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How long can Percy Jackson breathe underwater?

a power he inherits from his father

By Sangita NandiPublished about a year ago 2 min read

Percy Jackson, the main character in Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, has the incredible ability to breathe underwater, a power he inherits from his father, Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. This unique gift is one of the many special abilities that Percy gains because of his divine heritage, and it plays an important role throughout the series.

In the first book, The Lightning Thief, Percy discovers his ability to breathe underwater when he is on a quest and finds himself in situations where he needs to be submerged in water for extended periods. Unlike ordinary humans, who can only hold their breath for a short time, Percy can breathe freely in the water, similar to how a fish does. His ability is a direct result of his father’s domain over the oceans and seas, as Poseidon is the god who controls water and the creatures within it.

The specific duration that Percy can breathe underwater is not explicitly stated in terms of a time limit, but it is clear that he can do so for as long as he needs to. Percy’s underwater breathing is part of his natural abilities, much like how he has heightened strength and the ability to communicate with horses and sea creatures. This power does not appear to have any real limits, as long as Percy is in the presence of water or submerged in it. He can swim, fight, and interact with the sea for as long as necessary, without needing to resurface for air.

In The Sea of Monsters, the second book of the series, Percy again shows his ability to breathe underwater when he is trapped in various situations, such as during his journey to retrieve the Golden Fleece. As long as he is in contact with the water, he does not experience any discomfort, fatigue, or difficulty. Percy’s ability to breathe underwater is a clear advantage in these situations, making him one of the few demigods who can handle challenges in the sea with ease.

There are also instances in the Heroes of Olympus series, the sequel to Percy Jackson and the Olympians, where Percy’s ability to breathe underwater is highlighted. In these stories, Percy continues to use his water-related powers to his advantage. His connection to Poseidon grants him the ability to manipulate water as well, allowing him to create water barriers, control waves, and even summon storms. His underwater breathing ability remains a vital tool, especially in perilous situations where other demigods might struggle.

In addition to breathing underwater, Percy’s relationship with water is central to his identity. It allows him to interact with and control the seas in ways that no one else can. His powers make him uniquely equipped to deal with underwater threats or navigate the dangers of the ocean.

In conclusion, Percy Jackson’s ability to breathe underwater is one of his signature powers, a gift from his father, Poseidon. While the exact duration of how long he can breathe underwater is not specified, it is clear that Percy has the ability to stay submerged for as long as needed, without any discomfort or limits. This power, combined with his other water-related abilities, makes Percy a formidable hero, especially when facing challenges that involve the sea or water. His underwater breathing is just one of the many ways he connects to his divine parent and proves to be a valuable asset on his numerous quests.

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