Demigods: half-god, half-human

In Girl in the Glass, we learn that while Mary Elizabeth’s mother was human, her father was one of the ancient gods. This prompts James to ask:

“You’re saying Mary Elizabeth was a god?”

Direktor Schmidt corrects James:  

“Not exactly, more of a demigod. In mythology gods bedded humans all the time, creating god-man hybrids with remarkable abilities, like Perseus and Hercules.”

Mary Elizabeth isn’t just the Girl in the Glass, she’s a demigod, a mythological figure with one human parent and one divine parent, an unexpected twist to her heritage. Perhaps Mary Elizabeth shares traits with the other demigods of Greek and Roman mythology, often portrayed as heroes with supernatural powers or exceptional strength, like Perseus and Hercules. 

Perseus is known for slaying Medusa, whose gaze turned people to stone. He was the son of Zeus, king of the gods, and Danae, a mortal princess. Perseus also rescued and married Andromeda, a princess destined to be sacrificed to a sea monster. His adventures were filled with divine interventions and heroic feats, and he is a central figure in Greek mythology.

Hercules is another demigod known for his immense strength, courage, and heroic feats. Hercules is also the son of the god Zeus (he was an amorous deity) and the mortal Alcmene. His birth angered Hera, Zeus's wife, who tried to kill him as a child, sending snakes to strangle him in his crib, but he was already too strong. Hera also made him temporarily insane, leading Hercules to kill his wife Megara and their children (a bit darker than Disney’s version). To atone for murdering his family, Hercules completed twelve impossible labors, which (because he’s a demigod) he ultimately accomplished.

Perseus riding Pegasus

Holding Medusa’s head

Hercules fights Cerberus

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