Graeco-Roman Gods in Today's World

Indianapolis, IN

Why do we continually adapt old myths into new stories? What is it about ancient Greek myths that still thrill people? Rick Riordan introduces those myths in a new way for young and old readers alike through the Percy Jackson series. We continue to reread and rework Greek myths because they remain culturally relevant, despite the vast differences between the ancient world and our own. We find meaning in these myths because the Greeks used their myths to explore enduring aspects of the human experience (love, hate, betrayal, etc.). At the same time, we do not always think about the human experience in the way the Greeks did. The Greeks believed in individual glory, but Riordan pushes his heroes specifically Percy to work together for the better. Percy is not an Odysseus or a Heracles whose heroism focuses on cleverness or brute strength; he is the type of hero who relies on his best friends Annabeth and Grover the satyr. He even relies on the assistance of former enemies like Clarisse. Through the use of ancient myths, Riordan draws our attention to our link with countless generations while urging modern audiences, through his remaking of these myths, to think about what is unique to our age.