Hi there! I'm a lifelong fan of the *Percy Jackson* series and an expert on all things Riordanverse. I've spent countless hours immersed in the world of demigods, monsters, and Greek mythology, and I'm always happy to share my knowledge with fellow fans.
Let's dive into your question about Nico di Angelo's nationality, which is a bit more complex than it seems at first glance!
While Nico di Angelo is a child of Hades, the Greek god of the Underworld, his mother, Maria di Angelo, was <span style="color:red">
Italian</span>. This makes Nico half-Italian by birth. He was born in <span style="color:red">
Venice</span>, Italy, in 1932 and spent his early childhood there with his mother and older sister, Bianca. The di Angelo family's Italian heritage is evident in their last name, a common Italian surname.
However, Nico's Italian identity becomes complicated by his unusual life after his mother's death. He and Bianca were taken to the Lotus Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, where time stands still. They remained there, unaware of the outside world, until 1942 when World War II was in full swing. Hades, fearing for his children's safety, retrieved them from the casino and placed them in the care of a neutral power – the Underworld itself.
Nico and Bianca then spent decades in a time-warped state within the Underworld before being brought into the modern world and eventually to Camp Half-Blood. This means Nico's connection to his Italian heritage was severed at a young age. He has little to no memory of his time in Venice and his upbringing was heavily influenced by his time in the Underworld and later, Camp Half-Blood.
So, is Nico di Angelo Italian? Technically, yes, he was born and spent his early years in Italy. However, his experiences and upbringing are far removed from a typical Italian upbringing. His time in the Lotus Hotel and Casino, followed by decades in the Underworld, created a significant disconnect from his birthplace and culture.
While Nico may identify as Italian on some level due to his parentage and birthplace, his sense of self is likely more closely tied to his identity as a demigod and a son of Hades. His experiences have shaped him into someone who transcends national boundaries, finding belonging in the world of demigods and mythical beings.
read more >>