I know he loves me in his own way. It’s just hard for gods to be close to their mortal offspring. We demigods don’t live long compared to the gods.
-- Percy (about Poseidon) (Two: “My Dad Helps Out* (*No Actual Helping Occurs))

Importance: This quote establishes the extreme disconnect between the gods and their demigod children. Percy is a constant advocate for other demigods, believing that they deserve to be helped and protected by the gods that sire them. However, here, he recognizes why that is so difficult for the gods to do. Regardless of their parent’s power, the demigod children are still part human and will never live as long as the gods do. Therefore, it is easy for them to be distant and act as if letting their children live their lives in ignorance is better for them. Percy disagrees, establishing one of the novel’s main themes: parenthood.

I appreciated having a simple ritual like this- something...
-- Percy (Three: We Complain about Quests and Decorative Gourds)