Here's why this is important:
* Hermes is the Greek god of messengers, thieves, and travelers. He's also Percy Jackson's father.
* Maia is a powerful figure in Greek mythology. She's known for her wisdom and her ability to nurture.
* The fact that Hermes was raised by his Titaness mother has significant implications for his personality and powers. It helps explain his cleverness, resourcefulness, and ability to move quickly and easily between worlds.
In the book, Maia's name is mentioned when Percy is first learning about his heritage. The information about his parentage helps him understand why he's different and why he has special powers. It also sets up a lot of the plot, as Percy is destined to face challenges and dangers as the son of a god.