After all this time following Percy, Annabeth, and Grover navigate the ins and outs of Olympus, you probably consider yourself an expert on all things ancient Greek. By now, you know all of Apollo’s favorite singers. You know how Ares takes his eggs. You know which podcasts Hera listens to while working out.
But how much do you know about the so-called minor Greek gods and goddesses? Despite the cataclysmic events that have occurred throughout Percy’s journey from Camp Half-Blood newbie to high school senior, we can still think of a few divine beings who have yet to make a major appearance. Not that we can blame any of them for taking some “me time” during the latest war with the Titans.
Take Hecate, for example. We’ve seen the Goddess of the Crossroads a couple of times in years past, but for the most part she’s been sitting out of the recent Olympian drama. Yet when you consider her power and her influence (she is the goddess of all magic, for crying out loud), you’d think that we would have seen more of her by now.
So why has she been keeping a low profile, you ask? Well, what if we told you that she wasn’t? Clearly you don’t spend enough time in Gramercy Park. That ominous, creepy brownstone across from the gated park? That’s all Hecate. It’s not her fault that you cross the street every time you need to pass it by.
If you’re too chicken to knock on her front door, the easiest way to get to know Hecate is by hearing from those who know her best. Or at least have spoken to her more than once.
Demeter, Goddess of the Earth
“I never quite understood why Hecate chose not to spend more time with us on Olympus. She always seemed more content to stay at home with her pets. Or travel the world and engage in local mortal culture. Especially this time of year. She seems to believe that Halloween is still all about her.
“The Púca Festival of torch dancing in Ireland. The Ritual Killing of the Living Dead ceremony in Transylvania. The upcoming Spooky Boo! parade at Tokyo Disneyland . . . She seems to be under the impression that these events are held in her honor and she will receive ‘plenty of gifts from her worshippers.’ That hasn’t been the case in recent years, but who am I to deprive her of her happy delusions?”
Nico di Angelo, Son of Hades:
“I don’t have much personal experience with Hecate. Only with her ghostly priests. But you’ve got to appreciate a goddess who has such command over the undead. Just by lighting of a few torches, she can summon an entire army of vengeful and loyal spirits.
“So simple. So elegant. It’s always inspiring to see someone elevate necromancy to an art form.”
Hazel Levesque, Daughter of Pulto:
“I’ll never forget how Hecate taught me how to control the Mist, helping me come to terms with my destiny, and aiding me in the battle against Clytius.
“That said, I’m more than happy to wait at least another eight decades before she offers me another chance at the ‘crossroads.’ I appreciate that she believes in people making their own choices, but why is she the one who gets to decide what those choices are? Doesn’t she know that life isn’t a multiple-choice test?”
Eudora, Guidance Counselor at Alternative High School:
“Oh, Hecate absolutely believes that life is a multiple-choice test. In fact, every quiz she gave the students at her former magic school was multiple-choice. And there were no wrong answers.
“And there were no right answers either, now that I think about it. Each and every student failed those tests. Another administrative mistake she only realized with hindsight. It wasn’t the sole cause of the school’s closure, but it was certainly a factor.
“ . . . Say, this isn’t going to be posted publicly, is it?”
Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon:
“I wish I’d known more about Hecate before she asked me to pet sit for her while she’s away. But she promised a college recommendation letter in exchange for my services, so how could I refuse?
“No, seriously, how could I refuse? I’ve been thinking about that question ever since she approached me, showed me all three of her freaky faces, and implied that she would incinerate me if I failed. If only I’d had the nerve to lie and say that I was allergic to polecats . . .”
Annabeth Chase, Daughter of Athena:
“My personal feelings on Hecate aside, I must admit that, as an architect, I really like the design of her brownstone in Manhattan. If you can see it beyond the Mist, of course.
“The exterior is a five-story patchwork of weathered granite slabs repurposed from actual tombstones. Twelfth-century gargoyles crouch on the gabled roof. Black cast-iron filigree frames the windows, and the main entrance looks like a mourning shawl made of metal lace.
“And the interior is even more impressive. It would be perfect for a (completely theoretical) Halloween party. A lot of the interior doors are already stenciled with Art Deco skeletons.
Including those to the bedrooms, which of course, we’re not allowed inside. Those are reserved for magical people who haven’t lived in that house since the 1900s. Naturally, she has us mortal pet-sitters sleeping on the floor in the living room.
“And don’t even get me started on the bathrooms she had to hastily build to accommodate us lowly creatures who dare possess functioning digestive systems. The shower spray only comes in one temperature: ice-cold. And the towels are chain mail. And you’ll never guess where she placed the toilet . . .”
Grover Underwood, Local Satyr
“Did Annabeth not mention Hecate’s kitchen? Oh, it’s so awesome. You might remember it if you saw any episode of The Great Witches’ Brew Off. They filmed all seven seasons there!”
Sounds like we’d all better start preparing those offerings to Hecate now! Learn more about her when Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Wrath of the Triple Goddess goes on sale 9/23!