In Record of Ragnarok (also known as Shūmatsu no Valkyrie), Poseidon is the second god to fight for humanity’s survival, facing the human champion Kojiro Sasaki in the second round of the tournament. This manga version of Poseidon is a cold, arrogant, and nearly silent god who wields a trident that can extend and shapeshift, and he is ultimately defeated by Sasaki, who predicts his movements through his “scan” ability. However, this portrayal diverges significantly from classical Greek mythology, where Poseidon is a major Olympian god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses, with a rich and complex personality.
Who Is Poseidon in Classical Greek Mythology?
In ancient Greek religion and myth, Poseidon is one of the twelve Olympian deities, brother of Zeus and Hades. He is most commonly known as the god of the sea, but he also ruled over earthquakes (earning the epithet “Earth-Shaker”) and was associated with horses, often depicted riding a chariot pulled by hippocampi. His symbols include the trident, the dolphin, and the bull. Poseidon’s myths are numerous and varied, appearing in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, Hesiod’s Theogony, and many later sources. He is a powerful and often vengeful god, known for his rivalry with Athena over Athens, his role in the Trojan War, and his many offspring, including the hero Theseus and the Cyclops Polyphemus.
Poseidon’s Role in Record of Ragnarok
In the manga (and anime) Record of Ragnarok, the gods decide to destroy humanity, but a valkyrie named Brunhilde proposes a tournament: 13 gods vs. 13 human champions, with the winner determining humanity’s fate. Poseidon is chosen as the gods’ second fighter, representing the sea and the might of Olympus. His opponent is Kojiro Sasaki, a legendary Japanese swordsman known as “the world’s greatest loser” because he lost many duels but learned from each defeat. The fight is brutal: Poseidon fights with a trident that can extend and split into multiple prongs, and he moves with incredible speed. He is utterly contemptuous of humans, refusing to even acknowledge Sasaki as a worthy opponent. However, Sasaki’s unique ability, “Scan,” allows him to predict his opponent’s moves by simulating countless possible futures. Over the course of the battle, Sasaki gradually adapts, and in a climactic moment, he lands a fatal blow, killing Poseidon. This victory shocks the gods and gives humanity hope.
Key Differences Between Manga and Myth
The manga takes creative liberties with Poseidon’s character and abilities. Here are the main differences:
- Personality: The manga Poseidon is aloof, silent, and utterly arrogant, viewing all others as inferior. In myth, Poseidon is more emotional and vindictive, often acting out of anger or pride, but he also interacts with other gods and mortals in complex ways.
- Abilities: The manga gives Poseidon a shapeshifting trident and superhuman speed. In myth, his powers are more elemental: he controls the sea, causes storms and earthquakes, and can create springs (like the one on the Acropolis in Athens).
- Death: In the manga, Poseidon is killed by a human. In Greek mythology, gods are immortal and do not die; Poseidon remains an eternal deity.
- Role in the story: The manga makes Poseidon a central antagonist in a tournament, whereas in myth he is a background figure in many tales, rarely the main focus.
Why Did the Manga Change Poseidon?
The creators of Record of Ragnarok (written by Shinya Umemura and Takumi Fukui, illustrated by Ajichika) adapted Poseidon to fit the theme of gods versus humans. Making him cold and arrogant emphasizes the gods’ disdain for humanity, and his defeat by a human underdog delivers the series’ core message: human perseverance and ingenuity can overcome even divine power. The manga also uses mythological figures from various pantheons (Greek, Norse, Hindu, etc.) and reinterprets them for dramatic effect, so Poseidon’s changes are consistent with the series’ approach.
How Accurate Is the Manga to Greek Mythology?
Overall, Record of Ragnarok is not a faithful retelling of Greek mythology; it is a fantasy battle manga that borrows names and basic traits. For Poseidon, the manga keeps his trident and his association with the sea, but it strips away his other domains (earthquakes, horses) and his mythological personality. The manga also portrays him as a brother who despises his older sibling Hades (who appears later in the series), whereas in myth Poseidon and Hades are generally not depicted as hostile. If you are looking for accurate mythology, the manga is a starting point, but it should not be taken as a source of authentic Greek myths.
Other Mythological Figures in Record of Ragnarok
Poseidon is just one of many gods in the series. Others include Thor (Norse), Zeus (Greek), Shiva (Hindu), Odin (Norse), and Loki (Norse). Each is similarly reimagined for the tournament. For example, Thor is portrayed as a battle-hungry warrior, and Shiva is a proud fighter who welcomes strong opponents. The series also features human fighters from various eras, such as Adam, Lü Bu, and Nikola Tesla. This eclectic mix is part of the series’ appeal, but it also means that mythological accuracy is often sacrificed for entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Poseidon in Record of Ragnarok based on the real Greek god?
Only loosely. He shares the name, the trident, and the sea association, but his personality, abilities, and fate are original to the manga. The real Poseidon is a complex deity with many myths, and he is not a silent, arrogant fighter.
Who kills Poseidon in Record of Ragnarok?
Kojiro Sasaki, a legendary Japanese swordsman, kills Poseidon in the second round of the tournament. Sasaki uses his “Scan” ability to predict Poseidon’s attacks and eventually lands a fatal strike.
Why does Poseidon hate humans in the manga?
The manga does not give a deep backstory; it presents Poseidon as a god who inherently views humans as inferior and unworthy of existence. This is a common trait among the gods in the series, who vote to destroy humanity.
Does Poseidon appear in later rounds of Record of Ragnarok?
No, Poseidon dies in his fight with Sasaki and does not appear again in the main tournament. However, his brother Hades appears later as a fighter, and Poseidon is briefly mentioned.
Is Record of Ragnarok a good introduction to Greek mythology?
No, it is a work of fiction that uses mythological names for dramatic effect. For an accurate introduction, read Hesiod’s Theogony or Homer’s epics, or consult a reputable mythology reference.
What is Poseidon’s trident called in the manga?
The manga does not give it a unique name; it is simply referred to as his trident. In myth, the trident is often called a “kya” or just “trident,” and it was forged by the Cyclopes.
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