The Heroes of Olympus, #2
The Son of Neptune
by Rick Riordan
Contents
XLI Hazel
Overview
Hazel dives into deadly muskeg to pull Percy from the earth, resisting Gaea’s seductive illusion of a restored life with her mother and Sammy. Gaea claims to hold Nico and to own Percy, trying to break Hazel’s resolve. Hazel chooses reality and friendship, and the trio regroups, pushing toward Seward.
Summary
As Percy is swallowed by the earth near Seward, Hazel orders Frank to brace a bow as a lifeline and jumps into the muskeg. Submerged, Hazel is dragged into a vision where Gaea, speaking through Hazel’s mother, tempts her with a perfect New Orleans morning and a chance to live a full life with Sammy.
Gaea undermines Hazel’s confidence, insisting Hazel’s second life is an illusion, claiming ownership of Percy, and revealing she has captured Nico for seeking the Doors. Gaea promises Hazel peace if she lets go. Remembering Percy grasping her ankles below, Hazel rejects the offer and demands release.
Frank hauls Hazel and Percy out by the bow. Shaking and spitting mud, the three recover by the roadside. Hazel recounts Gaea’s mind games and the disturbing claim about Nico; Percy promises they will find out what happened to him. They consider that Gaea may still want them as pawns.
Frank reassures Hazel that her life now is real and vows they won’t let her die again. Hazel, mindful of Frank’s tied lifeline and Hylla’s desperate timetable, urges them onward. Looking over a much-changed Seward, Hazel suggests a place they might clean up before continuing the quest.
Who Appears
- Hazel LevesquePOV; dives into muskeg to save Percy, resists Gaea’s illusion, learns Nico may be captured, recommits to the quest.
- Percy JacksonDragged under by earth into muskeg; saved by Hazel; shaken but supportive, promises to help find Nico.
- Frank ZhangAnchors the bow lifeline and hauls Hazel and Percy out; comforts Hazel and insists her life is real.
- GaeaAntagonist; traps Hazel in an illusion, claims Percy and Nico, tempts Hazel to surrender and die peacefully.
- Queen Marie (Hazel’s mother)Appears in Gaea’s illusion as a loving mother, used to manipulate Hazel with memories of New Orleans.