Maybe Alderman was confused by the sight of Blitzen standing in front of Hearthstone and the ghost of Andiron, like a father protecting his young.
-- Narrator (Chapter 26)

Importance: Magnus makes a comparison between Alderman and Blitzen as a way to highlight Alderman's shortcomings as a father. Rather than being protective of his children, his children must be protected from him. Blitzen's success in driving the dragon back reflects the emphasis Riordan puts on the power of chosen family throughout the novel. It also indicates the support necessary for victims of abuse to overcome that abuse.

The scene was so bucolic it could have been Alfheim if the sunlight had been a little harsher.
-- Narrator (chapter 16)

Importance: Magnus describes Alex's family home as reminding him of Alfheim, which foreshadows the similarity between Alex and Hearthstone's fathers and their treatment of their children. Like Hearthstone, Alex faces rejection from a perfectionist father who views her as no worthy...