Domain: Sea, earthquakes, horses Symbol: Trident, horse, dolphin Roman Equivalent: Neptune
Overview
Poseidon is one of the twelve Olympian deities, brother of Zeus and Hades. He rules the oceans with his trident, which can shake the earth and shatter any object. God of the sea, earthquakes, and horses, he is credited with creating the first horse by striking a rock.
His sacred animals are the horse, dolphin, and bull. Temperamental and powerful, Poseidon embodies the ocean's dual nature: sustaining and destructive, calm and raging. Prone to grudges and quick to send storms, earthquakes, and sea-monsters against those who offend him, he is the most volatile of the three brothers who divided the world.
Key Myths
The contest for Athens. Poseidon and Athena both desired patronage of the great city. Poseidon struck the Acropolis with his trident and produced a spring (or, in some versions, the first horse); Athena planted the olive tree. The citizens judged the olive — source of food, oil, and wood — the greater gift, and the city took her name. The slighted Poseidon flooded the plain in revenge.
The wrath against Odysseus. When Odysseus blinded the Cyclops Polyphemus, Poseidon's son, the god harried the hero across the seas for ten years, wrecking his ships and drowning his crews. The whole second half of the Odyssey is shaped by the sea-god's vendetta.
Creator of the horse. Poseidon is credited with bringing forth the first horse from rock or earth, and is worshipped as Hippios, lord of horses. His union with Medusa produced the winged horse Pegasus, sprung from her blood when she was slain.
Related
- Zeus - Brother
- Athena - Rival for Athens
- Greek Mythology Index