I picked up Pandora's jar. The spirit of Hope fluttered inside, trying to warm the cold container.Hestia, I said, I give this to you as an offering.The goddess tilted her head. I am the least of the gods. Why wouldyou trust me with this?You're the last Olympian, I said. And the most important.And why is that, Percy Jackson?Because Hope survives best at the hearth, I said. Guard it for me,and I won't be tempted to give up again.
In this passage from "The Last Olympian," Percy Jackson reflects on the significance of Hope as he interacts with Hestia, the goddess of the hearth. He recognizes the power of Hope, which resides within Pandora's jar, and sees the importance of keeping this spirit safe. Percy understands that Hope is fragile yet essential, especially as he faces challenges and uncertainty in his journey.
By entrusting Hestia with the spirit of Hope, Percy acknowledges her role as a guardian, despite her modest self-view among the gods. He emphasizes that Hope flourishes in the warmth of the hearth, signifying its vital role in resilience. This moment highlights the theme of perseverance in adversity, as Percy aims to hold onto Hope to prevent despair from taking over his spirit.
