Today, we’re kicking off a week-long celebration of tomorrow’s release of Percy Jackson’s Greek Heroes by Rick Riordan, a companion novel to the Percy Jackson series — which this year is marking 10 years in print! Each day this week, we’re bringing you a little more in-depth information about Greek mythology — and a unique chance to win a Percy Jackson prize pack. (Details on that later in this post, so keep reading!) For now, here’s today’s lesson.
Greek Mythology: Homer’s Illiad & Odyssey
These two epic poems by Homer chronicle the events of the Trojan War and its aftermath. Chances are, you have or will read at least one of them at some time in your high school education — and while the language of these epic poems can be daunting, they are totally worth the read! Why? Well, here are some examples of the stories you’ll encounter in these epic poems:
- The seduction of a god
- A fight amongst the gods
- Capture (and escape) by the Lotus Eaters
- A battle with the Cyclops
- A witch who turns men into pigs
The Odyssey also ends with a pretty bad ass climax, in which Odysseus and his son fight and kill all the suitors who have been trying to woo Odysseus’s wife while he was away fighting the Trojan War. It’s insane, and so much fun to read.
You can learn more about both The Odyssey and The Illiad at your local library, and read more about such Greek Heroes in the new book from Rick Riordan, in stores tomorrow:
Who cut off Medusa’s head? Who was raised by a she-bear? Who tamed Pegasus? It takes a demigod to know, and Percy Jackson can fill you in on the all the daring deeds of Perseus, Atalanta, Bellerophon, and the rest of the major Greek heroes. Told in the funny, irreverent style readers have come to expect from Percy, ( I’ve had some bad experiences in my time, but the heroes I’m going to tell you about were the original old school hard luck cases. They boldly screwed up where no one had screwed up before. . .) and enhanced with vibrant artwork by Caldecott Honoree John Rocco, this story collection will become the new must-have classic for Rick Riordan’s legions of devoted fans–and for anyone who needs a hero. So get your flaming spear. Put on your lion skin cape. Polish your shield and make sure you’ve got arrows in your quiver. We’re going back about four thousand years to decapitate monsters, save some kingdoms, shoot a few gods in the butt, raid the Underworld, and steal loot from evil people. Then, for dessert, we’ll die painful tragic deaths. Ready? Sweet. Let’s do this.
Win a Percy Prize Pack
Tell us your favorite Greek hero in the comments below, for your chance to win a copy of Greek Heroes, plus a Percy Jackson backpack. Tune in every day this week for more chances to win!
Once you’ve commented below, head to the Rafflecopter form HERE to make it official.
Prizing & samples provided by Disney Hyperion.
Visit the Official Website
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#ReadRiordan
Novel Novice 
My favorite Greek hero probably has to be Odysseus because he uses his brain instead of his brain to get out of the tricky situations he got himself in.
Hermes because he can fly fast and is witty.
Hestia because she was about home (tabathia b on the form)
I have to say Hestia as well. My son – the Percy Jackson devotee – is utterly unable to pick a favorite. “I can’t decide!”
Artemis!
My favorite Greek hero is Perseus, it was one of the first myths I read and it’s pretty epic, how he fought Medusa and then went to save princess Andromeda. Great story!
I like the story of Odyssus and Hercules.
I like the story of Odysseus because he’s able to use his wits to survive plus stays faithful to his wife. But I also like the story of Hercules, the Disney version!