Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief Cover Image

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

by Rick Riordan

Start Free Trial

Student Question

What is the meaning of Percy's dream in chapter 3?

Quick answer:

In chapter 3, Percy's dream of a horse and an eagle fighting foreshadows the struggle between Zeus and Poseidon.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

In chapter 3, Percy Jackson has a very strange and vivid dream while visiting the beach cabin in Montauk with his mom. In the dream, a beautiful horse and an eagle are fighting each other on the beach as a storm rages around them. While they fight, an inhuman voice sounds from the trembling earth, exhorting the animals to keep fighting. Percy tries to break up the fight. However, he is unable to get to them before he wakes up.

This dream is representative of the struggle between Zeus and Poseidon. The eagle is a common symbol for Zeus, and horses are associated with Poseidon. This dream is how Percy, with his demigod powers, can take a peek into the struggle that the two Olympian gods are soon to be engaged in. Although Percy does not know it yet, the theft of Zeus's lightning bolt and the several violations of the gods' oath not to have more children have led to tensions and mistrust. If the lightning bolt cannot be found, war among the gods seems inevitable. This divine struggle seems to be playing out in Percy's dreams.

Throughout this book and others in the series, Percy has many dreams. Just like demigods in Greek mythology, Percy has dreams that hold important messages or omens of the future.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial