The House of Hades
discussion
NICO… YOU KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT O.o
I gotta say i was really impressed and it was a pretty bold move, Riordan has been surprising me since he showed Hazel going to a segregated school in the past, it made me feel he was giving some credit to his readers, as in "this is a thing that actually happened, people were really treated like this, real people, denying this reality is disrespectful to those affected by it"The fact is that the books, ever since Percy Jackson and the Olympians, have always been about growing up in a world where you have trouble fitting in and struggling to accept yourself as different from the mainstream, and finding people who accepts you for who you are, so a character being gay makes a lot of sense in the story.
As a gay man myself gotta say the way it was portrayed was wonderfully realistic. Nico struggles with his feelings and doubts his friends will accept him. He certainly isn't defined by his orientation, but he feels isolated because of it, he's terrified of others finding out in a pitifully paranoid way with which I could completely relate.
I believe he's really gay, I mean not just a Percy thing. He mentions Bianca was the only one who accepted him and she died shortly after them meeting Percy. His feelings certainly lean more to the romantic than to the sexual, then again, so do the other couples, and I'd bet that, being all of them hormonal teenagers, Hazel has probably thought about getting in Frank's pants.
The fact that Nico is an established character also drives home the point that hey, he's the same guy we always knew, he's our friend, he's not THE GAY GUY, he's a guy that just happens to be gay.
All in all, I applaud the whole situation, is very realistic, very fitting and very respectful.
i did not see this coming. i mean, i was starting to guess it when they were talking about cupid and what not but there was no way for me to guess in all the other books!!!! it sure explains alot about nico but it makes no difference to me if hes gay or not. i was shocked that he wrote it in books that are for, what? 5th graders and up? normally writers dont introduce that so early, but it doesnt make any difference. i know some parents will think its a bad book to read cuz of nicos confession but im glad rick did that. it doesnt even push the gay subject on kids. and who cares if they ask 'how can a boy like another boy'? all you have to say is, 'everyone falls in love. even if its with the same gender, love is still the same.' most kids will just be like 'oh' and move on. come on. i really hate it when certain parents think its inappropriate. seriously? they talk about about nicos love life alot less than percy and annabeth who kiss all the time. parents: RELAX. btw, im not hating on those ppl. youre entitled to your opinion, im just saying, i disagree with those of you.
Sam wrote: "Grace wrote: "Umm... I really don't know what to say about this, but I thought these books were for 9-12 year-olds."my brother is 9, and all anyone at his school ever talks about is being gay. ki..."
i wish more ppl thought like this. for most kids, they are just curious and once explained to them, they move on like its any other random fact they just learned about lol
Jasmine wrote: "Not reading the last book because of Nico's little "episode". This is inappropriate, and I will have nothing to do with an author who supports gay rights. This is violating, and horrifying."Woah! You need to cool down. Regardless of your personal opinions, please keep the discussion related to Nico.
P.S - Your phrasing could have been much more polite. "Violating and horrifying"? Seriously? Are you just tossing words around? Also, I strongly disagree with your opinions. Everyone has a right to their sexuality.
Ariel wrote: "Ker Malkin wrote: "I actually didn't know he's gay until I read his confession. But it all makes sense. The way he's acting and all. There's probably a hint in the Son of Neptune when amnesiac Perc..."i found quite a few in the the last olympian! im gonna re-read son of neptune to see if there are any there.
Hints
1) When nico is trying to convince percy to go to the river styx, he repetes a line of the profecy which fortells a demigods death (remember at the time everyone thought it was percy). Nico gets very upset.
*small except not typing the whole thing*
"you cant prevent a prophecy" I said.
"But you can fight it!" Nico had a strange, hungry look in his eyes. "you can become invincible"
"maybe we should wait and try and fight without-"
"NO" Nico snarled, "you have to do this".
I stared at him. I hadent seen his temper flare like this in a long time.
2) Also when Nico is in distress (lukes mother shaking him) he would call out "Percy!" to come and save him. This is ooc for nico, showing his vulnerability when it comes to percy.
3) Hades notes how "quite sincere" nico was about trying to save percy.
4) Nico flips out when he thinks percy is hurt, his reaction almost ooc
"Are you ok?! Your skin. Oh, gods your hurt!"
now lets think of nicos personality. This definetly shows how much he cares.
5)Nico is shown to be completely miserable when he believes Percy doesn't trust him anymore. honestly that is the wording. strong reaction from the ghost king!
6) Nico undergoes bulling and torment and possible execution from his father simply for the sake that percy asked him to try and convince hades to help. Its a dangerous task that Nico attacks and trys increadably hard to achive. This shows that Nico cares more about what percy thinks of him than what his own father thinks of him.
Overall nico is shown to care more about percy's welfare and opinion of him being than anything else in the books (except bianca but thats not the point). Ill keep finding more hints- hope this helps!!
Kaleb wrote: "Jasmine wrote: "Not reading the last book because of Nico's little "episode". This is inappropriate, and I will have nothing to do with an author who supports gay rights. This is violating, and hor..."everyone needs to calm down about nico. honestly this is a charecter from a series of beloved books. ONE character. And if you guys ever READ the books you'll find out he never wanted to BE that. Nico hates being different and thats what he always is. so please stop OVERREACTING TO THIS
Chayse wrote: "Ariel wrote: "Ker Malkin wrote: "I actually didn't know he's gay until I read his confession. But it all makes sense. The way he's acting and all. There's probably a hint in the Son of Neptune when..."Thanks for this. Okay no thanks. You just made me feel stupid that I had all these glaring clues and still could not see it coming. :) Could you do something like this for The Titan's curse. That is when they first meet, there are bound to be more clues.
By the way, can anyone tell me what happened after Nico got shot with Cupid's arrow? I mean, he had a crush on Percy since a long time ago. What effect did the arrow have?
Aditya wrote: "Chayse wrote: "Ariel wrote: "Ker Malkin wrote: "I actually didn't know he's gay until I read his confession. But it all makes sense. The way he's acting and all. There's probably a hint in the Son ..."Ok!! I could do one for all the books, in the titans curse they are going to be way more subtile.
I do remember Nico asking Percy a ton of questions about annabeth regaurding how close their relationship was. "is annabeth your girlfriend? how close are you? are you just friends? do you want to ask her out?"
that kind of stuff. That could show that Nico wanted to know if annabeth was in the picture or out of the picture. does this qualify as a hint?
I also re-read the scene where nico swallows up the skeletons. The second percy doubt he could live through the attack Nico screams "NO". Then they are swallowed. Percy tried to get closer to Nico but nico is looking really upset (probably confused about himself) and looks percy in the eyes and tells him something along the lines of stay away from me and i hate you. this shows that nico doesnt like his own feeling and thinks they are wrong, and hates percy not only for not saving his sister, but also because percy is the one who STARTED giving nico these confusing feelings. Nico wants to stay away from percy because he is confused about himself and hurt.
hows that for the "spot the gay" in titans curse? XD
I LOVE Nico like an insane amount (idk why but my love always goes to characters who are outcasts, cant fit in). I keep getting mad at all the people posting negative stuff about rick and nico.
Cecerose wrote: "Joy wrote: "I see what you are saying Cecerose; however, I'm not really sure what you mean by "kids deciding for themselves." Obviously, each person has their own opinion and ultimately makes their..."Sorry this isn't really about the discussion but I just wanted to be able to say this because well other ppl aren't sticking to the discussion anyhow
Umm the bible doesn't tell u to marry ur rapist just to be clear on that =P secondly =) about the other stuff the ones about what stuff u should and should not eat etc (tho some of ur stuff is a bit off but its ok) those were the things god told the jews to do to cleanse themselves they used to make animal sacrifices aswell and when jesus died we no longer do those things cuz we believe jesus is our only way of becoming clean because we are sinners and will do stuff no matter how hard we try =) however the doing it with a lot of ppl and being gay those are different those are part of the ten commandments and it says it in the new testament aswell and both of those are sins along with lying stealing etc which I am guilty of but the whole point is those things are still wrong and we shouldn't be doing them and we are supposed to disagree with them I think being gay is wrong and it's a sin but also is sleeping with more then 1 person and lying and stealing we may still fail a lot but we should still try not to so yes I completely disagree with being gay and I'm sorry but I believe it's a sin and I also believe things I do are sins I don't hate the ppl who are gay I'm a sinner too just one saved by grace but I belive being gay is wrong but I also believe sleeping with someone before marriage is wrong and I will not hate u if u do it but I will hate the sin =) and yes if u have done either one jesus will still forgive u but u should try not to sin even if u do if u love jesus (Sorry if I sound preachy but some of these comments were really bugging me when it came to Christianity ) Also for a person awhile back who send theres tons of translations of the bible no if some one has change or added to the bible that's not the bible I'm talking about the one we've had for thousands of years that still matches up with thousand year old transcripts Srry for the long monologue
Also just cuz I can't resist and this is my opinion (separate even of the fact I think it's biblically wrong) but I'm sorry if it's ok if I liked another girl is it ok if I like my sister? Or my brother what if I am in LOVE with my dog? Or even a child? U can justify a lot of wrong things by saying "Love is love" and just for the sake of it what if I'm "In" love with my car =P Sorry couldn't resist and I'm NOT looking forward to all the flaming I'm sure to receive =P also
I am sooo sad=(
Nico was my fav character (Cries) (Oh and just saying I wouldn't like him either if they made him have like 10 gf's in the book either ) and I'm suuuper sad =( and I do think it's inappropriate for a kids book =/ and honestly it feels like that was completely random like he literally just threw that in for the sake of it =/
PLEASE DON'T FLAME ME =) GOD BLESS U!!
TellyABookWormToTheMax wrote: "Cecerose wrote: "Joy wrote: "I see what you are saying Cecerose; however, I'm not really sure what you mean by "kids deciding for themselves." Obviously, each person has their own opinion and ultim..."Thank you, you actually had a respectful opinion of this. And i halfway agree (im a christian) and i dont think these books are kids books anymore because of this kind of stuff.
I personally believe your born with it, and that what nico was born with in the books. Its shown alot that he doesnt WANT this- he wants to be normal. He hates the fact that on top of being from a different century and hades son he has to be gay. Actually he cant even bring himself to say that term because he doesn't want it so much.
I also have the opinion that you shouldnt just NOT read the books because of this. (not you specifically idk if u read it or not, but mainly everyone who shares somewhat of your opinion seems to be boycotting the books).
its one character and half a chapter. honestly its only a big deal if you let it be.
The bible does say that you should marry your rapist. I'd show you the quote but honestly I don't see how religious views have anything to do with homosexuality whatsoever. They are opinions, people choose what they believe in. People do not choose their sexuality. Your religious opinions are your own, and they're your choices. You're allowed your own beliefs, but to say you disagree with homosexuality because of your religion is painting religion very negatively. You disagree with homosexuality because that's what you choose to believe in. There are plenty of religious people who are supportive of homosexuality.Homosexuality is no different than heterosexuality, it's love between two consenting people with no harm involved to anybody. Incest, paedophilia and bestiality all involve harm, cruelty, non consent or a mixture of all of them. That is how it's completely different. I shouldn't have to explain something so obvious but there you go.
Also Chayse, I love the hints you're pointing out. I remembered parts like that but not the exact places. I love how Rick kept it surprising but now that we know it becomes so obvious in hindsight.
Can anyone tell me what happened after Nico got shot with Cupid's arrow? I mean, he had a crush on Percy since a long time ago. What additional effect did the arrow have?By the way, TellyABookWormToTheMax. I am not a Christian - I think people should have a right to form relationships with whoever they want - NOTE THIS IS IMPORTANT - if and _only if_ the other person is consenting (agrees). Now, a children (under 18) are out of the equation since they lack the understanding of responsibilities and dangers of ***. So are animals or "your car" as you said. But adults are fully comprehending of all the ties with the act and so homosexuality is their choice to make, not anyone else. I repeat, I am a Hindu, not a christian, but religion does not even come into it. You can not take away gay rights all over the world just because the Bible may say so.
Your one redeeming quality is that you do not hate homosexuals. I despise people who despise other people solely on their sexuality.
Nico remains my favorite character in spite, or maybe _because_ of The House of Hades.
Aditya wrote: "Can anyone tell me what happened after Nico got shot with Cupid's arrow? I mean, he had a crush on Percy since a long time ago. What additional effect did the arrow have?By the way, TellyABookWor..."
Cupids arrow wasnt a love arrow. They were just mainly to cause pain
NOOOOOOO!!! I am scared because of Nico. PERCABETH forever. you cant just right a whole series on two people fallng in love and then but someone between them!!!!
Nico's not going to come between Percy and Annabeth.
Lucas wrote: "I just read to where nick admits hes gay and my first thought was: what the hell are u doing rick!!!! But seriously what exactly was he thinking?"When I heard Nico's gay (before reading the book) I thought Rick was taking a stand for tolerance. Now that's I've read the chapter in which Nico comes out, I think he has a different (or at least additional) motive.
Remember that the god of the West Wind specifically pointed out that he was in love WITH A DUDE. That's true (by true, I mean that it really is in the original story). It's also true that Apollo was in love with the same guy. And there are many other stories in which Apollo falls in love with women. That's what inspired my theory:
Rick's mission in writing is, and always has been, to make mythology more accessible to modern readers. He's not just doing this to entertain, he's trying to teach. He's a history teacher; He was inspired to write Percy Jackson while he was telling Greek-myth bedtime stories to his son. One of the challenges people have had with it in the last few decades has been the homosexual activity that is ALL OVER those stories.
The fact is - and every good historian, sociologist, or scientist knows this - you cannot learn about something if you are busy judging it. You cannot truly learn about a culture, if you are ignoring the pieces you don't like. While reading Percy Jackson or Heroes of Olympus you are learning about two cultures that prospered thousands of years; the two cultures that had more impact on modern civilization than any other.
People tend to forget that, relative to the age of civilization, the idea that homosexuality is immoral or unnatural is a new thing. The Gods themselves often fell in love with both men and women.
Think I'm wrong? Just remember, if you're thinking that you won't read any more of Rick's work because of this, you are only punishing YOURSELF. Not reading the next book means YOU won't know how the story ends. Not reading his next series, means YOU will have to find another way to learn about the Norse Gods (if you are so inclined. Most likely you'll just never learn about them). Think you're punishing Rick financially by not buying his books? Your purchase is just a drop in the bucket. And don't think he didn't consider that before he published (and decided it's a small price to pay). For a writer like Rick Riordan, the income from his writing is just a bonus. He's already making a living income by teaching.
I thought Rick did a wonderful job here - both for promoting tolerance, and for tying it into the subject he's trying to teach.
Natalia wrote: "NOOOOOOO!!! I am scared because of Nico. PERCABETH forever. you cant just right a whole series on two people fallng in love and then but someone between them!!!!"lol percy is strait- nico ISNT gonna come between them. the whole thing is totally one sided and sad and omg nicooo
Chayse wrote: "Ariel wrote: "Ker Malkin wrote: "I actually didn't know he's gay until I read his confession. But it all makes sense. The way he's acting and all. There's probably a hint in the Son of Neptune when..."OMGs THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! :D That stuff is GENIUS, but I was also kinda wondering if there was any evidence in The Heroes of Olympus books. I mean, like, that stuff totally makes sense, but I wonder if there is anything even more obvious. But, for me to have guessed that Nico was gay, I think there would probably have to be something more obvious. And maybe I'm wrong, but I have this weird feeling that I guessed this before we actually found out for sure (and I wasn't involved in any fandoms or anything that was talking about Nico being gay)...
I think that homosexuality is not a good topic to put in a children's book. This is something that everyone needs to be able to decide on their own. Also as a parent this is something I would want to talk to my kids about. I don't want them reading a book when their nine and suddenly being introduced to the whole ideaAlso in regards to what Jasmine said and what other people are saying.
She is grown up and it is very much an opinion. She has the right to say that being gay is horrifying. Just like you have the opinion to say being gay is natural and right. Everybody is saying how we need to treat everyone equally and listen to them but as soon as someone says gay is horrifying all of a sudden that's not an opinion and you're mistreating gays. No she is simply saying she doesn't agree with it. Just because you don't support gay marriage doesn't mean you need to grow up or shut up. There are two sides of the opinion. Each side should have its right to speak freely without criticism.
Just to let everyone know, I am not bashing on being gay or bisexual. Merely saying we need listen to both sides
Maya wrote: "I think that homosexuality is not a good topic to put in a children's book. This is something that everyone needs to be able to decide on their own. Also as a parent this is something I would want..."I definitely think that everyone should be allowed to express their opinion, but sometimes a line is crossed. Yes, you should express your opinion, but you should also find a way to be polite about it. I don't think it's what Jasmine said, but how she said it.
Maya - how can people decide on their own how they feel about something if everyone pretends it doesn't exist? Then they're automatically going to think it's weird since they haven't heard of it in their whole lives. You are born with your sexuality, there are gay children, this is reality. All Rick has done is portray reality. Do you think kids don't have crushes when they're nine? We're not talking about something sexual, it's an innocent crush, children have them. And not all children are straight.
As for Jasmine, how do you know she's grown up? Of course she's allowed to say what she wants, and people are allowed to say what they want in response. Some people are racist and believe anyone with a different skin colour is less of a person and shouldn't be allowed to do what they can do. They're allowed to say that, and people are allowed to criticise their small minded bigoted views.
Yes, people are allowed to say what they think. And others are allowed to ask them to take their views elsewhere.~ Not reading the next book because of Hazel being black. This is inappropriate, and I will have nothing to do with an author who supports black people. This is violating, and horrifying. ~
~ Not reading the next book because Annabeth fights alongside the boys. This is inappropriate, and I will have nothing to do with an author who supports women's rights. This is violating, and horrifying. ~
People are allowed to say things like this too. And other people are allowed to call them on being offensive and bigoted.
You know, what I am curious for is how is Percy going to find out? He has to find out, if for no other reason to give closure to Nico so he can move on. The most heart breaking part is that Percy genuinely cares for him as a sibling. I so look forward to them getting past this.
JJ wrote: "You know, what I am curious for is how is Percy going to find out? He has to find out, if for no other reason to give closure to Nico so he can move on. The most heart breaking part is that Percy ..."YES! This is part of the anguish I am going through right now. Maybe part of Nico's closure could be that he finds someone else… But I feel like that would maybe be too soon in the story… I feel like Rick should have left more time to develop this. I would be totally happy though if he did find someone… I just wish we had more time to see this play out!
Son of Neptune:- Nico avoids Percy after Hazel introduces them. Nico SAYS it's because he can't allow Percy to remember himself too soon. After reading House of Hades, we can now see that Nico is still fighting his feelings
- Nico was dropping hints to Hazel about how the war games were going to be interesting. I also suspected that he convinced Reyna to give the team opposing Percy the water cannons. He clearly enjoyed watching Percy fight.
Mark of Athena:
- Annabeth thought that Nico had a crush on her once. Most of us readers thought "When on earth did Nico like Annabeth?" I know I did. Uncle Rick obviously wanted to throw us off track there.
- Nico was panicking when Percy was about to fall into Tartarus. He was screaming for help. Nico then promised to lead the Argo II to the doors of death
- On the Argo II, Nico told the other demigods aboard that Percy was the most powerful demigod he's ever known.
Laurel wrote: "Son of Neptune:- Nico avoids Percy after Hazel introduces them. Nico SAYS it's because he can't allow Percy to remember himself too soon. After reading House of Hades, we can now see that Nico i..."
All those hints! I still think it was brotherly, at least in the PJO series...but once I read your list, it became more impossible to ignore that Riordan had planned it from the beginning.
I agree that Nico would require more time to get closure on all of this, Percy obviously is going to find out sooner or later and that's another thing to deal with.I'm really looking forward to see how is Riordan going to pack all the action required in book five along this issue and the issues of all the other demigods in less tan 5000 pages. Nico's situation has to be handled very carefully, and if he's not the only demigod without a relationship at the end of the book that means there's going to be at least one other gay character, which I hope gets sufficiently developed.
I really hope Riordan doesn't go for the "gay ends up dead" trope and that he gets to be in a happy couple just as all the heterosexual demigods are.
I also hope Reyna won't fall for him on the way to camp, poor girl just keeps barking at all the wrong trees Hahahahaa
Ariel wrote: "Chayse wrote: "Ariel wrote: "Ker Malkin wrote: "I actually didn't know he's gay until I read his confession. But it all makes sense. The way he's acting and all. There's probably a hint in the Son ..."i was caught increadably blind sided by it! I made a joke once that he might be because of his sword (hes the only one with a different kind of sword- fashion statement much? XD) but besides that no.
I do remember Nico asking Percy a ton of questions about annabeth regaurding how close their relationship was. "is annabeth your girlfriend? how close are you? are you just friends? do you want to ask her out?"
that kind of stuff. That could show that Nico wanted to know if annabeth was in the picture or out of the picture. does this qualify as a hint?
I also re-read the scene where nico swallows up the skeletons. The second percy doubt he could live through the attack Nico screams "NO". Then they are swallowed. Percy tried to get closer to Nico but nico is looking really upset (probably confused about himself) and looks percy in the eyes and tells him something along the lines of stay away from me and i hate you. this shows that nico doesnt like his own feeling and thinks they are wrong, and hates percy not only for not saving his sister, but also because percy is the one who STARTED giving nico these confusing feelings. Nico wants to stay away from percy because he is confused about himself and hurt.
hows that for the "spot the gay" in titans curse?
Ill keep looking for hints though!
Laurel wrote: "Son of Neptune:- Nico avoids Percy after Hazel introduces them. Nico SAYS it's because he can't allow Percy to remember himself too soon. After reading House of Hades, we can now see that Nico i..."
More hints;
Nico Hints
i found quite a few in the the last olympian! im gonna re-read son of neptune to see if there are any there.
Hints
1) When nico is trying to convince percy to go to the river styx, he repetes a line of the profecy which fortells a demigods death (remember at the time everyone thought it was percy). Nico gets very upset.
*small except not typing the whole thing*
"you cant prevent a prophecy" I said.
"But you can fight it!" Nico had a strange, hungry look in his eyes. "you can become invincible"
"maybe we should wait and try and fight without-"
"NO" Nico snarled, "you have to do this".
I stared at him. I hadent seen his temper flare like this in a long time.
2) Also when Nico is in distress (lukes mother shaking him) he would call out "Percy!" to come and save him. This is ooc for nico, showing his vulnerability when it comes to percy.
3) Hades notes how "quite sincere" nico was about trying to save percy.
4) Nico flips out when he thinks percy is hurt, his reaction almost ooc
"Are you ok?! Your skin. Oh, gods your hurt!"
now lets think of nicos personality. This definetly shows how much he cares.
5)Nico is shown to be completely miserable when he believes Percy doesn't trust him anymore. honestly that is the wording. strong reaction from the ghost king!
6) Nico undergoes bulling and torment and possible execution from his father simply for the sake that percy asked him to try and convince hades to help. Its a dangerous task that Nico attacks and trys increadably hard to achive. This shows that Nico cares more about what percy thinks of him than what his own father thinks of him.
Overall nico is shown to care more about percy's welfare and opinion of him being than anything else in the books (except bianca but thats not the point). Ill keep finding more hints- hope this helps!!
I do remember Nico asking Percy a ton of questions about annabeth regaurding how close their relationship was. "is annabeth your girlfriend? how close are you? are you just friends? do you want to ask her out?"
that kind of stuff. That could show that Nico wanted to know if annabeth was in the picture or out of the picture. does this qualify as a hint?
I also re-read the scene where nico swallows up the skeletons. The second percy doubt he could live through the attack Nico screams "NO". Then they are swallowed. Percy tried to get closer to Nico but nico is looking really upset (probably confused about himself) and looks percy in the eyes and tells him something along the lines of stay away from me and i hate you. this shows that nico doesnt like his own feeling and thinks they are wrong, and hates percy not only for not saving his sister, but also because percy is the one who STARTED giving nico these confusing feelings. Nico wants to stay away from percy because he is confused about himself and hurt.
hows that for the "spot the gay" in titans curse?
Ariel wrote: "JJ wrote: "You know, what I am curious for is how is Percy going to find out? He has to find out, if for no other reason to give closure to Nico so he can move on. The most heart breaking part is ..."More hints!
1) When nico is trying to convince percy to go to the river styx, he repetes a line of the profecy which fortells a demigods death (remember at the time everyone thought it was percy). Nico gets very upset.
*small except not typing the whole thing*
"you cant prevent a prophecy" I said.
"But you can fight it!" Nico had a strange, hungry look in his eyes. "you can become invincible"
"maybe we should wait and try and fight without-"
"NO" Nico snarled, "you have to do this".
I stared at him. I hadent seen his temper flare like this in a long time.
2) Also when Nico is in distress (lukes mother shaking him) he would call out "Percy!" to come and save him. This is ooc for nico, showing his vulnerability when it comes to percy.
3) Hades notes how "quite sincere" nico was about trying to save percy.
4) Nico flips out when he thinks percy is hurt, his reaction almost ooc
"Are you ok?! Your skin. Oh, gods your hurt!"
now lets think of nicos personality. This definetly shows how much he cares.
5)Nico is shown to be completely miserable when he believes Percy doesn't trust him anymore. honestly that is the wording. strong reaction from the ghost king!
6) Nico undergoes bulling and torment and possible execution from his father simply for the sake that percy asked him to try and convince hades to help. Its a dangerous task that Nico attacks and trys increadably hard to achive. This shows that Nico cares more about what percy thinks of him than what his own father thinks of him.
Overall nico is shown to care more about percy's welfare and opinion of him being than anything else in the books (except bianca but thats not the point). Ill keep finding more hints- hope this helps!!
I do remember Nico asking Percy a ton of questions about annabeth regaurding how close their relationship was. "is annabeth your girlfriend? how close are you? are you just friends? do you want to ask her out?"
that kind of stuff. That could show that Nico wanted to know if annabeth was in the picture or out of the picture. does this qualify as a hint?
I also re-read the scene where nico swallows up the skeletons. The second percy doubt he could live through the attack Nico screams "NO". Then they are swallowed. Percy tried to get closer to Nico but nico is looking really upset (probably confused about himself) and looks percy in the eyes and tells him something along the lines of stay away from me and i hate you. this shows that nico doesnt like his own feeling and thinks they are wrong, and hates percy not only for not saving his sister, but also because percy is the one who STARTED giving nico these confusing feelings. Nico wants to stay away from percy because he is confused about himself and hurt.
WOW. Very detailed Chayse! THAMK YOU SO MUCH. This is exactly what I wanted to know!
Honestly, I'm actually glad Nico's gay. He's become so isolated. He said it's because he's a son of Hades, but Hazel isn't isolated like that. I was worried at times that his bitterness over losing Bianca - or spending so much time with the dead - caused some serious mental/emotional damage. And if that was the problem, then how do you fix it? Anger and bitterness are both so poisonous. Learning that he's gay - and that's probably a much bigger reason for his self-isolation - means there's hope for him. A lot of gay people live happy lives, bitter people usually don't. He just has to be honest about who he is, and as his friends accept him his fear will lift. Somebody mentioned Percy finding out. I think it's very important for Percy to find out, because he's never stopped caring about Nico (as a friend/brother) and that won't change when he finds out Nico is gay. Once Nico sees that he'll feel much better about it.
OH MY GODS LOOK WHAT I FOUND OH MY GODS I LOVE RICK SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!RICK RIORDAN ABOUT NICO IN HOH. (SPOILERS)
Q. How did you decide on Nico’s character development in House of Hades? (SPOILER)
A. Here’s my statement concerning Nico in The House of Hades:
I’ve taken the same approach with my writing. It’s essential to me that young readers find a variety of relatable, positive role models in my books. Every child can be a hero. No child should be shamed or shunned for being different.
Nico’s sexual orientation became clear to me the longer I wrote about his character. It was not something I planned. I had no agenda. But when I realized this was a major part of his life experience and the reason for so many of his difficulties with the other characters, it would have been a disservice to his character, the plot of the books, and all my readers simply to sweep the issue under the rug and pretend it didn’t exist. Turning a blind eye to children’s needs is never an acceptable answer.
I’ve been lucky enough to teach all sorts of students – fifth grade to twelfth grade, rich and poor, from numerous ethnic backgrounds, with diverse religious traditions and a variety of learning differences. I’ve also taught gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students. Some self-identified as early as elementary school. Some came to terms with their sexual orientation later in high school. Most had a hard time during the middle grades, which are tough years for any child. All my middle school students enriched my classroom. They made me a better teacher and a better writer for children, and they all deserve my support.
I am committed to writing appropriate books for the middle grades. This means no bad language, no gratuitous or explicit violence, and no sexual content beyond what you might find in a PG-rated movie – expressions of who likes whom, holding hands, and perhaps the occasional kiss. The idea that we should treat sexual orientation itself as an adults-only topic, however, is absurd. Non-heterosexual children exist. To pretend they do not, to fail to recognize that they have needs for support and validation like any child, would be bad teaching, bad writing, and bad citizenship.
Having said that, a good book, like a good classroom, should raise questions, not insist on a particular set of answers. It certainly should not ignore difficult questions. Whatever a family’s moral and religious beliefs on the topic of sexual orientation, I hope The House of Hades will provide an opportunity for parents to talk to their kids about what they believe, and why they believe it. Most importantly, I hope the story continues to entertain and keeps kids reading!
One of the most important reasons I became a teacher was to advocate for marginalized children – those who are bullied or misunderstood, those who feel lost and alone. As a middle school student myself, I certainly felt that anguish. As a middle school teacher, it was critical to me that all my students saw my classroom as a safe, supportive environment where they could be honored for who they were and express themselves without fear.
wow, Rick Riordan is fantastic.Read this (above) - its wonderful
I'll admit, I cried of happiness when I read this! I love that Rick writes about accepting people for who they are!!!!!!!
☽Ƹɱɱɑ☾ wrote: "Laurel wrote: "Son of Neptune:- Nico avoids Percy after Hazel introduces them. Nico SAYS it's because he can't allow Percy to remember himself too soon. After reading House of Hades, we can now ..."
hey i used and edited your points and im trying to spred them as much as i can
Ariel wrote: "OH MY GODS LOOK WHAT I FOUND OH MY GODS I LOVE RICK SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!RICK RIORDAN ABOUT NICO IN HOH. (SPOILERS)
Q. How did you decide on Nico’s character ..."
i think he pretty much said it all. like, all of it.
Ariel, where did you find this interview originally? Please post the link to the original source, I would like to see who interviewed Rick Riordan. This is an excellent answer and my respect for the author has grown a hundredfold after reading this. He knew he would face backlash from narrow-minded people, but he still had the courage to write what he believed in and explore issues important for children. I also like his commitment to keep the books free of "explicit" material and strictly clean.By the way, Nico said he had a _crush_ on Percy. A crush, born of the admiration he felt for him, not a dirty desire that we are making it to be. For that matter, Percy thinks of having children with Annabeth several times in the book, but in a clean, innocent sort of way (same as Nico about Percy), not a leering manner. Crush does not necessarily mean that Nico is full 100% gay, just confused. Have you people heard of the "Kinsey scale"? Google it and see. People are not homo or hetero. There are about 6 levels along the way, and most people (note this is not my thinking but actual _scientific_ study), most people are not at 0 or 6 but somewhere in between, even if they live their lives without realizing this.
Here Kinsey scale - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinsey_s...
Where you are on the scale decides your ultimate sexual orientation but you may have thoughts and even crushes in either directions.
Aditya wrote: "Ariel, where did you find this interview originally? Please post the link to the original source, I would like to see who interviewed Rick Riordan. This is an excellent answer and my respect for th..."Im pretty sure Nico is full on gay. He just cant bring himself to say it. "its bad enough im hades son and froman entirely different century, but on top of that i have to be...to be"
and he cant even say it. IT SO SADD I CANT
Yeah I'm pretty sure he's gay. That quote from him pretty much confirms it. I love him so much though, he's always been my favourite character (alongside Leo) and this just makes me love him more. I understand him more now than I ever did before. I really hope he comes to accept himself and finds out that others will accept him for who he is. He just needs to let people in and learn to trust others, and then they'll trust him.
Sheechiibii wrote: "Yeah I'm pretty sure he's gay. That quote from him pretty much confirms it. I love him so much though, he's always been my favourite character (alongside Leo) and this just makes me love him more. ..."seriously nico is perfect and all these people who are like "oh hes gay cant read the books anymore and its such a shame nico was my favorite character but now hes gay so i cant like him now" need to just STOP
Omg I don't get all these haters! Just because Nico is gay you're going to stop reading the books? Where I come from there are so many gay/lesbian/bi people that I feel weird because I'm straight! I think that it was awesome of Rick to do this. There are so many people out there struggling with their identities and Rick is helping them to know that it is alright to be who they are. It's people like you haters that makes these kids struggle because thee afraid that the haters will not accept them. If you don't like it, fine. But don't say things like "horrifying" (cough*jasmine*cough).
I think that Nico is more lovable now. His character is much deeper. Actually, to be honest, I was a little disappointed to find out he's gay only 'cause I had a crush on him. And maybe Nico is not gay. I think it's just Percy. He wouldn't be attracted to other guys. I think Percy is an exception. So maybe he's pansexual? Eh, I don't know. I still love him <33 Can't wait for the Blood of Olympus!
I think that Nico is more lovable now. His character is much deeper. Actually, to be honest, I was a little disappointed to find out he's gay only 'cause I had a crush on him. And maybe Nico is not gay. I think it's just Percy. He wouldn't be attracted to other guys. I think Percy is an exception. So maybe he's pansexual? Eh, I don't know. I still love him <33 Can't wait for the Blood of Olympus!
I think he's gay. What he said: "its bad enough im hades son and from an entirely different century, but on top of that i have to be...to be" makes it seem like he is.
Um... He's gay. Rick pretty much just said so...
Aditya wrote: "Ariel, where did you find this interview originally? Please post the link to the original source, I would like to see who interviewed Rick Riordan. This is an excellent answer and my respect for th..."You know, my friend actually found it for me on tumblr. It doesn't say much about where it came from, but here it is...
http://zoeinightshade.tumblr.com/post...
Ariel wrote: "Aditya wrote: "Ariel, where did you find this interview originally? Please post the link to the original source, I would like to see who interviewed Rick Riordan. This is an excellent answer and my..."YAY! I knew he didn't plan it!
Sheechiibii wrote: "I think he's gay. What he said: "its bad enough im hades son and from an entirely different century, but on top of that i have to be...to be" makes it seem like he is."
I suppose so... It's cute how he can't even say it xD
I suppose so... It's cute how he can't even say it xD
It totally took me by suprise, I would never have thought about it, especially because it doesn't seem like Riordan's type of writing. I think that it was really suprising and interesting but in his other books he was tottally appropriate for his audience: 9-12. If the audience started at 13 or 14, this would have been fine. But it seemed uncalled for and made Percy and Annabeth's relationship almost sad, because it was a heartbreak to Nico.
There's nothing inappropriate about a gay 14 year old boy. Some people are gay. It's a fact of life. It definitely suits Rick's style. He's always tried to show children that they're accepted no matter who they are, whether they have ADHD, Dyslexia, whether they're black, white, mix races, whether they like girls or boys.
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First off- wow. honestly? "violating and horrifying". That is a horrible reaction to have- especially someone who HASNT EVEN READ THE BOOK."
and what exactly do you mean by episode??? He was forced to reveal about himself something he never wanted too and has always hated himself for. Have you even read any of the last books?? If your a fan of the series and author you shouldnt change your ENTIRE viewpoint around one little plot point.
Im gonna assume your Christian like me- try viewing it this way. There is killing in the books, and the books is about GODS (PLURAL). Dont start this attitude due to nico being gay, because if its because of religion thats incredibly hypocritical.
And if you have never read the books or liked them than i would politely request you refrain from commenting biased comments like that on this topic. Unnecessary, and overly harsh.
I apologize if I come off a little strong in my defense.