User blog comment:Hyperborean/"The House of Hades" – official expectations blog/@comment-5247339-20130520192736/@comment-5927468-20130521002832

I've wondered what exactly happens when a god breaks a vow on the River Styx. I assume if a monster or human did it, they'd be struck dead. Obviously, that can't happen to gods. I suppose it's possible that Poseidon and Zeus were punished by having their children struggle throughout their lives. Then again, as children of the big three, Percy and Thalia were bound to attract monsters no matter what. And it seems like nothing bad had really happened to Jason until the start of HoO. Plus the big three's oath was destined to be broken in accordance with the great prophecy. So why should anyone be punished for something that was out of their control? So in my opinion the broken oath had nothing to do with our heroes' hardships.