The Journey to Tartarus
A harrowing descent into the deepest pit, where two demigods must survive the impossible to save Olympus from the forces of chaos.
The Journey to Tartarus represents one of the most perilous descents in demigod history, occurring during the height of the Giant War. Unlike a trip to the Underworld to visit Hades, it took Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase into Tartarus itself, after they fell into it at the end of The Mark of Athena. The two had to cross Tartarus to the other side of the Doors of Death while the rest of the seven sailed to Greece to close the Doors from the mortal side.
Quick Facts
- Primary quester
- Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase
- Source material
- The House of Hades
Lore & Background
The quest highlights the immense physical and psychological toll on Percy and Annabeth as they navigate a realm where pain and despair are constant. Unlike typical Underworld journeys, Tartarus is a living, malevolent entity that actively resists intruders. They survive with the aid of Bob, the Titan Iapetus, and the giant Damasen, while the rest of the seven work to close the Doors of Death from the mortal side.
Reader's Guide
After Annabeth Chase and Percy Jackson fall into Tartarus at the end of The Mark of Athena, the two travel through it to the other side of the Doors of Death, aided by the Titan Iapetus, who goes by Bob after an earlier encounter with Percy, by the giant Damasen and by a few other beings. Bob acts as their guide and protector, his knowledge of Tartarus from his time trapped there proving vital. As the other demigods fight in the world above, Percy and Annabeth's group reach the Doors of Death, fight the personification of Tartarus and destroy the chains holding the Doors in place. Bob stays behind to defend the Doors while Percy and Annabeth escape and reunite with the other five demigods. In The Sun and the Star, Nico di Angelo and Will Solace follow a prophecy into Tartarus to rescue Bob, who has been captured by the primordial goddess of night, Nyx.
More in Prophecies & Quests
Elsewhere in Percy Jackson
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