To cap off Women’s History Month, we thought we’d pay tribute to some of our favorite females in the Rick Riordan universe of books.
Piper McLean
After starting out as a petty car thief, Piper had to go a long way in order to prove herself as a demigod worthy of the title Hero of Olympus. Her glamorous parentage was never easy for her to reconcile, as she had very little in common with the gossipy and fashion-obsessed members of Aphrodite cabin. And yet, through a ton of hard work, charm, and charisma, she eventually won the role of head counselor. For now, she’s retired from the demigod life, content to soak up the sun in L.A. (until her grand return in The Trials of Apollo: The Burning Maze, on sale May 1st!).
Samirah al-Abbas
Samirah has never had an easy life. Being a daughter of Loki makes her reluctant to use her shape-shifting powers, because she doesn’t want to be anything like the trickster god. Couple that with constant harassment from classmates ignorant about Muslim beliefs, dress, and practices, and things can go south pretty quick. But Sam has been able to rise above it all—literally. An early act of heroism led Odin to offer her a role as a Valkyrie, one of his chosen maidens responsible for flying dead warriors to Valhalla. While she excels at her current job, Sam still dreams of becoming the first female Arab-American pilot. May she always fly high!
Meg McCaffrey
Meg has been on her own for almost as long as she can remember. Her father was murdered by the psychopathic Roman emperor Nero, who would later adopt Meg and manipulate her into believing his lies. As a result, she developed tough skin and maturity beyond her years, making her the perfect companion for Apollo as they try to take down Nero. Still a preteen, Meg has proven herself to be a massively powerful demigod, in part due to being the daughter of Demeter, goddess of the harvest. Meg’s lineage grants her the ability to control all manner of plant life. Her ability to perfectly kick someone square in the crotch? That’s all Meg.
Sadie Kane
Sometimes it’s hard for a younger sister to step out of her older sibling’s shadow. Sadie Kane has never had this problem. Brash, rebellious, and outspoken, she’s not one to fade into the background. And, thanks in part to being possessed by the Egyptian goddess Isis, Sadie has evolved into a highly skilled magician over time. Her diverse set of powers includes access to the Duat, complete control of the elements, portal manifestation, and even the ability transform into a kite! (It comes in handy more often than you might think.)
Annabeth Chase
A star in the book that started it all, The Lightning Thief, Annabeth has the notable distinction of being the first female demigod we readers got to know and love. And really, who could ask for a better guide through this complex world of gods, monsters, and summer camp drama? As the daughter of Athena, the goddess of wisdom, Annabeth shares many of her mother’s traits. She’s intelligent, determined, and full of hubris. Who can blame her, though? If you had half the architectural skills Annabeth has, you’d be a show-off, too. I don’t remember seeing you redesigning all the cabins at Camp Half-Blood.
Let’s give it up for these and all the other awesome female heroes from the worlds of Rick Riordan!
