Hidden Powers: What Became of the Other Gods in Rick Riordan’s The Trials of Apollo Series

Rick Riordan’s The Trials of Apollo is a captivating continuation of the original Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. In this series, Apollo, the god of music, poetry, and the sun, finds himself in the middle of a challenging quest marked by forbidden alliances, hidden powers, and the unwelcome return of an ancient enemy. While the focus is often on Apollo’s journey, the roles and interventions of the other gods are equally intriguing. This article delves into the dynamics of these divine figures and what happened with them in the series.

Zeus and Jupiter's Prohibition

The order to forbide the gods from aiding Apollo directly comes from the top – Zeus in the Greek version and Jupiter in the Roman version. A significant portion of The Trials of Apollo revolves around the precise moment when this directive was given and its subsequent effects. Apollo, being deeply entwined with human affairs, could not comply without major consequences. This decree adds a critical layer of tension to his quest, forcing him to navigate his relationship with the other gods while adhering to this strict rule.

The Sneakier Strategies of Goddesses

Despite the prohibition, some goddesses found ways to subtly assist Apollo. Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, and Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare, were particularly effective in their stealthy interventions. Artemis, for example, employed a tactic reminiscent of her noble and elusive nature. She coordinated with Apollo secretly during a moment when Jove (as Jupiter is often called in Roman versions) couldn't see her aid. The goddesses’ strategies were often creative and required a high degree of trust and discretion, as they had to operate within the confines of this divine directive.

Artemis and Her Specific Success

A specific instance where Artemis’ help was pivotal is during the summoning ritual at Diane’s temple. Apollo, in a moment of desperation, conducted a ritual hoping to call upon Diane's benevolent power to assist him. Remarkably, even Jove couldn’t prevent Diane from responding to Apollo's call within the confines of the Tyrant's Tomb. This event not only demonstrated the overall respect and loyalty some gods held for Apollo but also highlighted a rare instance where the gods were willing to bypass the prohibition temporarily.

The Complexities of Divine Intervention

These interventions, while creative and well-intentioned, were not without their complexities. The gods’ actions were influenced by their own motivations and relationships with Apollo. For example, Artemis's help was a way for her to prove her loyalty and maintain her bond with Apollo. Meanwhile, Athena, being a strategic goddess, likely saw the value in aiding Apollo if it would ultimately work to her favor.

The Unseen Tapestry of the Other Gods

The series paints a rich tapestry of the divine world, and the roles of the other gods are far from static. During the quest, we see hints of various other gods such as Poseidon, Hades, and Athena, each with their own agendas and alliances. For instance, Poseidon, while not directly participating in Apollo's quest, was shown to have a background of significant environmental influence and strategic positioning. The story also reveals Hades’ interest in resurrecting a fallen god, which presents an intriguing subplot centered around the events of the Trojan War and the underworld.

Conclusion

The Trials of Apollo offers a nuanced portrayal of the gods, revealing their enigmatic and complex nature. From the subtle tactics employed by the goddesses to the undercurrents of divine involvement, the series provides a deeper understanding of the pantheon’s dynamics. Apollo’s journey is ultimately a tale of perseverance, friendship, and the glimpses of hope that arise from unexpected alliances, all set against the backdrop of the gods themselves.