Poseidon

God of Seas, Earthquakes and Horses

Poseidon is a son of Cronus and Rhea and one of the main Olympian brothers. Cronus swallows him as a baby in Hesiod's account, and Zeus later frees him. During the war against the Titans, the Cyclopes give Poseidon his trident. After the victory, the brothers draw lots for the sky, sea and underworld. Poseidon receives the sea, though all three can still act on Earth and Olympus. The trident is Poseidon's clearest symbol. He uses it to strike rocks, create springs and shake the ground. Because earthquakes seemed to come from beneath the Earth, Greeks called him Earth-Shaker. Coastal communities and sailors offered prayers and sacrifices to avoid storms. Poseidon was not simply a colourful sea character. For people travelling in wooden ships, his power could feel immediate and dangerous.

Horses are another major part of his identity. One title calls him Hippios, meaning of horses. Some myths say he created the first horse, and he fathers several remarkable horses, including the winged Pegasus in many traditions and the magical Arion. Chariot races and horse breeding could therefore have religious links with Poseidon as well as practical ones. Poseidon competes with Athena for the city of Athens. He strikes the ground and produces a spring, but its water is salty in the best-known version. Athena offers the olive tree. The people choose her gift, and the city takes her name. Poseidon is furious, although local worship in Athens continued to honour both gods. Other cities also have stories about Poseidon losing contests for patronage, which suits his argumentative nature.

In the Odyssey, Poseidon becomes the main divine enemy of Odysseus. The hero blinds Polyphemus, a Cyclops who is Poseidon's son. Polyphemus prays for revenge, and Poseidon delays Odysseus's return with storms and disasters. The story does not excuse Polyphemus eating his guests, but it shows how hurting a god's child can bring a terrifying response. Poseidon is married to the sea goddess Amphitrite. Their son Triton is often shown with a human upper body and fish tail. Poseidon has many other children as well, including heroes and monsters. These family lines vary across sources.

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