The Hidden Oracle

Apollo thinks, “Zeus needed someone to blame, so of course he’d picked the handsomest, most talented, most popular god in the pantheon: me” (2). In what ways does this statement reflect Apollo’s sense of self at the novel’s beginning? Does mortal experience challenge and transform Apollo’s sense of self? If so, can you think of ways Apollo’s mortal reality contradicts his initial notion of himself?

Using background research, describe the two other instances in which Apollo was exiled by Zeus. How is Apollo’s third and current exile different from his previous experiences?

Apollo and other characters often reference details from contemporary culture. Find and list three such references. Does Riordan’s use of these references impact your reading experience? If so, what are some of the effects created by the use of contemporary references in Apollo’s narrative?

Apollo calls Meg a “feral demigod.” Do you agree with Apollo’s description of Meg? Use the text to support your argument.

Rhea describes Triumvirate Holdings as follows: “The Man, man. Big Brother. The suits. The imperators… That’s their new military-industrial complex. It’s bumming me out in a big way” (243-44). Do you think such a “military-industrial complex” exists in the real world? Can you think of parallels to Triumvirate Holdings in real life? How are Rhea’s warnings about the consolidation of power relevant to contemporary society?

Nero remarks that he became a god because he was worshipped. He also refers to himself as a “god-emperor,” much to Apollo’s anger. Why do you think Nero’s label for himself enrages Apollo? Do you think worship can create a god out of a human?

Apollo says, “Zeus used to say, Don’t get on the wrong side of my lightning bolts, boy. As if the lightning bolt had a mind of its own—as if Zeus had nothing to do with the punishments meted out to me” (289). What do you think Apollo means by this statement? How does Zeus’s treatment of him remind Apollo of Nero’s treatment of Meg? What is common between the approaches of the two fathers?

After the dryads sacrifice themselves to save the Grove of Dodona, Apollo states, “I was no less a monster than Nero” (295). Why do you think Apollo compares himself to Nero? Can you think of other instances in the text where Apollo’s past actions resemble Nero’s?