“Poseidon del mar” is not an ancient title but a modern Spanish phrase meaning “Poseidon of the sea.” In Greek mythology, Poseidon is the god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses, and his domain over the ocean is one of his most defining attributes.
Who Is Poseidon in Greek Mythology?
Poseidon is one of the twelve Olympian deities in ancient Greek religion. He is the son of the Titans Cronus and Rhea, and the brother of Zeus and Hades. In the standard account, after the overthrow of their father, the three brothers drew lots to divide the cosmos: Zeus received the sky, Hades the underworld, and Poseidon the sea. This division is described in Homer’s Iliad (Book 15), where Poseidon himself states that he rules the sea, while the earth and Olympus remain common ground.
Poseidon’s Roman equivalent is Neptune, and the two figures are often conflated in later literature. His symbols include the trident, the horse, and the dolphin. He was worshipped widely across the Greek world, with major sanctuaries at Corinth, Cape Sounion, and the island of Kalaureia.
Poseidon’s Role and Personality
Poseidon was not merely a benign sea god; he was known for his violent temper and unpredictable nature. In Homer’s Odyssey, he relentlessly pursues the hero Odysseus because the hero blinded his son, the Cyclops Polyphemus. This wrathful portrayal made sailors and coastal communities especially eager to appease him.
He was also associated with horses, and in some myths he is credited with creating the first horse. In one famous contest, he struck the ground with his trident to create a spring (or a saltwater spring, in some versions) while competing with Athena for the patronage of Athens. Athena won by offering the olive tree, but Poseidon’s connection to the city remained strong.
Poseidon’s Family and Offspring
Poseidon’s wife was Amphitrite, a sea nymph and daughter of the sea god Nereus. Together they had several children, including Triton, a merman who blew a conch shell to calm or stir the waves. Poseidon also fathered many other children, both divine and mortal, with various partners.
- Theseus – the legendary hero of Athens, sometimes said to be Poseidon’s son (though his mortal father Aegeus is more commonly cited).
- Polyphemus – the one-eyed Cyclops in the Odyssey, son of Poseidon and the nymph Thoosa.
- Pegasus – the winged horse, born from the blood of Medusa after Perseus beheaded her; Poseidon is often said to be the father.
- Arion – a divine horse, sometimes said to be the offspring of Poseidon and Demeter.
The number and names of Poseidon’s children vary widely across sources, and many local traditions claimed him as an ancestor.
Poseidon in Art and Worship
Poseidon was a major figure in Greek religious practice. Sailors prayed to him for safe voyages, and coastal cities often held festivals in his honor. The Isthmian Games, held near Corinth, were dedicated to Poseidon and included athletic and equestrian competitions.
In art, Poseidon is typically depicted as a mature, bearded man holding a trident, often accompanied by dolphins or sea creatures. The most famous surviving statue is the Artemision Bronze, a life-size Greek bronze found off Cape Artemision, which is widely believed to represent either Poseidon or Zeus. He was also commonly shown in vase paintings and mosaics, sometimes riding a chariot pulled by horses or sea monsters.
Common Misconceptions About Poseidon
One frequent misconception is that Poseidon is the “king” of the sea in the same way Zeus is king of the gods. In Greek mythology, Zeus holds supreme authority over all the gods, including Poseidon. Poseidon’s power over the sea is vast, but he is subject to Zeus’s overall rule. Another misconception is that Poseidon created all horses; in most myths, he is the creator of the first horse, but not all horses.
Also, the phrase “Poseidon del mar” is not a classical epithet. Ancient Greeks used epithets like Enyochthon (Earth-shaker) or Pelagios (of the open sea), but “del mar” is simply a modern Spanish descriptor.
Poseidon vs. Other Sea Deities
Poseidon was not the only sea god in Greek mythology. The ancient Greeks recognized several marine deities, each with a distinct role:
- Oceanus – a Titan who personified the great river that encircled the earth, often considered more ancient than Poseidon.
- Tethys – Oceanus’s wife, a sea goddess associated with the nourishing flow of water.
- Nereus – the “Old Man of the Sea,” a wise and gentle sea god, father of the Nereids (sea nymphs).
- Proteus – a shape-shifting sea god who could foretell the future, though he avoided doing so unless captured.
- Triton – Poseidon’s son, a merman who served as a herald of the sea.
Unlike these older or lesser deities, Poseidon’s power extended beyond the sea to earthquakes and horses, making him a more complex and influential figure.
Poseidon’s Legacy in Modern Culture
Poseidon continues to appear in modern literature, film, and video games. He is a character in Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series, where he is portrayed as the father of the protagonist. In the 2010 film Clash of the Titans, he is depicted as a god who helps humanity. His name is also used for naval vessels, such as the P-8 Poseidon aircraft, and for the Poseidon underwater missile system.
The word “Poseidon” itself is sometimes used in scientific contexts, such as the Poseidon underwater volcano or the Poseidon system for ocean monitoring. His trident remains a symbol of maritime power and is used in various naval insignias.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Poseidon the same as Neptune?
Yes, in Roman mythology, Poseidon was equated with Neptune. The Romans adopted many Greek myths and gods, and Neptune became the Roman god of the sea, with similar attributes and myths. However, Neptune had his own distinct festivals and cult in Rome, such as the Neptunalia.
Why is Poseidon called “Earth-shaker”?
Poseidon was called “Earth-shaker” because he was believed to cause earthquakes by striking the ground with his trident. This epithet appears in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, where he is often described as Enyochthon (Earth-shaker). His connection to earthquakes made him a feared deity in a region prone to seismic activity.
Did Poseidon have any temples?
Yes, Poseidon had several temples in ancient Greece. The most famous is the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, which still stands on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. Other notable temples include those at Corinth, Isthmia, and on the island of Poros.
What is the story of Poseidon and Medusa?
In later versions of the myth, Poseidon raped Medusa in Athena’s temple, which led Athena to transform Medusa into a Gorgon with snakes for hair. This story is not found in Homer or Hesiod but appears in Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Earlier sources, such as Hesiod’s Theogony, simply say that Medusa lay with Poseidon in a soft meadow, with no mention of force.
Why did Poseidon and Athena compete for Athens?
According to myth, Poseidon and Athena both wanted to be the patron deity of the city of Athens. Poseidon struck the Acropolis with his trident, creating a saltwater spring, while Athena offered an olive tree. The Athenians judged Athena’s gift more useful, so she became the city’s patron, and the city was named after her.
What is Poseidon’s relationship with Zeus?
Poseidon is Zeus’s brother, and they generally respect each other’s domains, though they sometimes clash. In the Iliad, Poseidon defies Zeus by helping the Greeks, but he ultimately backs down when Zeus asserts his authority. Their relationship is one of mutual power, with Zeus holding the supreme position.
Related
- How Many Olympian Gods Are There?
- How Many Olympian Gods Were There?
- Greek Olympian Gods: The 12 Major Deities of Mount Olympus
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