- Published on
The Hidden Oracle
- Authors
- Name
- Rick Riordan
- @search?q=Rick Riordan
The Hidden Oracle (The Trials of Apollo, Book 1) - Summary
Apollo, the Greek god of prophecy, music, and archery, is cast down from Olympus by his father, Zeus. Stripped of his godly powers, Apollo lands in New York City as a mortal teenager named Lester Papadopoulos. He must navigate the challenges of the mortal world, including limited divine powers, while seeking a way to regain Zeus's favor and return to Olympus.
Key Themes
- Mortality vs. Divinity: Apollo's journey explores what it means to be human, contrasting his former divine existence with his current mortal state.
- Redemption: The narrative follows Apollo's quest for redemption, highlighting his growth and self-discovery as he attempts to rectify his past arrogance and mistakes.
- Friendship and Loyalty: Apollo's reliance on new and old friends, such as Meg McCaffrey, a demigod daughter of Demeter, underscores the importance of relationships and trust.
Plot Overview
- Quest for the Oracles: Apollo, aided by Meg and other demigods, embarks on a quest to find and protect the ancient oracles, which have stopped giving prophecies, threatening the mortal and divine worlds.
- Battles and Challenges: Facing various enemies, including the Roman emperors and mythical beasts, Apollo must overcome significant obstacles to secure the oracles and save his friends.
- Character Development: Throughout his trials, Apollo reflects on his divine past, acknowledges his flaws, and learns the value of human compassion and humility.
Conclusion
"The Hidden Oracle" sets the stage for Apollo's transformation and the high-stakes adventure to restore the balance between gods and humans. It combines humor, mythological fantasy, and emotional depth to explore themes of identity, redemption, and the power of friendship.