Mr. Brunner (to Percy): When you’re ready to hear what the gods have in store for you, they’ll tell you. I believe in you. And I believe you’ll be needing this. (gives him a pen) Hmm? Hang on to that. ‘Tis a mighty instrument.
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 1 Episode 1, with the title of ‘I Accidentally Vaporize My Pre-Algebra Teacher’ (1×01). 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 (2023)
- Season: 1
- Episode: 1
- Episode Name: I Accidentally Vaporize My Pre-Algebra Teacher
- Production: Disney Branded Television, 20th Television (Disney+)
Why we collected this quote
We picked this because it’s a funny, foreshadowing moment. It highlights the contrast between a mundane object and its magical potential.
What does this quote mean? (Meaning & Context)
Mr. Brunner (Chiron) gives Percy a pen (Riptide) before he leaves Yancy Academy. While Percy is confused about how a pen can help him, Brunner knows it’s actually a powerful sword. It symbolizes that help often comes in unexpected forms.
Book vs TV Series
Getting Riptide: In the book, Chiron/Brunner literally hurls the pen at Percy during a fight with Mrs. Dodds. The show makes it way calmer, Brunner just hands it over, saying he believes in Percy’s future.
Fun facts & Trivia
The fact that Riptide is disguised as a pen is a direct play on the saying “the pen is mightier than the sword,” suggesting that art and literature are preferable to conflict.
The series version of Riptide is a capped pen, which is consistent with the books. This is a subtle difference from the 2010 film adaptation, which depicted Riptide as a clicky pen.
