The Percy Jackson franchise gives a creative spin on the centuries-old Greek myths about the many heroes and their trials. Created by Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson discovers that he is the child of one of the Greek gods. This reveal places him on a path that puts him in grave danger, but also helps him realize his destiny and better understand his culture and heritage as a Demigod. But because he is a fictional character being established in a world that has existed for centuries, some liberties had to be taken that alter the mythology slightly.
With a new series now greenlit for Disney+, it's a great time to explore the character's background, mainly his lineage. Who was Percy's birthfather, and how has he helped his son accomplish the wonders he has in his young life? Most importantly, how have Percy's adventures changed or even expanded the mythology? While Percy's story is undoubtedly exciting, it also helps to show fans that even stories that are hundreds of years old can still be expanded and enhanced in new ways.
Who Is Percy Jackson's Father?
Poseidon is the God of the Seas and is best identified by his trident, which he uses to command the oceans. As mythology fans know, he was saved by his brother Zeus after being devoured by their father, Kronos. In the Percy Jackson series, he also created a meaningful life for himself that has, on at least two occasions, been impacted in ways he could have never expected. Perhaps the most significant change came when he met Sally Jackson, a mortal he fell in love with. The two eventually had a son who Poseidon adored. However, because he was busy being a father, he neglected his duties as a god. As a result, he was forced to leave them.
In Greek mythology, gods are no strangers to having children and then leaving them. A couple of great examples of this come from the heroes Heracles and Perseus, who used their gifts as Demingods to complete trials and defeat dangerous creatures. Scared that his actions could cause other gods to do the same, Zeus forbade Poseidon from seeing his son again. However, this never stopped Poseidon from contacting and guiding Percy whenever he could.
Is Poseidon Really Percy Jackson's Father in Greek Mythology?
When he was born, Percy Jackson's original name was Perseus, like the Greek hero. However, his name was instead changed to Percy, likely to better fit with modern society. That said, Percy's feats ironically match Perseus' throughout his adventures. For example, Perseus defeated the Gorgon Medusa in the myth, which Percy also accomplished in Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. But what's even more intriguing is that Perseus was never Poseidon's son.
In the Greek myth, Perseus is the son of Zeus, which raises many questions as to how Percy Jackson's story aligns with and potentially alters Greek mythology. For example, with Medusa still alive in the present day, it seems Perseus may never have existed, and Percy is a loose representation of the hero. But by making him Poseidon's son, it actively goes against the established myth. But even with the change, the story still shows Percy on a similar hero's journey and actually helps to offer more characterization for Poseidon, Zeus and Percy. As the stories navigate this alternate retelling of some of Greek mythology's most iconic stories, it also introduces these characters to a new generation of fans.