Percy Jackson & The Hero's Journey

"Heroes exist in a world that is considered ordinary or uneventful by those who live there."

"Usually there is a discovery, some event, or some danger that starts them on the heroic path."

"Heroes find a magic object or discover their world is in danger."

"It might be filled with supernatural creatures, breathtaking sights, and the constant threat of death."

"Unlike the heroes' home, this outside world has its own rules, and they quickly learn to respect these rules as their endurance, strength, and courage are tested time and time again.

"This supernatural character often gives them the means to complete the quest. Some of the time the gift is simply wisdom. Other times it is an object with magical powers."

"Every hero needs a helper, much like every superhero needs a sidekick. Most heroes would fail miserably without their helpers."

"Every so often I would spring a Mrs. Dodds reference on somebody, just to see if I could trip them up, but they would stare at me like I was psycho."

"What you learn from me," he said, "is vitally important. I expect you to treat it as such. I will accept only the best from you, Percy Jackson."

"I have dyslexia and attention deficit disorder and I had never made above a C- in my life."

"With a yelp, I dodged and felt talons slash the air next to my ear. I snatched the ballpoint pen out of the air, but when it hit my hand, it wasn't a pen anymore. It was a sword--Mr. Brunner's bronze sword, which he always used on tournament day."

"Then the weirdest thing happened. Her eyes began to glow like barbecue coals. Her fingers stretched, turning into talons. Her jacket melted into large, leathery wings. She wasn't human. She was a shriveled hag with bat wings and claws and a mouth full of yell fangs, and she was about to slice me to ribbons." (talking about Mrs. Dodds)

"His neck was a mass of muscle and fur leading up to his enormous head, which had a snout as long as my arm, snotty nostrils with a gleaming brass ring, cruel black eyes, and horns--enormous black-and-white horns with points you just couldn't get from an electric sharpener." (talking about the minotaur)

"...I simply couldn't process what I was seeing. The landscape was dotted with buildings that looked like ancient Greek architecture--an open-air pavilion, an amphitheater, a circular arena--except that they all looked brand new, their white marble columns sparkling in the sun."

"The truth is, I can't be dead. You see, eons ago the gods granted my wish. I could continue the work I loved. I could be a teacher of heroes for as long as humanity needed me."

"Look, Percy, the truth is, I--I kind of have to protect you."