Luke (to Annabeth): You know about the Great Prophecy. (to Percy): And you don’t. See? This is how the gods divide us. By walling off the truth.
Percy: I actually don’t wanna know.
Luke: Because you’re smart or because you’re scared?
Percy: Can I be both?
Where does this quote come from? (Source)
This quote comes from a TV series ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’. The scene where this moment comes from is in Season 2 Episode 3, with the title of ‘We Board the Princess Andromeda’ (2×03). Percy Jackson is based on a book series of the same name written by Rick Riordan. The series Percy Jackson and the Olympians is produced by Disney Branded Television and 20th Television (Disney+)
- TV Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians
- Season: 2
- Episode: 3
- Episode Name: We Board the Princess Andromeda
- Production: Disney Branded Television, 20th Television (Disney+)
Why we collected this quote
We collected this because it’s a very smart and honest response from Percy. It shows he isn’t afraid to admit he’s human and has real feelings.
What does this quote mean? (Meaning & Context)
Luke is trying to taunt Percy about the “Great Prophecy,” which Percy hasn’t been told yet. When Percy says he doesn’t even want to know it, Luke asks if that’s because he’s smart or just a coward. Percy’s reply “Can I be both?” is a great way of saying he’s smart enough to know that some secrets are just scary.
Book vs TV Series
In the book, the dialogue is a bit more action-focused when Luke taunts Percy about his future. The show allows Percy to be vulnerable and honest by admitting he can be “both” smart and scared. This highlights his maturity and shows that he’s not just a “chosen one” action hero, but a kid who is deeply affected by the terrifying prophecy hanging over his head.
Fun facts & Trivia
This response highlights Percy’s emotional intelligence. By admitting he can be “both,” he rejects the classic hero trope of being a fearless “chosen one.” This introspective moment is a significant addition that wasn’t as explicit in the original book confrontation with Luke.
