The Master Bolt (Symbol)
Zeus’s master bolt is the catalyst for the conflict in this story, and it represents many things. First, it is symbol of his power, so when it is stolen from him he feels as if his power has been taken away. Strangely, it is also a symbol of peace: when the master bolt is in its rightful place in Zeus’s hands, there is peace in the world of gods and mortals. When the bolt is stolen, peace is disrupted and the world is threatened with war between the gods.
Percy's Dreams (Symbol)
Percy’s dreams are not visions of the future—rather, they are visions of the present, clues into the scheming and plotting that is occurring beyond their line of sight. Dreams in literature are often symbols, and in this case, they are messages from the gods that clue Percy in to what he needs to know in order to succeed at his quest. These dreams are essential knowledge that keeps Percy moving forward and uncovering the truth.
The Water (Symbol)
For Percy, son of the sea god, water is a symbol of power, life, and strength. When Percy goes in the water, he is in his element, cured of all ailments and given the strength to fight on. The water also symbolizes Percy’s connection with his father. He has never met him, but throughout his quest he feels connected with him every time he steps foot in the water until the end of the novel, when he comes face-to-face with Poseidon for the first time.
The Helm of Darkness (Symbol)
Like the master bolt is for Zeus, the helm of darkness is a symbol of Hades’s power, and he feels threatened when it is taken from him. Hades is a master of darkness, and the helm allows him to become darkness itself. When Hades’s helm is stolen, he loses a part of himself; however, unlike Zeus, he does not parade its absence to the world, preferring to keep it quiet so he can deal with it in his own way.
Medusa's Head and the Minotaur Horn (Symbol)
These two objects, Medusa’s severed head and the minotaur horn, are Percy’s very first spoils of war. They symbolize his budding identity as a demigod and hero, as well as his growing strength and ability to beat the monsters that chase him. Percy sends Medusa’s head to the gods as a cheeky sign of his newfound abilities, warning them that he is a force to be reckoned with, and that he can handle anything they throw at him.
