Origin Story

Poseidon was a son of Cronus and Rhea, and the elder brother of Zeus. He too was swallowed by his father and later rescued by Zeus. During the Titanomachy, Poseidon allied with the Cyclopes and was given the trident as his weapon. After their victory, the world was divided by lot among Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. Poseidon received dominion over the sea, becoming the king of the ocean.

Symbols and Attributes

• Trident: Capable of raising storms and causing earthquakes, it is the symbol of his power.
• Horse: Poseidon is credited with creating the horse and is the patron god of horsemanship.
• Dolphin and Bull: Represent the power and vitality of the sea.
• Chariot: He drives a golden chariot pulled by hippocamps (sea-horses) across the ocean.

Key Myths

Poseidon had a violent temper and often quarreled with other gods. He competed with Athena for the patronage of Athens, striking the ground with his trident to create a saltwater spring, but ultimately lost to Athena's gift of the olive tree. In Homer's Odyssey, he was enraged because Odysseus blinded his son, Polyphemus, causing Odysseus to wander the seas for ten years. He also pursued the goddess Demeter, but was rejected.

Cultural Impact

Ancient Greek sailors and fishermen often prayed to Poseidon for safe voyages. His image profoundly influenced later conceptions of sea gods, such as Neptune in Roman mythology.

Modern References

The sea god in Disney's Hercules and Poseidon's role as the father of the protagonist in the Percy Jackson film series are widely known. In astronomy, the Latin name for the planet Neptune, 'Neptunus', is derived from his Roman counterpart.