Contents
XVI
Overview
Bob the Titan arrives in Tartarus, destroys the empousai, and heals Percy and Annabeth. He claims Percy called him from Hades’s palace and insists they move, warning more enemies are coming. The chapter introduces a powerful ally and a way forward amid mounting dangers.
Summary
A towering silver-haired Titan drops from the sky and stomps Kelli, then dispatches the remaining empousai with a spear-tipped broom, proudly declaring, “Sweep!” The name tag reads Bob, and both Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase reel at the sudden, improbable rescue.
When Annabeth tries to crawl away, Bob kneels and painlessly heals her arm with a touch, then mends Percy’s neck and arm. Percy recognizes the Titan as Bob, the janitor-like figure he once met, and reassures Annabeth that Bob is friendly.
Bob happily explains he heard Percy call his name from Hades’s palace—where no one invokes Bob unless there’s a mess—and rushed to help his friend. He affirms his identity with childlike pride, repeating “Bob,” and shows affection toward Percy.
Bob’s tone shifts to urgency: “They are coming.” Without specifying who, he insists they leave immediately and claims to know a safe way. Percy and Annabeth, newly healed, accept his guidance as Bob prepares to lead them through Tartarus.
Who Appears
- BobAmnesiac Titan janitor; arrives in Tartarus, kills the empousai, heals Percy and Annabeth, and urges an immediate escape.
- Percy JacksonWounded by empousai, calls out Bob’s name, is healed, and follows Bob’s lead to flee approaching enemies.
- Annabeth ChaseBadly injured in the fight; wary but accepts Bob’s help, is healed, and prepares to move under his guidance.
- KelliEmpousa leader who taunted Percy and Annabeth; is abruptly stomped to dust by Bob.
- EmpousaiVampiric monsters ambushing Percy and Annabeth; two are slain by Bob’s broom-spear and thrown broom.