Despite being twins, Apollo and Artemis are as dissimilar as the sun is to the moon. For example, the sun god loves developing relationships with mortals of all shapes and sizes, while the goddess of the hunt would rather be left alone. Indefinitely. Preferably deep in the woods.
Of these two Olympians, only Apollo has demigod children attending Camp Half-Blood this summer as members of Cabin Seven. Artemis is represented with Cabin Eight, but it remains uninhabited . . . most of the time.
A Special Welcome Message for Demigods of Cabin Seven:
As a child of Apollo, you shine brighter than the sun. Wherever you go, whatever you do, your natural charisma causes you to stand out in a crowd. For your entire life you’ve been known as “the best singer,” or “the most graceful dancer,” or “the most gifted athlete.”
Though it is fun to receive such accolades, we know that being branded the best of the best can also be an isolating experience. As is knowing that no matter how much they hone their specialized skills, your mortal peers will always lag far, far behind. Your godly father knows that feeling better than anyone.
For those of you who have forever longed for a place where you can live your best life basking in the sun alongside your equals, we graciously welcome you to Cabin Seven. Here you’ll get to know other brilliant golden demigods who share the blood of Apollo. Each one is at the top of their field, whether it be archery, music, poetry, or healing, to name just a few.
Perhaps you’ll even find a bunkmate even more talented than you at the thing that makes you special.
Oh, don’t make that face. A little humbling won’t kill ya. Just ask your father. (Or maybe don’t. We’re not sure he wants to talk about that particular experience.)
Look, it’s either you stay here, or you spend the summer hiding from monsters determined to rip you to shreds—which isn’t easy to do when you literally glow in the dark. So we don’t want to hear any more complaints, your Majesty.
Meet Your Head Counselor, Will Solace:
“Hey there! As you’ve surely noticed, this bunk is kinda minimalist compared to the others. That’s because the kids of Cabin Seven spend most of their time outside. No matter the time of day, we’re usually training, rehearsing, or competing against the other demigods.
“Or, in my case, cleaning up after said competitions. You’ll soon realize that a lot of the physical activities in these parts are much more intense than whatever sports or games you’re used to back home.
“Luckily, in addition to being the head counselor of Cabin Seven, I’m also the chief healer at Camp Half-Blood. So, if you’re ever horribly injured or gruesomely maimed on or off the field, I’m your guy! I even treated Apollo himself once when he came to stay with us. Funny story. Remind me to tell it to you sometime.
“And who knows? Maybe you’ve also inherited an aptitude for vitakinesis, aka the healing arts. I hope so. Maybe now isn’t the best time to tell you this, but the survival rate for the members of this cabin has been a bit, uh, lower than average these past few years. Even our last two head counselors didn’t make it to—
“Um, I mean, I’m sure you’ll be fine. You seem very healthy! But in the spirit of total transparency, I should probably let you know that, in all likelihood, the next few years of your life will be extremely dangerous. So, maybe we should start the vitakinesis training as soon as possible. . . .
“I don’t mean to be all doom and gloom, though! Camp Half-Blood is an amazing place. You’ll make a ton of friends, learn new things, and have some truly unforgettable experiences.
“If you’re lucky, you may even meet someone who can provide you with comfort and joy even under the constant specter of death. And vice versa. Trust me when I say that having a devoted partner by your side during the many terrifying and life-threatening moments makes all the difference in the world.
“So go out there and glow!”
Warning from the Goddess Artemis Regarding Cabin Eight:
“Attention, demigods of Camp Half-Blood! I should not be the one who has to tell you this, but my cabin is strictly off-limits.
“Only those few noble maidens I have selected to join my immortal band of hunters are permitted entry. And be forewarned, they are far less forgiving of trespassers on this sacred space than I am.
“For your own safety, I recommend giving my hunters plenty of space should they decide to return to the campgrounds at any point this summer. I am well aware that relations between my hunters and the demigods of Camp Half-Blood have been strained in the recent past. Mostly due to the children of a certain messenger god who wears a very silly and highly impractical helmet.
“But I am willing to let bygones be bygones, and I have encouraged my hunters to do the same. I have also instructed them to stop using campers’ heads as target practice, and not to skin fresh kills in public areas. At least during daytime hours.
“However, you must understand that, unlike most Olympians, I grant my followers full autonomy. So I really cannot be held responsible for their actions. If you do encounter any friction while interacting with my hunters, I suggest you simply challenge them to an honorable game of capture the flag. I’m sure that will help settle your differences.
“And perhaps your cabin will be the first team in the history of Camp Half-Blood not to suffer a completely humiliating defeat at their hands!”
Are you a child of Apollo? Are you interested in joining the Hunters of Artemis? Or are you just terrified of them? Be sure to let us know!