What is the Ophiotaurus?

The Ophiotaurus is a relic from the past, representing the innocents that will get caught up if the Titans and the gods are allowed to go to war with each other. The Ophiotaurus has absolutely nothing to do with either side, but both sides want to kill it simply because of the fact that it could be useful in the war. This shows why Percy and the others are working so hard to stop the war, because if they don’t innocents will be dragged into the crossfire and suffer.