In "The Sword of Summer," the author Rick Riordan presents an intriguing scenario where the characters are surprised to encounter modern human music, specifically Taylor Swift's hit "Blank Space," playing in an unexpected setting, a bar. This prompts dialogue between the characters Blitzen and the narrator, raising questions about the connections between dwarves and human culture.
The narrator's curiosity about dwarves enjoying human music leads to a humorous realization, as Blitzen suggests that it is humans who are fond of their music. The moment sparks a whimsical image of legendary figures like Freya enjoying a night out, blending mythology with contemporary culture. This juxtaposition reflects Riordan's signature style of combining humor and fantasy elements.