Lore

Compare and contrast Athena and Lore in terms of character, motivations, and beliefs. Are they more alike or different? Why do you think this? Why do you think Bracken chose to build each character the way she did?

Consider the gods (both old and new). How do the actions of each help or hinder the Agon’s continuation? Based on their apparent goals, what could have each done differently to further their cause?

Why do you think Apollo let Castor kill him? What might Apollo have figured out about the Agon, and where might he have gone while Castor had his power? Bracken never fully answers the question of Castor’s ascension. Do you think this is intentional, and what message do you think Bracken means to deliver by withholding this information?

Many explanations for the Agon are offered throughout Lore. Which do you think is the true reason for the hunt? Why? If none, what do you think the Agon’s purpose is? Support your position with evidence from the text.

Bracken draws many parallels between ancient Greek culture and modern-day society. Do you agree with the similarities she outlines? Why or why not?

Van knows he can leave the Agon at any time, but he chooses to stay in, believing he can do the most damage from within. Do you agree that change is most affective from the inside? Can this idea be widely applied toward systemic problems in the real world, or does it depend on the situation? When might it be better to tackle a problem from the outside, rather than from within?

In Chapter 4, Lore explains to Miles that newly ascended gods are full of power but the original gods’ powers wane. Discuss the effect belief may have on a god’s power. Does one lead to another? Are they dependent on one another? How might belief affect the god’s activities throughout the book?

Based on the actions and personalities of the hunters, what three greatest lessons do you think the Agon teaches its followers? What are the positive and negative aspects to these lessons? How might each be reinforced or broken down, and what might the benefits and downsides be to unlearning the Agon’s teachings?