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1'''As a Moments subpage, all spoilers are unmarked [[Administrivia/SpoilersOff as per policy.]] Administrivia/YouHaveBeenWarned.'''
2----
3!The Lightning Thief
4* Poseidon telling Percy he is proud of him, calling Percy a true son of the god of the sea.
5** Related: Percy's only memory of his father before he finds out he's a demigod is Poseidon standing by his crib, smiling at him.
6** Heck, Poseidon in general, especially when he interacts with Percy. Even if he doesn't show up often, what we ''do'' get of him shows that he ''does'' truly care about Percy. [[PetTheDog Somewhere deep inside, some of the gods]] ''do'' [[HiddenHeartofGold have hearts.]]
7* Poseidon tells Percy that he is done with his quest, and Percy tries to argue with him for a second, but quickly forces himself to back down. In response to this, Poseidon faintly smiles because, apparently, offspring of Poseidon find it hard to be obedient -- a trait which they inherit from their father. Earlier it was mentioned that Poseidon didn't know what to make of Percy, but now, for the first time, he sees himself in his son.
8-->'''Poseidon:''' Obedience does not come naturally to you, does it?... I must take some blame for that, I suppose. The sea does not like to be restrained.
9* Percy repeating what he heard Poseidon say about his mom -- to Sally's face, making her blush, and insisting she should break free of Gabe as she deserves better.
10* After Annabeth opens up about her family ordeal, Percy advises her to give living with her dad and stepmom one last chance. At the end of the book, we see she followed his advice.
11* Thalia's sacrifice at the border of the camp to get her friends into safety is this with a TearJerker.
12* What is the password of the flying sneakers Hermes gave to Luke? "Maia"--[[MommasBoy the name of Hermes' own mother.]]
13
14!The Sea of Monsters
15* Tyson talking about how alone he felt on the streets, and even praying to the gods yielded no results. Then the gods sent him Percy.
16** The reveal that the bits of metal Tyson had been tinkering with for all of Book 2 was a special shield for Percy.
17*** A shield that ended up saving Percy's life in the next book, at that.
18*** In a Fridge moment, the [[BookEnds Bookends]] moment near the end. Percy holds his shield over Thalia in an attempt to protect her from the Manticore; at Mount Othrys, she pays him back by using Aegis to shield him from the force of the exploding car.
19* When the team encounters Hermes in the film version, he (true to the book) requests that they ask Luke to forgive him for the mistakes he's made, only for Percy to tell him that Luke is too far gone for any of that. Hermes's response?
20-->'''Hermes:''' ''Try.'' If there's one thing I've learned in three-thousand years, it's that you don't give up on family.
21* At the end of the book, after they have just won the chariot race, Annabeth kisses Percy on the cheek and the cheering crowd goes even more wild in response. Heck, [[EveryoneCanSeeIt even the fish could see it.]]
22* There's even the fact that Grover had created an Empathy Link with Percy, his best friend, in the first place. Despite knowing how risky it is (as if one dies, the other would as well or go into a coma), Grover believed that Percy would come rescue him without a doubt... and that's ''exactly'' what Percy does. When Grover offers to dissolve their link, Percy decides to keep it, further establishing their friendship.
23
24!The Titan's Curse
25* Annabeth and Percy dancing together. Darn Dr Thorn for interfering!
26* Percy breaking the cycle of half-blood arrogance, after learning [[BrokenPedestal what Hercules did to Zoe]]: "If I'm going to survive, it won't be because I've got a lion-skin cloak. ''I'm not Hercules''."
27** And later on, Zoe acknowledging the truth of the statement. "You spoke the truth, Percy Jackson. You are nothing like... like Hercules. I am honored that you carry this sword."
28** Even more heartwarming when you consider that she gave Riptide to Hercules because she thought he was a true hero, brave and strong and ''noble'', and that she was starting to love him. Percy is all of that and more, and it's clear that Zoe ''does'' care for him--almost as a brother--after everything they went through together.
29* Zoe Nightshade sacrificing herself for Artemis. Even though Artemis was a goddess and couldn't really be killed, Zoe didn't even hesitate before throwing herself between Atlas and her lady. Artemis' clear anguish at her lieutenant's death, coupled with the fact that she chose to give her the highest honor imaginable, preserving her spirit in the stars, adds to the tear-jerking legacy Zoe left behind.
30** And while we're on Zoe, the fact that she sobs--[[NotSoStoic literally breaks down and sobs]]--after Bianca's death is not to be shrugged off. This girl is over two thousand years old, has had more than her fair share of loss, and has known Bianca for less than a week. But she is a [[TrueCompanions Hunter]], and she trusted Zoe to protect her. And Zoe couldn't, and she mourns her loss as if she'd known her a thousand years.
31** Zoe's entire relationship with Artemis is this, whether you read it as [[HeterosexualLifePartners simple loyalty]] or [[LesYay something more]]. She was willing to ''take the entire weight of the sky'' to rescue her goddess... and Artemis knew it, and wouldn't let her. She didn't even get a chance to open her mouth before Artemis cut her off.
32--> ''"No! Do not offer, Zoe! I forbid you."''
33** And then Percy goes to take the burden, Artemis pleads with him not to, believing that he wouldn't last as long as Annabeth did. And as soon as she's freed she manipulates Atlas into taking his burden again, sparing Percy from further suffering.
34* Apollo assuming a disguise to aid the heroes on their quest, and going against Zeus's decree of no-contact in order to do so, all for the sake of helping them save Artemis. As he puts it, ''no one'' messes with his little sister and gets away with it!
35* After discovering that Nico is a son of Hades, therefore might be the half-blood child of the Great Prophecy, Percy decides that the prophecy will be about himself and claims the responsibility that comes with it, in order to protect Nico from suffering that burden.
36* The fact that Percy just cannot stop himself from going to rescue Annabeth. Willing to admit it or not, he is totally smitten by this point.
37* This line, at the end:
38-->'''Artemis:''' You did well. For a man.
39-->'''Percy:''' (narrating) I was going to protest, but then I realized that it was the first time she didn't call me a boy.
40
41!The Battle of the Labyrinth
42
43* When picking companions for her quest in the Labyrinth, Annabeth, after choosing Percy and Grover, ''breaks'' the ancient RuleOfThree to include Tyson as well. Considering how Annabeth treated the young Cyclops back in book two, she has really come a long way in accepting Tyson as a friend.
44* Eurytion, the immortal son of Ares who has spent eternity working for Geryon. He chooses to stay out of the fight (giving Percy a legitimate chance at saving his friends), then gives his gift from Hepheastus to Annabeth in the hopes that it will help her get through the maze. He even offers the ranch as a safe place to shelter for Nico, and calls Annabeth when the kid goes missing, so she can check on him. He's far and away the nicest son of Ares that we've met so far.
45* When it comes time for Grover to split off from the main party to chase after Pan, Tyson insists on going with him, even though he's afraid of Grover.
46* Annabeth and Percy share their first kiss! Afterwards, Percy relates that [[PostKissCatatonia he could've stared at the lava all day trying to remember his name]], if not for the telkhines.
47* Calypso making the choice to let Percy go. The fact that she loved him enough to let him go, even though she'd spend thousands of years waiting for a new love which would be ripped away again anyways... This also doubles as a major TearJerker.
48* While Nico had previously blamed Percy for Bianca's death, he leaves the ranch to go into the maze because Minos convinced him that Percy was in danger, and later protects him by calling up a giant rock to block Kronos' way, revealing himself as a son of Hades.
49** Tying into that is the reveal that the visions Percy has been getting about Nico were [[BigBrotherInstinct sent by Bianca]], who is desperately trying to help her brother move on.
50* A guy you barely know (but both times you've met him have involved insane events and possibly-mortal danger) shows up, tells you that Greek mythology is real, and asks for your help on another probably insanely dangerous quest. What do you do? If you're Rachel, agree immediately.
51* Dionysus curing Chris Rodriguez's madness, and telling Percy that a kind act can sometimes be as powerful as a sword. He was mocked by his fellow villagers for not being a poet or an athlete or a warrior or an artist, he only made wine, and look at him now. Deep down, Mr. D really isn't as much of a jerk as he likes to pretend to be.
52* Poseidon visiting Sally and Percy for the latter's 15th birthday is heartwarming in itself. He even tells Percy in person that he is his favorite son. Percy says that just having his father there, saying how proud he is, was the best birthday present he ever had.
53** Sally is described by now as having "grey streaks" in her hair. Poseidon calls her "as beautiful as ever" showing that it's not ''just'' looks he cares about -- he ''genuinely'' loved Sally, even if they can't be together.
54* When he gets back home to his mother for his birthday party, Percy discovers the moonlace sprout from Calypso in his shirt pocket and plants it in the window box, keeping his promise to her to grow a garden in Manhattan.
55* At the end, Percy telling Nico to join in with his birthday party, after realizing that he probably hadn't been to one in his entire life.
56
57!The Last Olympian
58* "Hey, show up with an army of undead warriors to save the day, and suddenly you're everybody's best friend." Nico's finally feeling accepted.
59* "And it was pretty much the best underwater kiss of all time." Certainly heartwarming for the Percy/Annabeth fans, but think about this: Percy has finally earned his reward after four years of absolute torture.
60* Percy gets a hug from his dad for the first time at the end.
61* Hades being all stunned at the warm welcome he receives from the other Olympians at the end of book five.
62* Annabeth taking the knife for Percy, and then that entire scene where Percy tells her about his Achilles spot while they hold hands.
63* A very subtle CMOH is when Percy and Annabeth, riding through the city, in the middle of a huge battle to save the world, stop to help people who have fallen asleep in dangerous places, like in front of cars, and put out fires. The end of the world is going on, and they still care enough to stop and make sure people are safe. Because they're heroes, and that's what heroes do.
64* Percy's words to Hestia when he gives her Pandora's Box:
65-->'''Percy:''' Hestia, I give this to you as an offering.\
66'''Hestia:''' ''(tilting her head)'' I am the least of the gods. Why would you trust me with this?\
67'''Percy:''' You're [[TitleDrop the last Olympian]]. And the most important.\
68'''Hestia:''' And why is that, Percy Jackson?\
69'''Percy:''' Because Hope survives best at the hearth. Guard it for me, and [[DespairEventHorizon I won't be tempted to give up again]].\
70''([Hestia] smiled. She took the jar in her hands and it began to glow. The hearth fire burned a little brighter.)''\
71'''Hestia:''' Well done, Percy Jackson. May the gods bless you.
72** Hestia ''being there'' in the first place. She takes the effort to personally visit camp (even if gods can be in more than one place at once), all to improve the atmosphere and create a home away from home (or, Hades, for some, even ''a home, period'') to these kids who go through such piles of Minotaur dung in their lives (see the unsorted entry under Tear Jerker) that they celebrate at the end of each summer "yay I didn't die this year either!". Because she is the goddess of the hearth and home and by the Olympians ''everyone deserves to have that''.
73* Percy turning down the opportunity to become a god, in order to ensure that no other demigod children ever feel unloved or left out, and to stay with Annabeth.
74* At the end of the fifth book, after the gods are finished rewarding everyone, the cyclopes form an isle while standing at attention, and before Percy leaves Tyson says this.
75-->'''Tyson:''' All hail, Perseus Jackson, Hero of Olympus...and my big brother!
76* Hades agreeing, at Artemis's request, to aid her Hunters who perished in the Battle of Manhattan, by streamlining their applications for Elysium.
77* Percy referring to Sally and Paul as "my parents" multiple times. He really does love his stepdad, a refreshing change for this series.
78
79!The Chalice of the Gods
80* Overall, seeing how much Percy's semi-normal life has improved after having to spend his adolescence dealing with Titans and Giants. He's a senior in high school, working hard to get to college, and hanging out with his bestest friends in the whole world, Annabeth and Grover.
81** And Sally Jackson, after having to deal with attending night classes, enduring an abusive lowlife of a husband, and constantly worrying for Percy's safety, has ''finally'' got her life back in order. Now being married to NiceGuy Paul Blofis, published her first book, and now gets to have another child to raise while her son prepares for college. The Jackson-Blofis family couldn't be any more happy, and they've ''more'' than earned it!
82** Annabeth and Grover even joining Percy on his quests for college letters without hesitation, bringing the trio back together like the old times.
83* Percy's reaction to Sally and Paul revealing that they're going to be having a baby. After his initial moment of shock, he starts grinning uncontrollably, gets up and hugs his step-dad because he was closer, then hugs his mom, upon which there's some crying (which Percy doesn't point fingers on who it was), and he spends the rest of their dinner in a fog of happiness. Later on, when thinking about his plans to go to college with Annabeth, he thinks that while he's still determined to make that happen, staying home to help raise his new sibling if it ends up not working out wouldn't be a bad outcome either.
84* Rather than physically overcoming Geras (something that, as said god is the [[AnthropomorphicPersonification personification]] of old age, is literally impossible for any mortal to do), Percy ends their fight by ''embracing'' him, giving him a hug and symbolically acknowledging that he ''wants'' to grow old, together with Annabeth and all his friends, accepting all the negative aspects because the positives of having a long life well lived are worth it. This actually briefly brings Geras to tears, expressing that he can barely remember the last time he'd been hugged, and he agrees to end the fight and give Percy the chalice, knowing that Percy does truly understand the value of mortality and won't use it to become immortal. Before he leaves he tells Percy that he looks forward to wrestling with him well into the future.
85* While trying to return the chalice to Ganymede on Olympus, Percy is spotted by Athena, who has been well-established as ''not'' his biggest fan. Rather than reveal his presence to the other gods, however, she surreptitiously helps get him and Ganymede alone so he can complete the quest. When he tells Annabeth about it later, she concludes that her mother finally ''gets'' that she is serious about her relationship with Percy, and helped him out for her daughter's sake.
86* Also Poseidon had called Percy's school to let them know he'd be missing a few classes. He calls Percy and lets him know how proud he is for helping Ganymede, not just for a recommendation letter, but because it was simply the right thing to do: an act of a ''true'' hero. Percy could barely keep himself from crying.
87
88!Percy Jackson's Greek Gods
89* ''Percy Jackson's Greek Gods'' is a return to Percy's roots as a FirstPersonSmartass for the most part, but he also pauses frequently to directly address the reader about the ValuesDissonance present in the Greek myths:
90** When Zeus forces himself on Kallisto by posing as her mistress, Artemis, Percy says that Kallisto kept quiet about it out of fear that it was her fault -- then informs the reader that it's ''never'' your fault if someone does that to you, and you should tell someone, even adding that though he knows blaming Zeus is not the wisest choice he could make, he doesn't care if the big guy upstairs hears, "I call 'em like I see 'em."
91** He also makes a point out of Dionysus being the patron god of gender confusion, because it's something he has experience with.
92** He goes on a brief AuthorTract about how the story of Pandora is used by men to justify blaming women for everything that's gone wrong in the world, '''but''' Pandora was explicitly '''set up by the gods''' to fail, literally '''designed''' by them to be unable to resist opening the box, and yet they're apparently blameless.
93** He also shows a great respect for female demigods in both of the myth-books, speaking highly of Otrera and Cyrene, and giving props to Psyche and her bravery ("Loads of people went to the Underworld with a big sword and an attitude. Hell, I went to the Underworld with a big sword and an attitude. But she had no sword or weapon of any kind, she was already tired from the previous trials, and seven months pregnant.") As a primer to one of the great mythological traditions that is possibly going to be a child's first introduction to the Greek myths, it's really, really nice to see Percy (in reality, Riordan) going out of his way to encourage the reader and try to prevent them from internalizing some of the Greeks' less enlightened ideas.
94* He also never excuses the wrongdoings of any demigod (for example he says saying Hera caused Heracles' madness that made him kill his family is letting him off easy as he has a well-documented case of HairTriggerTemper and he killed a teacher in rage when he was 12) or even god (not even the more questionable deeds of his father such as taking revenge on Minos by having his wife fall in love with the sacrificial bull or raping Demeter in horse-form) in both ''Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes'' and ''Percy Jackson's Greek Gods'', and at the end of Arachne's story, he asks, "What's the conclusion to draw? Many say it's to never even think you can be as good as a god and not to even try to outdo them but I think that's wrong. Arachne ''was'' that good."
95* Even with gods he has a rocky relationship with, he at least tries to portray the sympathetic bits while simultaneously being ruthless in calling them out when that is in order. As examples, the two deities at the top of his disliked list:
96** He readily admits Zeus could be a fun and charming guy ''when he wanted to be'' and that he had his share of good plans and ideas plus gives him his due during his fights. Doesn't stop Percy from calling him a rapist and outright unfit to rule ("[Making him the god of law and justice] would be like making ''me'' the god of homework and good grades!")
97** He is the first to admit that Hera has it rough, being cheated on constantly as the ''goddess of marriage''. Percy is also the first to call her tormenting Zeus's paramours and children more than unjust.
98* When recounting the escapades of Jason and the Argonauts, he comments on the fight of Polydeuces (he of Castor's twin, from the Dioscuri), he says that even if that particular child might not look like much at first glance, underestimating a kid of Zeus is a grave mistake -- and gives special props to "my bro" Jason Grace (and presumably also including Thalia in the compliment).
99* Snark and opinions aside, Percy mostly sticks to the ancient myths he's recounting. The only time he really goes on about a god's modern-day circumstances is when he talks about Amphritite, a Nereid and wife of Poseidon -- and Percy's stepmother. While Amphritite was rather cold when we glimpsed her in ''The Last Olympian'', Percy takes a moment to give her kudos for not taking out her issues with her husband on his innocent children, and says she doesn't give him a hard time for leaving his clothes on the floor, she bakes him cookies, and, as far as he knows, she's never tried to kill him -- which is "all you can ask of an immortal stepmother."
100** On the subject of Amphitrite, the thing that worried her about getting involved with Poseidon was not that she was afraid of being cheated on, but that she didn't want a man to lord over her and wanted to be able to do her own things and be her own person in marriage. When he finds this out, Poseidon happily and gladly agrees to respect her boundaries and the children they will have together and they went on to be one of the most well-adjusted couples.
101** The fact Amphitrite agreed to marry Poseidon because Delphin saw how depressed the sea god was over her refusal and decided to go after her to see if he couldn't talk her into coming back. He even assures the nymph he will be there for her if she needs a friend.
102** The fact that, truthfully, Poseidon does ''not'' suck as a husband or a father. Yes, he's cheated on Amphitrite, but he respects her and honours her and do you see him trying to make anyone ''else'' his wife? No. So, evidently, he's ''happy'' with her and she is like Persephone -- she's enough to keep him comfortable.
103* Simply the fact that if there is one thing the big royally screwed-up family of Olympians agrees on, it's that ''nobody messes with Hestia with impunity'', and if anyone tries, all the gods will be after that person faster than you can say "Uh-oh." Her family includes Zeus, who can kill someone with ease with thunderbolts; Hades, ''who is the literal God of the Dead'' and will make your afterlife a living hell; Poseidon, who is the God of the Sea and no less dangerous than Zeus (would ''you'' like all the oceans in the world drowning you at once? No? Poseidon could do it if sufficiently angry enough); Demeter, ''who can backtalk Hades''; and Hera, who ''killed all of Hercules's family with merely a flick of her wrist''.
104** There was one time that both Poseidon and Apollo wanted to marry Hestia. Zeus called her over and said she can chose. She broke down in tears saying she will tend to the hearth and do the job she always did but doesn't want to marry anyone at all. Though they don't really understand her reasons, Apollo and Poseidon rescind their proposal and vow to protect her right ''not'' to marry, with Zeus sealing the deal.
105
106!Unsorted
107* To be completely honest, Percy’s relationship with his mother is completely this. There is nothing they don’t share and nothing they won’t do for each other.
108** For his part, Poseidon speaks in glowing terms of Sally, calling her a queen amongst mortals the likes of whom he hasn't met in a millennium, and Sally says Poseidon, who had a huge heart according to her own admission from earlier, offered her a castle under the sea with everything implied (adding "he thought he could erase all my problems with just one gesture of his hand.")
109** Percy's relationship with his new stepfather Paul and Sally's relationship with him as well could also be seen as this; especially after years of putting up with Smelly Gabe.
110** Paul asking for Percy's approval to marry Sally, because he thinks that Percy has a right to know, before he asks.
111** Especially in ''The Last Olympian'' when Paul says that he wishes he had Percy's courage to do something incredibly dangerous that could save them all. Percy even says that he doesn't get compliments like that a lot.
112* Basically, the iconic PowerTrio all five books focus on: Percy Jackson, Grover Underwood, and Annabeth Chase. Despite having a bit of a rocky start, the three stick together through thick and thin and are [[UndyingLoyalty unwaveringly loyal to each other, being willing to protect[=/=]defend each other against all odds]].
113** As a heartwarming {{Bookend}}, Percy's journey began with Annabeth and Grover by his side in the first book, so it would be fair that they also partake in Percy's final battle against Kronos[=/=]Luke in the final book, showcasing just how far these three have come to work together since they were twelve.
114* It might not come to mind at first, but Zeus's actions after Thalia's sacrificial death for her friends show that there's more to him than just a stubborn and overly-ambitious ruler, not only by preserving her life in the form of a tree, but also by using her to power the monster-repelling barrier around Camp Half-Blood. In doing so, he's provided protection even for demigods whose mere existence he may not approve of, as well as sparing the other gods the loss he ended up suffering. It's a nice way of showing how deep, ''deep'' down, the guy's still not above things like empathy or reasonable sense.
115* Similar to the above, Argus, the 100-eyed-giant is working at the camp. The same Argus who according to the mythology was tasked by Hera to forever guard her sacred grove, also known as the Garden of the Hesperides. The implication being that Hera, forever described as easy to anger and petty in her (rightful) jealousy, lent the best guardsman she could think of to guard demigods, including those who are the fruit of her husband's cheating (even if it does have an undertone of "I'm watching you..." as well -- Argus and his many eyes are the reason for the pattern on the peacock, one of Hera's sacred animals).
116* Dionysus is constantly bitching and complaining about being at the Camp because he hates demigods, but he actually gets to spend time and have meaningful interactions with his twin sons Castor and Pollux. We may not see it on-screen, but Dionysus' utter devastation when Castor dies shows he really does love his children.

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