Poseidon

Poseidon enthroned De Ridder 418 CdM Paris

Poseidon pursuing Met 41.162.139

Bayreuth Hofgarten Neues Schloss, Neptun-Poseidon (Original, Orangerie), 11.07.08

Neptuno colosal (Museo del Prado) 01

Poseidon Dionysos Zeus neck-amphora Nationalmuseet

Dionysos Ariadne gods Louvre G41

Poseidon was one of the twelve Olympian gods in ancient Greek mythology, and he was the god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses. Known as the "Earth-Shaker," he was an important deity in the Greek pantheon and was considered second only to Zeus in power among the gods. Poseidon's Roman equivalent was Neptune.

Mythology

Poseidon was the son of Cronus and Rhea, making him a brother to Zeus, Hades, Hera, Demeter, and Hestia. After the overthrow of their father, Cronus, the world was divided among the three brothers, with Poseidon receiving the sea as his domain.

Poseidon was often depicted carrying his trident, a three-pronged spear, with which he could shake the earth and shatter any object. He was associated with storms, earthquakes, and other violent forces of nature. The Iliad and the Odyssey, two epic poems attributed to Homer, provide many details of Poseidon's character and his involvement in the affairs of mortals and other deities.

Consorts and Children

Poseidon had numerous consorts and fathered many children, both divine and mortal. Among his most famous offspring were the hero Theseus, the cyclops Polyphemus, and the horse Pegasus, born from the blood of the Gorgon Medusa when she was decapitated by Perseus.

Worship

Poseidon was widely worshipped across the Greek world, but his cult was especially important in coastal cities and islands. The Isthmian Games, which were held in his honor near Corinth, were one of the major pan-Hellenic festivals. Temples dedicated to Poseidon have been found throughout Greece, including significant sites at Sounion and Corinth.

Symbols and Attributes

Poseidon's symbols include the trident, the dolphin, the horse, and the bull. His ability to control horses is reflected in myths where he creates them from the waves. The dolphin and the trident, meanwhile, underscore his dominion over the sea.

Cultural Impact

Poseidon has had a lasting impact on Western culture, being featured in countless works of art, literature, and film. His myths have been interpreted in various ways over the centuries, reflecting changing attitudes towards the sea and natural disasters.

See Also

• Greek mythology
• Olympian gods
• Zeus
• Neptune (mythology)