The Lost Hero

What signs are there of Jason’s Roman heritage? How does he react to Camp Half-Blood? How do others react to him? What larger significance might the Greek/Roman rivalry have in the book?

Each of the three main characters gets important information in a dream. Why is dreaming important for demigods? How can gods and goddesses communicate in ways they would not usually be able to? What is left out in these dreams?

Discuss Gaea’s true identity. What does it mean to have mother earth as your enemy? Think in particular about Khione’s comments on climate change.

What do children owe their parents in this novel? Does filial piety play a role in Leo or Piper’s actions? How about Jason’s?

Explain the significance of Hera’s guise, Tia Callida. How should we interpret her placing Leo in an oven, introducing him to a snake, etc.? What does this say about godly vs. mortal parenting?

What is the difference between Piper’s and Drew’s charmspeak? (Alternatively, discuss Piper and Medea’s charmspeak). How does each seek to persuade others? Why does each seek to persuade others? What larger contrast does this point to?

Discuss Festus’s journey from insanity to usefulness to mere parts. How does the mechanical dragon take on a personality as the plot progresses? What does he teach Leo about vulnerability?

Discuss Rachel’s prophecy. Why is it important that a mortal serves as oracle? How might this connect to the relationship between gods and demigods?