In "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan, a vivid scene unfolds where two skeletal figures of U.S. Marines stand sentinel at a doorway. These eerie guardians, armed with rocket-propelled grenade launchers, create a haunting atmosphere that underscores the danger beyond the doors they protect. Their grinning skulls evoke a blend of humor and fear in the narrative.

Grover, one of the characters, quips about the situation, suggesting that Hades likely never deals with the nuisance of door-to-door salesmen, highlighting the contrast between the mundane and the supernatural. This moment encapsulates the blend of myth and humor that characterizes Riordan's storytelling, engaging readers with a unique take on classic mythology.