Who are Hades' Sons in Percy Jackson and The Olympians?

The Percy Jackson series, created by Rick Riordan, features multiple characters from Greek mythology, including Hades, the god of the underworld. In this series, Hades has several notable children, the most prominent of whom are Nico di Angelo and Hazel Levesque. Let's explore these characters and their roles within the Percy Jackson universe.

Nico di Angelo: Hades' Son

Nico di Angelo is Hades' son, born in the 1930s before the Big Three (Zeus, Poseidon, Ares) took an oath not to have any more demigod children. Hades kept Nico and his deceased sister, Bianca, hidden in a magical hotel called The Lotus Hotel, where they didn't age. Once Hades determined that Zeus and Poseidon had broken their oath, he took the siblings out of the hidden hotel and placed them in a military school.

During their time at the military academy, Grover, another demigod, sensed their immense demigod power and led to their discovery. Nico possesses many powerful abilities inherited from his father Hades:

Control Over the Dead: He can command and manipulate the spirits of the dead. Shadow Travel: Nico can transport himself through shadows, traveling vast distances almost instantly. Summoning the Dead: He can bring ghosts back to the land of the living and communicate with them. Times Between Worlds: Nico can travel between the underworld and the mortal world with ease. Opening Fissures: He can create holes in the ground that can draw people into the underworld. Banishment: Touching someone can send them to the underworld, often resulting in death.

These abilities make Nico an indispensable ally in the Percy Jackson series, helping the protagonists navigate various challenges and confrontations with underworld creatures.

Hazel Levesque: A Daughter of Pluto

Beyond the Greek form Hades, he is also known as Pluto. In the Percy Jackson series, Hades has another daughter named Hazel Levesque. Hazel was born with a curse, as her mother wished for all the riches of the underworld. This wish led to Hazel being cursed to have any metal she desired, but anyone who possessed that metal would face a terrible life. Hazel's mother, Maria Di Angelo, made this final wish to secure a life of luxury and wealth for her daughter.

Tragically, Hazel's luck took a turn for the worse. At the young age of 13, she was sent to the Fields of Asphodel, a realm of the underworld, to protect the world from destruction. Only Nico, her half-brother, knew of her existence and fate. Years later, Nico rescued Hazel from the underworld, bringing her back to the world of the living to aid in saving the world once more.

FAQs on Hades' Sons in Percy Jackson

Q: Are there any other sons of Hades in the Percy Jackson books?

A: So far, Rick Riordan has only introduced Nico di Angelo and Hazel Levesque as Hades' sons in the Percy Jackson series. However, the author has written the 'Mark of Athena' series, which is a continuation of Percy Jackson, and there may be more characters revealed in future books. For the current series, Nico and Hazel are the only known ones.

Q: How are Nico and Hazel related?

A: Nico di Angelo and Hazel Levesque are not siblings but are related through their fathers. Nico is Hades' son, while Hazel is the daughter of Hades (known as Pluto in Roman mythology) and Maria di Angelo. Hazel is Nico's half-sister, sharing the same father but different mothers.

Q: What is the significance of the name ‘Nico’?

A: In the Percy Jackson series, Nico di Angelo is a key character, known for his hauntingly beautiful appearance and supernatural abilities. The name 'Nico' is Italian and means 'laughing' or 'happy.' This name aptly reflects the character's cheerful and warm personality despite the dark and challenging circumstances he faces.

Conclusion

The Percy Jackson series, rich with characters from Greek mythology, includes Hades as a pivotal figure. His sons, Nico di Angelo and Hazel Levesque, are not just gió characters in the story but have significant roles in the narrative. While Nico focuses on his abilities and powers, Hazel comes into the limelight later in the series, battling curses and facing the complexities of her curse. These characters, along with other mythological figures, make for an exciting and engaging read for fans of the Percy Jackson series.