Poseidon is the ancient Greek god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses, one of the twelve Olympian deities who ruled from Mount Olympus. His myths are among the most widespread in Greek tradition, covering everything from the creation of horses to bitter rivalries with Athena and Odysseus.
Origins and Family
Poseidon was the son of the Titans Cronus and Rhea, making him the brother of Zeus, Hades, Hera, Demeter, and Hestia. According to Hesiod’s Theogony, Cronus swallowed each of his children at birth to prevent them from overthrowing him, but Zeus escaped and later forced Cronus to disgorge his siblings. After the gods defeated the Titans, the three brothers drew lots to divide the cosmos: Zeus received the sky, Hades the underworld, and Poseidon the sea. The earth and Mount Olympus remained common ground.
Poseidon married the sea nymph Amphitrite, a daughter of the sea god Nereus. Their children included Triton, a merman who blew a conch shell to calm or stir the waves, and Rhode, who gave her name to the island of Rhodes. He also had many lovers and offspring, both divine and mortal, including the hero Theseus (with Aethra) and the cyclops Polyphemus (with the nymph Thoosa).
Powers and Symbols
Poseidon’s primary attribute was the trident, a three-pronged spear forged by the Cyclopes during the Titanomachy. With it he could strike the earth to cause earthquakes, split rocks, and create springs of water. He was often called the “Earth-Shaker” (Enosichthon) in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, reflecting his role as a god of seismic activity.
His sacred animals included the horse, the dolphin, and the bull. He was also associated with the chariot, which he drove across the sea in a shell-shaped vehicle pulled by horses or sea creatures. In art, Poseidon is typically depicted as a bearded, muscular man holding a trident, often alongside dolphins or fish.
Key Myths and Stories
Several myths define Poseidon’s character and influence:
- Contest for Athens: Poseidon and Athena competed to become the patron deity of Athens. Poseidon struck the Acropolis with his trident and produced a saltwater spring (or a horse, in some versions), while Athena offered an olive tree. The Athenians chose Athena’s gift, and Poseidon, enraged, flooded the plain of Attica in retaliation.
- The Odyssey: Poseidon is the primary antagonist of Odysseus, punishing him for blinding Polyphemus, the Cyclops and son of Poseidon. His wrath delays Odysseus’s return home for ten years, as described in Homer’s Odyssey.
- Creation of the Horse: In some myths, Poseidon created the first horse by striking the earth with his trident. He was also said to have fathered the winged horse Pegasus with Medusa, after she was beheaded by Perseus.
- Rivalry with Helios: In Corinth, Poseidon and Helios (the sun god) competed for the city. The judge Briareus, a hundred-handed giant, awarded the Acrocorinth to Helios and the isthmus to Poseidon.
Worship and Cults
Poseidon was widely worshipped across the Greek world, especially in coastal cities and islands. His sanctuaries were often located near the sea, such as the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion in Attica, which still stands today. The Isthmian Games, held near Corinth, were dedicated to Poseidon and included athletic and musical competitions.
In some regions, Poseidon was also a god of fertility and agriculture, particularly in the Peloponnese. He was associated with freshwater springs, which were vital for farming. Sailors and fishermen offered sacrifices to him before voyages, and horses were sometimes thrown into the sea as offerings during storms.
Poseidon vs. Other Sea Gods
Poseidon was not the only sea deity in Greek mythology. The older sea god Nereus, the “Old Man of the Sea,” was known for his wisdom and shape-shifting abilities. Oceanus, a Titan, personified the great river that encircled the earth, and his daughter Tethys was also a sea goddess. However, after the Titanomachy, Poseidon became the dominant god of the sea, relegating these older figures to subordinate roles.
Unlike the Roman god Neptune, who was largely a copy of Poseidon, the Greek Poseidon had a more complex personality—both beneficent and destructive, a patron of civilization and a bringer of natural disasters.
Common Misconceptions
A frequent misconception is that Poseidon was always hostile to humans. In fact, he was a protector of sailors and a founder of cities, and many myths show him rewarding piety. Another error is confusing him with the Roman Neptune, who was more closely associated with freshwater and horses but lacked the same earthquake domain. Also, the myth of Poseidon and Medusa is often misunderstood: in most versions, Medusa was a mortal priestess of Athena who was transformed into a Gorgon as punishment, and Poseidon’s involvement occurred in Athena’s temple, which further angered the goddess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were Poseidon’s main children?
Poseidon fathered many children, including Triton (a merman), Theseus (a hero of Athens), Polyphemus (the Cyclops in the Odyssey), and Pegasus (the winged horse, with Medusa). He also had a daughter named Rhode, and in some traditions, the giant Antaeus and the hunter Orion.
Why did Poseidon and Athena fight over Athens?
The contest was to decide who would be the patron deity of the city. Poseidon offered a saltwater spring (or a horse), while Athena offered an olive tree. The Athenians judged the olive tree more useful, so Athena won, and Poseidon responded by flooding the surrounding plain.
What is the difference between Poseidon and Neptune?
Neptune is the Roman equivalent of Poseidon, but the two were not identical. Poseidon had a more prominent role in earthquakes and was often more volatile. Neptune was later associated with freshwater springs and horses, and his mythology was less developed than Poseidon’s.
How was Poseidon worshipped?
Poseidon was honoured at sanctuaries near the sea, such as Cape Sounion. The Isthmian Games were held in his honour, and sailors made sacrifices to him. His priests often performed rituals involving horses, which were sacred to him.
Did Poseidon have any positive aspects?
Yes, Poseidon was a protector of sailors and a bringer of calm seas when appeased. He also created horses, which were vital for Greek warfare and agriculture, and he helped build the walls of Troy with Apollo, though the king Laomedon refused to pay them.
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