Riordan Wiki:Featured Articles/Riptide

Riptide is deciphered from the Greek name, Anaklusmos. It is the prized sword of Percy Jackson that is made of Celestial Bronze, a material that is only effective on gods, demigods, Titans, Giants, and monsters. It does not affect mortals, as it just passes through them harmlessly. The sword is a medium length xiphos.

Riptide was formerly owned and used by Hercules and Pleione. The sword's dormant form was originally Zoë's hair clip, which she gave to Hercules to help him fight Ladon. Riptide draws its power from the ocean, which is why it works well for ocean spirits and children of Poseidon like Percy. Hercules did not give Zoë any credit for bypassing Ladon, leaving her to face the wrath of her father and sisters alone. This betrayal was the basis for her later hatred of male demigods, and the reason why she joined the Hunters of Artemis. Riptide is only wielded by a certain few in the series; Percy (its current owner) uses it as his main weapon; Chiron possessed it at Yancy Academy before he gave it to Percy, and Hercules used it to defeat the dragon, Ladon. Chiron also hinted that the sword has had other owners, as he claimed it had a long and tragic history.

Percy is first given Riptide to defeat the fury Alecto, who was disguised as Percy's pre-algebra teacher in his school. After the battle however, Chiron takes it back and tells Percy to bring his own writing utensil next time, trying to convince Percy into thinking the fight never happened. Then, just before Percy leaves for his quest, Chiron gives it to him, saying that the sword has "a long and tragic past." Percy has used the sword ever since against monsters and whoever else he's battled.

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