeus would not appreciate.
Percy's Rejection of Immortality
Despite being offered immortality twice by Zeus and the magician Setne, Percy Jackson always rejected the offer. The first time, by Zeus, Percy was simply acting on his human values. He preferred a life full of experiences and adventures rather than an eternal, potentially unfulfilling existence.
When Zeus made the offer again, Percy proposed an alternative. Instead of immortality, he asked for guarantees:
Percy said, “I’m honored and everything. Don’t get me wrong. It’s just... I’ve got a lot of life left to live. I’d hate to peak in my sophomore year.”
He then listed a series of agreements, including the claim of all his demigod children by the time they turn thirteen, amnesty for certain minor gods and peaceful Titans, and recognition of Hades' children. Finally, he proposed the dismantling of the Big Three pact to foster acceptance and respect for all children of the gods.
Percy's refusal of immortality was not a simple decision, but rather an attempt to protect and provide for his family and the demigod community. His intension was to ensure that all children of the gods were treated with dignity and respect, rather than continuing the cycle of discrimination.
The Future of Percy Jackson
As of now, Percy Jackson is not becoming a god. His character arc is not driving towards godhood. Instead, he continues to focus on his role as a god's son, a Guardian of the Camp, and a protector of the gods' children. His relationship with the gods is complex; he respects and works closely with them while maintaining his human connection.
From a reader's perspective, it is a relief to know that Percy will stay human, allowing him to grow in his own way and maintain the emotional depth of his character. The series promises to deliver more thrilling adventures without the crippling burden of godhood.
Conclusion
The myth of Percy Jackson becoming a god is just that—a myth. While the idea is intriguing and tempting, it aligns poorly with the established mythology and Percy's personal values. As the series continues, we can expect Percy to remain a human demigod, living a life full of honor, duty, and love.