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The Iliad is an ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer, dating back to the 8th century BCE. The poem primarily focuses on the Trojan War and the heroic deeds and tragic fate of the demigod Achilles, the mightiest warrior of the Greek army. The narrative unfolds over a few weeks in the final year of the war, depicting the wrath of Achilles after being slighted by his fellow Commander, Agamemnon. The poem not only explores the complexities of human emotions and the consequences of pride but also delves into themes of fate, honor, and mortality. For Percy Jackson readers, it may provide useful context for the many references made to Greek mythology and the dynamic between the Olympian gods.
Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey is believed to have been composed in the 8th century BCE. Together with its companion poem The Iliad, The Odyssey is a foundational work of Western literature. The narrative follows the Greek hero Odysseus as he embarks on a perilous journey home after the Trojan War. The poem opens with Odysseus stranded on the island of Ogygia, where he has been detained by the nymph Calypso. The majority of the story unfolds as Odysseus faces numerous challenges, encounters mythical creatures, and battles both the forces of nature and divine intervention on his way back to Ithaca, his beloved homeland. As with The Iliad, reading The Odyssey may allow readers to contextualize the many myths and legends Riordan draws from in The Lightning Thief. Notably, Athena’s rivalry with Poseidon is on full display in The Odyssey, owing to their vested interest in Odysseus’s journey—Athena wants to permit Odysseus to return home to Ithaca, against the wishes of the wrathful Poseidon.
Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, Edith Hamilton
Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, written by American author Edith Hamilton and first published in 1942, is a comprehensive overview of Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology. Hamilton’s work is a perennial bestseller, covering the major gods and goddesses, as well as the most famous myths, of these three mythological traditions. The book is notable for its clear and accessible prose, which has made it a popular resource for students and general readers alike.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a seminal work in contemporary fiction, laying the foundation for the immensely popular Harry Potter series. The novel follows the titular protagonist, a young orphan living with his cruel aunt and uncle, who discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard. Harry is soon admitted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he begins to learn about his past, make lifelong friends, and face the mysteries surrounding the Sorcerer’s Stone. For readers of The Lightning Thief, the Harry Potter series offers a worthy literary companion; both are works of fantasy that feature young boys as they embark on a journey to discover their true identity and understand their powers.
