Yes, Ares continues to harbor a strong hatred for Percy Jackson. His animosity is a deeply rooted and persistent aspect of their turbulent relationship, stemming from their past encounters.
The Enduring Nature of Ares's Animosity
Ares, the Olympian god of war, holds a significant grudge against Percy Jackson. This enduring hatred is primarily a result of their memorable duel where Percy, a demigod, managed to defeat the powerful deity. For a god of Ares's immense pride and combative nature, such a public defeat by a mortal-born hero is an unforgivable offense that fuels his long-term resentment.
Even when considering scenarios that might seem beneficial or intriguing, Ares's underlying hatred for Percy remains evident and shapes his perspective. For example:
- Desire for Perpetual Torment: Ares considers the idea of Percy becoming immortal not as a sign of respect or a cessation of their conflict, but rather as an opportunity to endlessly torment him. He relishes the thought of being able to "beat him to a pulp" as frequently as he desires, knowing that an immortal Percy would always recover and return for more punishment.
- Twisted Amusement: This twisted desire highlights that his hatred is not simply a passing emotion, but a fundamental part of his character when it comes to Percy. His amusement at the prospect of Percy's immortality is directly linked to the idea of repeatedly inflicting pain and humiliation, underscoring the depth of his animosity.
Ares's feelings towards Percy are a prime example of a god's long memory and their tendency to hold grudges, especially when their honor or pride is challenged. His hatred is not just about the past defeat but also about the ongoing desire to assert his dominance and inflict suffering upon the one who bested him.
