Friday, February 7, 2025

6 Historical Figures Who Were Demigods

I'm working my way through the original five Percy Jackson books again before the second season comes out on Disney Plus (and before I start Heroes of Olympus). Rick Riordan did a great job remixing Greek mythology in a way that makes me want to know more about the original stories. As I've mentioned before with Doctor Who, that's a hallmark that the story was done well. On the flip side, the Riordanverse seems to love little Easter eggs of turning real world people into Greek mythology. At times we got a snippet of their stories and sometimes just a passing name drop. I'm not sure how many mentions we got in the first five books, but I'll start with six of my favorites and maybe some head-canons.

William Shakespeare, Son of Apollo

Annabeth noted Shakespeare’s demigod status alongside his role as an Underworld judge. How his work as a playwright qualifies him to judge the dead, I have no idea. For hundreds of years, he’s been praised as one of the greatest writers (even if high school students can’t see it). As a son of Apollo, it makes sense that his works would be so well known and widely praised… even if Apollo can’t write a half-decent haiku to save his immortal life. Still, how does writing Hamlet qualify him to judge the dead?

Amelia Earthart, Daughter of Zeus

The famous pilot who flew solo across the ocean and disappeared. A feminist icon. She was mentioned by Annabeth during "Sea of Monsters" in defending herself to Circe. Apparently, she was mentioned again in "The Lost Hero" but since I haven't read that book yet, I'll say no more. As a daughter of Zeus, it makes says that she was a flying phenom. Despite being lost, her story was well known enough among half-bloods that Annabeth didn't feel the need to expand on her mention. I can only imagine that being daughter of the sky and thunder god helped her navigate as a pilot. Makes me wonder how she could have ever gotten lost, but that might be coming in "The Lost Hero". 

Harry Houdini, Son of Hecate(?)

Talking to Percy in "The Lightning Thief", a Nereid casually mentions Orpheus, Hercules, and Houdini as half-bloods who managed to escape the Underworld. Acting like Houdini's demigod-ness should be common knowledge, our ocean friend didn't mention whose son he was. Perhaps he was an unclaimed demigod who resided in Hermes cabin. But since Hecate is the goddess of magic and witchcraft, I'm going to guess he's a son of Hecate. But since he was famous for his dramatic escapes (that could have killed him) he could be a son of Hades--He was born long before the Big Three's oath after all. But I'm still going to go with the Hecate head-canon. 

Edward Teach, Son of Ares

AKA Blackbeard. Of course the most famous pirate in history is a son of Ares. It’s almost understandable that Circe trapped him, when you think of how Ares and Clarisse love to bully the main characters. That being said, when Annabeth and Percy saves him and the other guinea pigs, Blackbeard and the other pirates made for a good distraction, enabling the escape. And now he can roam the ocean pillaging again. 

Harriet Tubman, Daugther of Hermes

With Luke Castellan being the main Hermes demigod in the original five books, his half-siblings can be easily forgotten. His half-sister Harriet Tubman is famous among mortals for saving former slaves. In "Battle of the Labyrinth" she gets a mention by Chiron (hinting that maybe she was at Camp Half-Blood as a youth). It was said she used clear-sighted mortals to assist in her rescue. Chiron hinted that her Underground Railroad may have even utilized the Labyrinth. 

George Washington, Son of Athena

The primary historical figure of the American Revolution. Of course Washington was a son of Athena. I’m sure the connection to the goddess of wisdom came in handy during the war and his presidency. His mention in “The Lightning Thief” was another passing reference, alluding to crossing the Delaware. But I would love to learn more about out the Riordanverse side of Annabeth’s half-brother. 

Monday, February 3, 2025

Friendship Lessons

    

         Recently, I have been thinking about lessons about friends from movies and songs. I cannot point to why this has been on my mind, but it has sparked this blog post, so we’ll see what insights I can share. Thank you for being a friend!


I recall a book I gifted my brother called Surround Yourself With Greatness by former BYU and NFL tight end, Chad Lewis. I might have read the intro but that’s all. I do remember Chad speaking about the book with a reporter once and what he shared has stuck with me. In summarizing what the book was about, he said something to the effect that you are what you surround yourself with. If you surround yourself with skunks, you are going to stink. If you surround yourself with people who are great, you will be great. I have heard John Bytheway refer to a similar idea which he calls "The Parable of the Marinade". Friends have a big influence on this and so it can be important what friends you choose. 


I have been blessed with friends throughout my life, but perhaps the most important thing I have learned about friendship is the importance of being a good friend. I do not have a perfect answer about what being a “good” friend means, but I hope to share a few insights that I have received from some of my favorite “friend” lines from movies.


“You’ve got a friend in me” from “Toy Story.” 

Andy’s interaction with his toys is a nostalgic look at what playing with toys can be. Add to the fact that the toys can come to life and are looking out for Andy and the journey that Woody and Buzz go on to becoming friends and it is a great friend journey. This line from this song is a good summary of what we want in a friend, someone to rely on.



“Never had a friend like me” from “Aladdin.” 

Robin Williams’ performance was spot on with this song and the message is one that I think I can see in the friends that I have. While there may be similarities in the friends that I have, each is unique and brings different strengths and to the proverbial table, providing me the opportunity to learn from each of them



“No man is a failure who has friends” from “It’s a Wonderful Life.” 


This message is written on Clarence’s copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer which he gifts to George Bailey at the end of the film. In the context of what Jesus told early leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Doctrine and Covenants 88:117, “ye are my friends,” I think this means that no one on earth is a failure because Jesus is our friend. Elder Buckner spoke in greater detail about this scripture in the October 2024 General Conference. 



Now, I know this is not a comprehensive list of all the friends’ examples that are out there, but I hope it can be a good start to reminding us all the importance of being a good friend, being grateful for our friends, and always remembering that the Savior is our greatest friend.