The Heroes of Olympus, #5
The Blood of Olympus
by Rick Riordan
Contents
XXVI
Overview
Jason and Percy confront Kymopoleia, a neglected sea-storm goddess causing the tempest that threatens their ship. She reveals her grudge against Poseidon and alliance with Gaea. Refusing to relent, Kym lures Percy into a trap as Polybotes, Poseidon’s anti-god giant, descends to finish Percy in Poseidon’s ruined palace.
Summary
Jason and Percy reach a submerged ruin where a towering woman with jellyfish hair claims to be Percy’s sister. She identifies herself as Kymopoleia, goddess of violent sea storms. While Jason tries diplomacy, Kym acknowledges she is sinking their ship and refuses to stop, intriguing in the chaos she creates.
Kym reveals the setting is Poseidon’s original palace and vents her resentment: her powers were restricted, she was married off to Briares without consent, and she is excluded from the Olympians’ regard. Percy argues the gods have tried to honor minor deities, but Kym dismisses him, saying she has received no such respect.
Kym confirms she is acting with Gaea, mocking Percy’s reputation and insisting her role is only to draw him here. Jason prepares to fight, aware their crew is vulnerable above and his air supply is limited.
A massive figure appears above: Polybotes, the anti-Poseidon giant Percy previously battled. Dripping poison and armed with trident and net, he declares his intent to crush Percy in Poseidon’s own ruins, releasing crowned green basilisks from his hair as the confrontation begins.
Who Appears
- Jason GraceSon of Jupiter; attempts to negotiate with Kymopoleia while preparing to fight underwater with limited air.
- Percy JacksonSon of Poseidon; tries to reason with his sea-goddess ‘sister,’ then becomes Polybotes’s target in the trap.
- KymopoleiaGoddess of violent sea storms; resentful of Poseidon, aiding Gaea, and orchestrating the storm to lure Percy.
- PolybotesGiant opposed to Poseidon; descends with trident, net, and basilisks, intent on killing Percy.