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IrisMessageGN

Percy Jackson sending Luke Castellan an Iris Message .

An Iris Message is a type of video message that is used by gods and demigods to communicate with others using a rainbow. The service is managed by the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris.

Iris Messaging[]

To send a message, one must first find or create a rainbow with mist and then throw a golden drachma or anything with a good price into it, saying or thinking very deeply:

"Oh Iris, goddess of the Rainbow, please accept my offering."

In The Son of Neptune, when they meet Iris, she tells them that the cloud nymph Fleecy will send an Iris Message for them. Fleecy gives them a "direct line" with the saying:

"Oh Fleecy, do me a solid. Show me (name and place of person)."

Percy and Tyson Iris Message

Percy sending Tyson an Iris Message.

This is usually said aloud, though it works non-verbally as well. Then the caller says the name or location of the intended recipient. The way to end an Iris Message is to wave one's hand through the Mist, disconnecting the signal. Iris Messages can also be sent to gods, such as when Percy contacted Dionysus and he later talked about using one to contact Ganymede.

In The House of Hades, Gleeson Hedge is shown to keep, amongst other things, a stack of golden drachmas, a flashlight and a glass prism for making rainbows which leaves him prepared to send a lot of Iris Messages.

In The Sun and the Star: A Nico di Angelo Adventure, Nico di Angelo uses a small crystal held up in the sunlight to make a rainbow for an Iris Message as well as a humidifier and lamp belonging to Percy on another occasion. He also simply asks for the goddess to accept his offering without asking for her by name which works as well.

In The Chalice of the Gods, it's revealed that Percy had set up his lamp and humidifier to be able to Iris Message Annabeth at night, although it had started out as a humidifier, a flashlight and a bowlful of golden drachmas. Annabeth also has a similar setup in her dorm room.

Variations[]

In The Battle of the Labyrinth, Percy receives a "collect" Iris Message, asking him to deposit drachmas in the image for each five minutes of conversation. This happens only once and the sender was dead, so it is not clear whether this is a unique event.

In The Last Olympian, Hermes uses an Iris Message to quickly flick through mortal newscasts like a TV.

Iris GN

Iris, goddess of rainbows.

In The Lost Hero, Medea calls for an Iris Message with a diamond instead of a coin. This probably means that an Iris Message can be activated using any object of value. Greeks use drachmas to activate Iris Messages because this was the Ancient Greek currency. It is implied in The Son of Neptune that Roman heroes do not use Iris Messages (neither Frank nor Hazel had ever heard of this method of communication) since Iris is her Greek counterpart, and by then Romans used more advanced methods, like giant eagles. However, they are capable of using Iris Messages as seen with Hazel after Iris directs her in what to do.

In The Tyrant's Tomb, the Ceremony to Call for Divine Help's last step is that the summoning "must be uttered through the rainbow", requiring the use of an Iris Message in the ceremony.

Failed Iris Messages[]

In The Son of Neptune, Percy tries to contact Annabeth Chase via Iris Message, but the Iris Message can't get through. It is implied that this is because Percy can't clearly remember the person he is trying to reach as Hera stole his memory and Hera herself had blocked the message.

Throughout The Trials of Apollo, Iris Messaging fails as well as all other means of demigod communication due to the interference of Triumvirate Holdings. In The Tyrant's Tomb, this is revealed to be because of the Triumvirate harnessing the powers of the soundless god Harpocrates. After he is convinced to willingly fade by Apollo, Reyna Ramírez-Arellano and Meg McCaffrey, Iris-messaging is restored along with all other methods of communication. However, by The Tower of Nero a month later, communication is still spotty at best, meaning that Iris Messages in New York appear to still be down.

In The Sun and the Star: A Nico di Angelo Adventure, Iris Messaging appears to have been fully restored two months after the defeat of Triumvirate Holdings and approximately three months after Harpocrates faded as Nico di Angelo and Will Solace are able to communicate with Percy and Annabeth in New Rome from the Jackson Apartment without any issues and Nico is later able to communicate with Piper McLean in Oklahoma from Camp Half-Blood with no issues.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians[]

The Lightning Thief[]

During their quest, Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood use a nozzle at a car wash to establish an Iris Message to Camp Half-Blood. The two explain Iris-messaging to a confused Percy Jackson and make contact with Luke Castellan as Chiron is currently busy. The trio report on their progress before the message is broken when their time on the nozzle runs out.

The Sea of Monsters[]

Percy and Annabeth contact Chiron through an Iris Message to apprise him of their progress. However, due to the antics of the Party Ponies, they have trouble hearing each other.

After being captured by Luke on the Princess Andromeda, Percy spots a rainbow and tosses his last drachma into it before silently praying to Iris and loudly announcing Dionysus at Camp Half-Blood. Percy tricks Luke into confessing to poisoning Thalia's Pine Tree before revealing that Dionysus and all of Camp Half-Blood heard him through the Iris Message. As a result, Chiron is exonerated, and Luke angrily breaks the connection. Shortly afterwards, Chiron comes to Percy, Tyson and Annabeth's rescue, explaining that Iris is an old friend of his and had allowed him to listen in on Percy's message to Camp Half-Blood.

The Titan's Curse[]

Percy talks with Tyson and his mother, Sally Jackson through Iris Messages.

After being cornered by Dr. Thorn the Manticore, Percy contacts Camp Half-Blood through an Iris Message, but gets Dionysus, much to his dismay. After Percy asks for his help, the god kills the manticore and saves them.

The Battle of the Labyrinth[]

The spirit of Bianca di Angelo uses Iris Messages from the Underworld to show Percy what her brother is up to.

Later, Annabeth tells Percy that she received an Iris Message from Eurytion that Nico has returned to the Labyrinth.

The Last Olympian[]

Chiron uses an Iris Message to show the progress of the gods' battle with Typhon.

After the battle, Hermes uses an Iris Message to quickly flick through various mortal newscasts like a TV.

The Heroes of Olympus[]

The Lost Hero[]

Medea contacts Jane with an Iris Message in order to taunt Piper McLean about her father, using a diamond instead of a drachma.

Thalia Grace later uses an Iris Message to summon her brother to the Wolf House to rescue Hera.

The Son of Neptune[]

An amnesic Percy attempts to contact Annabeth via Iris Message, but is blocked by his amnesia and Hera.

Hazel Levesque contacts Reyna Ramírez-Arellano to warn her about the Giant Army, inadvertently calling her while Reyna is in the bath. It's revealed that the Romans have never heard of Iris Messaging, instead relying on other methods of communication. In this case, Iris herself gives Hazel instructions for how to make contact with the cloud nymph Fleecy giving her a "direct line." Iris also admits that Fleecy is actually the one who currently handles most Iris Messages and not the goddess herself.

After his memories begin returning, Percy tries another Iris Message without success.

The Mark of Athena[]

When Leo attacks New Rome under the control of eidolons, Hazel tells the other members of the Seven to Iris Message her when they're safely away so that they can rendezvous. However, after Festus detects Hazel and Arion running below the ship, Frank instead shapeshifts to fly down and tell her in person instead.

Percy later tells the others that he sent Tyson an Iris Message to take Ella the harpy to Camp Half-Blood rather than leave her in the hands of the Romans with her knowledge of the Sibylline Books.

It's mentioned that while Percy was missing, Annabeth had spent hundreds of golden drachmas on Iris Messages to every friendly spirit, demigod or monster that they had ever met in search of him without any luck.

When the Romans arrive in Charleston, Annabeth orders Piper to use the Argo II's galley sink to Iris Message Jason to get back to the ship quickly. After returning to the ship's deck, Piper reports that she got the message through although it was kind of fuzzy and that Jason is already on his way back.

After stealing Achelous' horn, Piper Iris Messages Leo to have the Argo II ready for a quick takeoff upon their return.

Gleeson Hedge Iris Messages his wife Mellie to check on her while he is with the Seven.

The House of Hades[]

Gleeson Hedge Iris Messages his wife Mellie to check on her while he is with the Seven.

When the Seven discuss Iris Messaging Reyna Ramírez-Arellano, Hedge states that they aren't working very well currently and have horrible reception. Hazel states that they have already tried calling her without success and that some magic is interfering, possibly Gaea. It is much harder to call the Romans, causing Hazel to speculate that they are shielding themselves.

Frank Zhang later finds Hedge communicating with Mellie through another Iris Message as the Argo II arrives in Epirus. Frank notices that the coach's nightstand contains a bottle of water, a stack of golden drachmas, a flashlight and a glass prism for making rainbows, causing Frank to realize that the coach had come prepared to send a lot of Iris Messages.

Before leaving with Frank and Reyna, Hedge goes to make a call, although he quickly claims that he's getting his baseball bat instead, presumably intending to let his wife know that he's coming home.

Between the Series[]

The Chalice of the Gods[]

Percy and Annabeth use an Iris Message to discuss their plan for meeting with Iris herself the next day during their quest to find Ganymede's stolen chalice. The two are mentioned to Iris Message each other each night as cell phones aren't an option for demigods and they both have a setup with a flashlight, a humidifier and a bowlful of golden drachmas, although they can only communicate with each other when Annabeth's roommate is out.

After seeing Iris with a booth decorated with thousands of crystals all flashing in the sunlight and sending a riot of rainbows across the farmer's market, Percy imagines them all containing Iris Messages and getting jumbled together as the wrong quests were distributed to the wrong demigods. Percy thinks that it would actually explain a lot and that maybe his whole career has been a series of Iris Message butt dials.

After cleaning Iris' staff Mercedes, Annabeth asks if the goddess is going to do some of her Iris Messaging in person again, but Iris tells her that those days are over, although the goddess is grateful to see her staff in such good condition again.

Percy suggests sending an Iris Message to Ganymede that his chalice has been recovered, before the god sends a distress message via Hula-Hoop that he needs it immediately.

Percy later uses an Iris Message to talk to Annabeth in her dorm room after the quest, although Percy briefly worries that Mercedes will fly through the window and beat him upside the head for using another form of messaging than the staff itself. During the conversation, Percy and Annabeth both place their hands into the Iris Message, causing it to flicker for a moment and then look as if their hands had merged, fused together at their life lines. When Percy and Annabeth go to bed, they roll towards each other, breaking the Iris Message as they come together, but in the mist and the last flecks of light, Percy thinks that he can smell Annabeth's presence and feel the warmth of her hug.

The Trials of Apollo[]

The Hidden Oracle[]

Chiron reveals to Apollo and Meg McCaffrey that Iris Messaging is down. When Meg asks what Iris Messaging is, Apollo quickly explains that it's two-way visions and a method of communication overseen by the rainbow goddess. Although Apollo dismisses it as Iris just being flighty, Chiron reveals that all other forms of demigod communication are also down and that it's just one of many problems that they're facing. It's later revealed that Triumvirate Holdings is responsible.

When Leo Valdez arrives at Camp Half-Blood with Calypso six months after his death and resurrection, Leo mentions that he had tried contacting his friends using Iris Messages, but they failed to work.

The Dark Prophecy[]

While discussing warning Camp Jupiter about Caligula's impending attack, Calypso mentions that all forms of demigod communication are still down. As a result, Leo volunteers to go on Festus to warn them in person.

The Burning Maze[]

Apollo complains that the Triumvirate's forces have no trouble communicating while demigods still can't use Iris Messages and other forms of communication with each other.

The Tyrant's Tomb[]

Apollo, Reyna Ramírez-Arellano and Meg McCaffrey discover that the Triumvirate is using the soundless god Harpocrates to block all demigod communications. After they convince him to willingly fade, Iris Messaging and all other methods of communication are restored.

Apollo's summons to Diana for help in the Battle of San Francisco Bay is carried to his sister through an Iris Message as per the instructions in the Sibylline Books.

The Tower of Nero[]

Months after the death of Harpocrates, it's mentioned that while magical means of communication have been restored, they still remain spotty. As a result, Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase didn't receive word about Jason Grace's death before departing on their road trip. In addition, Camp Half-Blood is also unaware aside from Nico di Angelo sensing it until Apollo and Meg arrive to inform them in person.

The Sun and the Star: A Nico di Angelo Adventure[]

Iris Messaging appears to have been fully restored by this point, two months after the defeat of Triumvirate Holdings and Python and several months since Harpocrates faded.

Nico and Will use a humidifier and lamp in Percy's bedroom to contact him and Annabeth and ask how to survive Tartarus.

After their successful quest, using a small crystal held up into the sunlight to make a rainbow, Nico contacts Piper McLean in Oklahoma to speak about their shared grief over Jason Grace's death and to build a stronger friendship with her. The conversation only ends when Piper has to go on a hike with her girlfriend Shel.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians (TV series)[]

"We Take a Zebra to Vegas"[]

Annabeth and Percy use a prism to create an Iris Message to Chiron's office at Camp Half-Blood which is answered by Luke. However, Annabeth cuts it off when Percy starts to ask Luke about Hermes.

Gallery[]

Appearances[]

Caller

Recipient

Reason

Book

Percy Jackson, Grover Underwood, and Annabeth Chase Luke (though intended for Chiron) Reporting about their quest. The Lightning Thief
Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase Chiron Reporting about their quest and asking for advice. The Sea of Monsters
Percy Jackson Dionysus So the camp can hear Luke's plans to reform Kronos. The Sea of Monsters
Percy Jackson Tyson To talk. The Titan's Curse
Percy Jackson Sally Jackson Telling her that he'll be coming home. The Titan's Curse
Percy Jackson Dionysus (intended for Chiron) Calling for help and to report about the Ophiotaurus. The Titan's Curse
Bianca di Angelo Percy Jackson Showing him Nico's current situation. The Battle of the Labyrinth (twice)
Eurytion Annabeth Chase To warn her that Nico has returned to the Labyrinth and has been communicating with King Minos. The Battle of the Labyrinth
Chiron Typhon (his location) To show the Head Counselors the status of the gods' battle with the giant. The Last Olympian
Hermes Mortal newscasts To check on mortal reactions to the Battle of Manhattan The Last Olympian
Medea Jane To weaken Piper's confidence and reveal how her father was captured. The Lost Hero
Thalia Grace Jason Grace To summon him to the Wolf House to free Hera. The Lost Hero
Percy Jackson None Tried to call Annabeth, but it was blocked by Hera. The Son of Neptune
Hazel Levesque Reyna Ramírez-Arellano Called her while she was taking a bath (unintentionally), Hazel warned her about the Giant Army. The Son of Neptune
Percy Jackson Tyson To tell him to take Ella to Camp Half-Blood. The Mark of Athena
Annabeth Chase Every friendly spirit, demigod and monster she's ever met. To search for Percy while he is missing The Mark of Athena
Piper McLean Jason Grace To warn him to return to the Argo II fast. The Mark of Athena
Piper McLean Leo Valdez To warn him to have the Argo II ready for a quick takeoff. The Mark of Athena
Gleeson Hedge Mellie To check in on her while he is with the Seven. The Mark of Athena and The House of Hades
Hazel Levesque Reyna Attempted to call her without success possibly due to interference from Gaea. The House of Hades
Apollo Diana To summon her help in the Battle of San Francisco Bay. The Tyrant's Tomb
Nico di Angelo and Will Solace Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase To ask for advice on surviving Tartarus The Sun and the Star: A Nico di Angelo Adventure
Nico di Angelo Piper McLean To speak about Jason Grace's death and their shared grief. The Sun and the Star: A Nico di Angelo Adventure
Percy Jackson Annabeth Chase To discuss their plans for meeting Iris in person. The Chalice of the Gods
Percy Jackson Annabeth Chase To talk about the recent events. The Chalice of the Gods
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