Percy Jackson e os Olimpianos: A adaptação do mito através da série televisiva

Abstract

This study aims to analyze how the series Percy Jackson and the Olympians, by Rick Riordan, adapts Greek mythology to a contemporary context, especially through its transposition into audiovisual language in the television series released by the Disney+ platform. By approaching classical myths from a modern perspective aimed at a young audience, Riordan's work contributes to the revitalization of archetypes and mythical structures fundamental to Western culture, re-signifying them through themes such as identity, diversity, belonging, and overcoming challenges. The research is situated within the fields of literary and intersemiotic studies, with emphasis on the relationships between literature, media, and pop culture, adopting a qualitative and comparative methodology, combining bibliographic review with critical analysis of the literary works and the television series. The narrative of the book series and its audiovisual adaptation are examined through concepts such as archetype, myth, fantastic literature, and cultural mediation, identifying the strategies used to make Greek myths accessible to new generations. It investigates how mythology, traditionally associated with the sacred and classical erudition, is reworked through contemporary young adult literature using a more dynamic language, with elements of humor, action, and urban settings, enhancing the engagement of juvenile readers. The analysis covers the five original volumes The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan’s Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, and The Last Olympian highlighting how characters, plots, and mythical themes are recontextualized. Subsequently, the focus shifts to the television series, discussing technical and narrative aspects of the adaptation, such as the hero's journey, casting choices, audiovisual language, and fidelity to the literary work. Thus, the study identifies how the translation from one medium to another requires creative and cultural decisions that do not always align perfectly with the original material, while simultaneously expanding the reach of the mythic narrative. Riordan’s work and its adaptation prove to be powerful tools for the cultural and critical formation of young people, proposing a dialogue between mythological heritage and contemporary issues. The research demonstrates that mythological narratives, when reinterpreted through current media, do not lose their symbolic power; instead, they reaffirm themselves as essential narrative structures for shaping the collective imagination. In conclusion, the pedagogical value of the analyzed work is emphasized, suggesting that the integration of cultural products like Percy Jackson into school practices can promote not only literary literacy but also the development of aesthetic sensitivity and identity awareness among students.