Poseidon: Mythology, Powers, and Facts About the Greek God of the Sea

Poseidon is one of the most popular deities in Ancient Greek Mythology, and one of the 12 Olympians that make up the major deities in the Greek pantheon. He is known as the god of the seas, earthquakes, and horses. He was known as Neptune to the Romans.

The history around his name has been lost to time. It could mean “God of the Earth,” “Husband of the Earth,” or “God of Waters.”

Myths often depict Poseidon as a temperamental god, quick to anger and capable of unleashing violent storms, shipwrecks, and earthquakes when provoked. Sailors and coastal communities worshiped him, offering sacrifices to appease his wrath and ensure safe voyages.

Here is a look at the Greek God Poseidon, his symbols, mythology, family, and more.

Who is Poseidon?

Poseidon is one of the most powerful gods in Greek mythology, known as the ruler of the sea, earthquakes, and horses. He is one of the twelve Olympian gods.

Poseidon was born to Cronus, the Titan god of time and the harvest, and Rhea, the Titaness associated with fertility and motherhood. Along with his siblings—Zeus, Hades, Hera, Demeter, and Hestia—Poseidon was part of a divine family that played a crucial role in shaping the mythological landscape of ancient Greece.

Poseidon’s early life was marked by the struggle between the Titans and the Olympian gods. Cronus, fearing that his children would overthrow him as he had done to his own father, swallowed each of them at birth. Rhea, however, managed to save them. She hid the youngest, Zeus, who, with the help of his siblings, led the revolt against the Titans, known as the Titanomachy. After a 10-year war, the Olympian gods emerged victorious, and the Titans were cast into Tartarus, a deep abyss in the underworld.

After defeating their father, the three brothers drew lots to decide who would rule what part of the existing world. Zeus took the sky, Hades the underworld, and Poseidon the sea.

Poseidon has a famously tempestuous personality. Depending on his mood, he can be both protective and destructive, creating calm seas or unleashing intense storms. His weapon of choice is the trident, a three-pronged spear that symbolizes his power over the waters and the earth.

What is Poseidon the God of?

Poseidon is the god of the seas, earthquakes, and horses. He is not the same water deity as the Titan Oceanus or Pontus, the primordial god of the oceans.

According to Greek tradition described by Homer in Iliad and Hesiod in Theogony, Poseidon was the protector of seafarers, and several Hellenic cities and towns, including the seafaring people, the Phaeacians. The Phaeacians helped the Greek hero Odysseus reach Ithaca, and Poseidon’s protection is what saved Odysseus in the last phase of his journey.

Poseidon Myths

Here are some of the most well-known Greek myths about Poseidon.

The Contest for Athens

Poseidon and Athena competed to become the patron deity of Athens. Poseidon offered King Cecrops a regal horse as a gift and created a seawater stream for him in the Erechtheion temple with his trident. Athena planted an olive tree in the Acropolis next to the water stream, giving his kingdom fruit, wood, and oil.The king chose Athena’s gift, and the city was named after her, though Poseidon was still worshiped there as the god of the sea. In some versions of this myth, he created the first horse and gifted it to the King of the city.

Medusa

In one version of Medusa’s myth, Poseidon took Medusa against her will in the temple of Athena. Angered by the desecration, Athena transformed Medusa into a monster with snakes for hair. When Perseus later cut off Medusa’s head, her blood gave birth to the winged horse Pegasus.

The Walls of Troy

After a failed attempt to overthrow Zeus, Poseidon and Apollo were punished by Zeus and forced to serve King Laomedon of Troy. They built the massive walls of the city but when it came time for payment, the King refused. In revenge, Poseidon sent the sea monster Cetus to crush the Trojans. The monster was later slain by the hero Heracles.

The Creation of the Minotaur

Poseidon played a role in the creation of the Minotaur. King Minos of Crete asked Poseidon to send him a bull as a sign of favor, but when Minos failed to sacrifice the bull, Poseidon made Minos’ wife, Pasiphae, fall in love with the animal. Their union produced the monstrous Minotaur, which was later imprisoned in the Labyrinth.

The Wrath Against Odysseus

Poseidon was Odysseus’s primary antagonist in Homer’s Odyssey. After Odysseus blinded Poseidon’s son, the Cyclops Polyphemus, Poseidon sought revenge by causing storms and obstacles that delayed Odysseus’ return home for ten years. Only after the gods intervened was Poseidon’s wrath appeased.

Theseus‘s Lineage

Theseus, the hero and king of Athens, was said to be the son of Poseidon. In one myth, Theseus proved his divine parentage by retrieving a ring from the bottom of the sea, a task set by King Minos. Poseidon sent dolphins to guide Theseus in his journey.

The Flood of Thessaly

When the people of Thessaly angered Poseidon, he punished them by flooding the entire region. The floodwaters only subsided after the people repented and offered sacrifices to appease him.

The Love of Amphitrite

Poseidon fell in love with Amphitrite, one of the Nereids, but she initially rejected his advances. Poseidon sent a dolphin to find and persuade her, and she eventually agreed to become his wife. As a reward, he placed the dolphin among the stars as the constellation Delphinus.

Scylla‘s Transformation

Poseidon pursued the nymph Scylla, but she rejected him. In retaliation, Poseidon’s jealous wife, Amphitrite, poisoned the waters where Scylla bathed, transforming her into a monstrous sea creature with twelve heads. Scylla later became a terror to sailors, lurking in the strait opposite the whirlpool Charybdis.

Poseidon’s Symbols and Attributes

In terms of appearance, Zeus and his brother look extremely similar. Poseidon is typically depicted as a bearded man with curly hair and piercing eyes. Poseidon is often described as having a sturdy build, dark hair, and a dark beard. In the Homeric hymns, he’s referred to as the “dark-haired lord.” His shriek, according to Homer, is also said to have been as strong and loud as almost ten thousand warriors.

While he’s mostly known for his tempestuous nature, in some classical artworks, he is a calm, commanding figure riding over the waves, symbolizing the peace and stability he could bring to sailors. This duality of protector and destroyer was a central aspect of how the Greeks viewed Poseidon and his influence over the natural world.

1. The Trident

The most iconic symbol of Poseidon is the trident, a three-pronged spear. The trident represents his control over the oceans, and with it, Poseidon was said to be able to stir the seas, create storms, and cause earthquakes when he struck the ground.

According to Homeric and Hesiodic traditions, Poseidon’s trident was made by the Cyclopes, three brothers named Brontes, Steropes, and Arges. The Cyclopes also made Zeus’ thunderbolt and Hades’ cap of invisibility, which ended up being instrumental in the Greek succession myth helping Zeus and the Olympians overcome Cronus.

Poseidon also used the trident to break off a piece of an island Kos and buried the Giant Polybotes within.

2. Dolphins

When Poseidon was still wooing Amphitrite, who had run away to Atlas to escape his advances, Poseidon sent Delphin the dolphin to find Amphitrite and persuade her to agree to marriage. When Delphin returned after a successful trip, he was rewarded for his service and Poseidon placed the dolphin amongst the stars as the constellation Delphinus.

3. Horses

Horses, particularly those associated with the sea, such as Hippocamps (mythical sea horses with fish-like tails), were often linked to Poseidon. And, in some myths, Poseidon is credited with creating the first horse.

Poseidon is often depicted in paintings and mosaics riding in a chariot drawn by horses or hippocamps, holding his iconic trident as he travels the waves. In some representations, dolphins or other sea creatures accompany him.

Poseidon’s Wife, Family, and Other Relationships

Poseidon’s relationships in Greek mythology were vast, complex, and often problematic, reflecting both his divine status and the volatile nature of his character. He was married to Amphitrite, a sea goddess and one of the Nereids.

Though Amphitrite was initially resistant to Poseidon’s advances, he eventually won her over with the help of a dolphin, who convinced her to accept the god’s proposal. Together, Poseidon and Amphitrite had several children, the most notable being Triton, a merman who served as Poseidon’s herald.

Beyond Amphitrite, Poseidon had numerous lovers, both mortal and divine. His affairs resulted in many children, often with significant roles in Greek myths. For example, with the mortal woman Aethra, Poseidon fathered Theseus, the legendary hero and king of Athens. He also fathered the Cyclops Polyphemus with the sea nymph Thoosa, who became a famous figure in Homer’s Odyssey.

Poseidon’s romantic relationships were often tumultuous. For instance, he pursued the nymph Scylla, but when she rejected him, Amphitrite transformed her into a monstrous creature out of jealousy.

Who are Poseidon’s Offspring?

Poseidon sired many mortals, gods, animals, nymphs, and more. Here are some of the most prominent.

• Theseus
• Triton
• Polyphemus
• Arion
• Belus
• Agenor
• Rhode
• Neleus
• Atlas
• Pegasus
• Chrysaor
• Cymopoleia
• Nauplius
• Benthesikyme
• Herophilos
• Orion
• Euphemos

Poseidon’s Epithets

Poseidon had many epithets, or titles, in Greek mythology, each highlighting different aspects of his personality, domains, and powers. Here are some of the key ones:

1. Enosichthon (“Earth-Shaker”) – This epithet refers to Poseidon’s power to cause earthquakes. As the god who could shake the earth with his trident, Poseidon was feared for his ability to unleash destructive tremors.
2. Hippios (“Of Horses”) – This title emphasizes Poseidon’s connection to horses, which he was believed to have created. He was the patron god of horse riders, horse breeders, and charioteers.
3. Pelagaeus (“Of the Sea”) – This epithet highlights Poseidon’s dominion over the oceans and all bodies of water, underscoring his primary role as the god of the sea.
4. Asphaleios (“Stabilizer”) – As the god who could calm the seas and protect sailors, this epithet reflects Poseidon’s ability to bring stability to the natural world, particularly in maritime contexts.
5. Gaieochos (“Holder of the Earth”) – Similar to “Earth-Shaker,” this title also emphasizes Poseidon’s role in controlling the land and the seas, reinforcing his authority over both elements.
6. Prosklystios (“He Who Dashes Against”) – This epithet refers to Poseidon’s destructive powers, specifically his ability to unleash stormy seas and crashing waves.
7. Phytalmios (“Nurturer of Plants”) – This less common epithet represents Poseidon as a god associated with fertility and the nourishment of plants, linking him to agricultural prosperity, particularly in coastal regions.
8. Taureos (“Of the Bull”) – Bulls were sacred to Poseidon, and this title connects him to the powerful and virile symbolism of the bull, often associated with his strength and fertility.

Poseidon’s Temples and Places of Worship

Poseidon was widely worshiped in ancient Greece, and several important temples and sanctuaries were dedicated to him, particularly in coastal areas and regions where his influence over the sea and earthquakes was most felt. Here are some of the most significant places of worship dedicated to Poseidon:

1. Temple of Poseidon at Sounion

Located on the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula, the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion is one of the most famous and important sanctuaries dedicated to the god. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, the temple was built in the 5th century BCE and served as a place of worship for sailors seeking Poseidon’s favor.

The site is known for its stunning views and sunsets and ruins of the temple can still be visited, with several of the original Doric columns still standing.

2. Isthmian Sanctuary of Poseidon

The Isthmian Sanctuary near Corinth was one of the most important centers of worship for Poseidon in ancient Greece. Located near the Isthmus of Corinth, this sanctuary was the site of the Isthmian Games. The sanctuary included temples, altars, and other structures dedicated to the god. While the site is largely in ruins today, it can still be visited.

3. Helike in Achaea

Helike, an ancient city in Achaea, was famous for its large temple dedicated to Poseidon Helikonios. The city and its temple were submerged by an earthquake and tsunami around 373 BCE, leading to the city’s destruction. The ruins of Helike are believed to be underwater, making it impossible to visit the original temple. However, the site has been the subject of archaeological interest, and some artifacts have been recovered.

4. Temple of Poseidon at Tainaron

Cape Tainaron, located at the southern tip of the Peloponnese, was home to a sanctuary dedicated to Poseidon Asphaleios (“Poseidon of Stabilization”). This site was believed to be the entrance to the underworld, and it featured a temple and a sacred cave. The temple remains are few, but the site can be visited.

5. Temple of Poseidon at Onchestos

Onchestos in Boeotia was another significant sanctuary, dedicated specifically to Poseidon as a god of horses. The site was a major cult center in ancient Greece, and was referenced in the Iliad as his “bright grove.” The site’s ruins can be visited today.