How does Poseidon claim Percy as his son?

In the Percy Jackson series, Poseidon claims Percy Jackson as his son in a pivotal moment during The Last Olympian (the final book of the Percy Jackson & The Olympians series). Here’s a breakdown of how Poseidon’s acknowledgment and the claim come about, along with the backstory leading to it.

Poseidon's Claim: The Context and Significance

Throughout the Percy Jackson series, Percy has always known he was a demigod, but the exact nature of his relationship with his father, Poseidon, was unclear. While Percy was raised by his mortal mother, Sally Jackson, he often felt the absence of his divine father, which caused a lot of confusion and insecurity about his identity.

• Percy’s Parentage: Percy’s father, Poseidon, is one of the Big Three gods (along with Zeus and Hades), who made a pact to avoid having children due to the prophecy that a child of one of them would play a key role in the fate of Olympus. Poseidon, however, broke this oath when he fathered Percy with Sally Jackson. This made Percy’s existence a dangerous secret for both his mother and for Poseidon, as it defied the agreement made by the gods.

• The Prophecy: Throughout the series, Percy is haunted by a prophecy which suggests that a child of the Big Three gods will either save or destroy Olympus. The mystery of Percy’s true potential and his father’s intentions is a central theme of the series. Poseidon’s presence and acknowledgment in Percy’s life become more prominent as the series progresses, especially in the face of the coming war with the Titans.

The Moment of Poseidon’s Claim: The Last Olympian

In The Last Olympian, the final battle of the series, Poseidon openly claims Percy as his son in a crucial moment. This event happens when Percy is fighting in the Battle of Manhattan and facing the full force of the Titans, led by Kronos.

• The Claim: In this climactic moment, Poseidon, who has been distant for much of the series, shows up on the battlefield. He acknowledges Percy’s importance and publicly declares him as his son, saying:

  “My son. You have done what no one thought possible. You have united the gods and defeated the Titans.”

  Poseidon’s claim of Percy is not just an acknowledgement of his paternity but also an affirmation of Percy’s role in the fate of Olympus. This declaration happens at a point when Percy is ready to take on the responsibility of saving Olympus, and Poseidon recognizes that Percy has grown into his potential as a true hero.

• The Significance: By claiming Percy publicly, Poseidon validates Percy’s position as an important figure in the battle. This moment signifies that Percy is not just the son of Poseidon in name, but also in deed and destiny. The gods are reluctant to get too involved in mortal affairs, but Poseidon’s claim demonstrates his pride and belief in his son’s ability to fulfill the prophecy.

Poseidon's Role in Percy’s Life

Although Poseidon is not a constant presence in Percy’s life, he is always watching over him. Here’s how Poseidon’s influence is seen throughout the series:

• Early Relationship: In the beginning, Percy has a strained relationship with his father, due to Poseidon’s absence and the gods' tendency to be detached from their mortal offspring. Percy only learns about his divine parentage during his time at Camp Half-Blood, where he first meets Chiron and learns of the world of Greek mythology and gods.

• Visitation: Poseidon occasionally communicates with Percy, either through dreams or brief appearances. In The Sea of Monsters, Poseidon is briefly seen in the form of a vision, giving Percy some guidance and encouragement. But Poseidon’s full involvement is often muted, as he has to balance his obligations with the other gods.

• In The Last Olympian: Poseidon’s presence is more pronounced. He recognizes Percy’s bravery and leadership during the war against the Titans, and, by publicly claiming him as his son, he acknowledges not just Percy’s importance but also his potential as a hero and a savior of Olympus.

The Legacy of the Claim

In the end, Poseidon’s claim of Percy is an important moment for both characters:

• Percy’s Identity: This claim helps Percy embrace his identity as the son of Poseidon, not just a mortal or a demigod with unknown potential. He is proud of who he is, and Poseidon’s recognition strengthens Percy’s confidence and resolve as a hero.

• The Gods’ Acknowledgment: Poseidon’s public claim also signifies that the gods are finally willing to acknowledge the role of their children in the survival and future of Olympus. Percy, as the son of Poseidon, is no longer a secret or an inconvenience—he is a heroic figure whose actions will determine the fate of the gods.

• Connection with Poseidon: After this moment, Poseidon becomes more of a symbolic father figure for Percy. While they don’t have a typical father-son relationship, Poseidon’s acknowledgment of Percy’s strength and worthiness solidifies their bond, even though they remain separated by the nature of their respective worlds (the mortal world and the divine).

Conclusion

Poseidon’s claim of Percy Jackson as his son is a crucial moment of recognition that happens in The Last Olympian. It marks a turning point in their relationship, where Poseidon not only acknowledges his son’s importance in the war but also affirms his place in the world of gods and heroes. This claim solidifies Percy’s role as a key figure in the future of Olympus and highlights his development from a confused demigod to the true hero he is meant to be.