The Mark of Athena discussion

Is it just me, or does Rick Riordan put a lot of unusual names in his books? I mean, Piper and Percy aren't exactly common. I like all of his names, and I think it's a good idea that he does this. What do you think, are the names uncommon? Does he do it on purpose?

Piper isn't common in real life names but I feel like it's awfully common in literature. Piper's name, however, I think is an allusion to the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pied_Pip... In it, the guy basically uses his instrument to essentially seduce the rats into following him out of the town, and, later on, the children followed him out of town as well. In the same way, Piper can essentially get people to do what ever she wants just by speaking.

Percy's name is short for Perseus, who was, by birth, a son of Zeus, but "raised" by Poseidon. His mom explains the whole deal about Percy's name, and it makes sense.

Jason is because of the story about the sandals, the traditional Greek Myth.

I believe the meaning of the name "Annabeth" was clear in this book. Annabeth means "God has favored me." In the book, Annabeth is chosen by her mother to find the Mark of Athena. Favored? I think so.

Leo means lion, I'm not to sure about that...

The Hazel tree is a symbol of wisdom and protection

So, it's not all random.

He chose Annabeth because he's never heard the name before, and I know the story of Perseus, but he didn't have to name Percy Percy. I just think it's kind of cool because they're all nice names

the names i find all fit the characters really well, there personalities fit the names if that makes sence

Piper= good voice.
Percy= hero just like the original Perseus.

I did notice that they are a little unusual. I mean, Rayna? And Dakota? But I do like them, and I'm sure he has a reason for it.

Christina wrote: "I did notice that they are a little unusual. I mean, Reyna? And Dakota? But I do like them, and I'm sure he has a reason for it."

Well Reyna means Queen, so it's like she's Queen of the Roman Camp kind of?

I think all of the characters are really appropriately named in this book. I know that a good number of them are named after former students and teachers of his, so that's where some of them come from. As for others, I think most of them come from mythology or have some other meaning behind them. I don't think Rick Riordan is one to arbitrarily name his characters without having some meaning behind them.

Gods, I love it when an author does that.