Poseidon’s Birth Story. Poseidon was the son of Cronus and Rhea, both Titans. Cronus lived in fear after a prophecy told him that one of his children would overthrow him. The prophecy, however, never told him which child that would be. Poseidon was born full-grown and after his birth, Cronus swallowed him.
Full Answer
How many children did Poseidon have?
Poseidon was married to Amphitrite, by whom he had three children — Triton, Rhode, and Benthesicyme;44but he had besides a vast number of children by other divinities and mortal women. He is mentioned by a variety of surnames, either in allusion to the many legends related about him, or to his nature as the god of the sea.
Does Poseidon have a famous story?
What is a famous story about Poseidon? Poseidon drew the ocean and took control of the Sea (Zeus drew the sky and Hades the Underworld). One of Poseidon's most famous deeds is the creation of the horse. There are two stories that tell how he did this. The first says that he fell in love with the goddess Demeter.
What are some stories about Poseidon?
The Poseidon supports anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface unit warfare, surveillance and long-range SAR for the UK. More than a dozen UK-based suppliers produce components for the P-8, making up 5% of every P-8 aircraft. According to Shephard Defence Insight, in 2019, the RAF began the process of ordering the P-8A.
What are facts about Poseidon?
Poseidon
- Greek God of the Sea. Poseidon was god of the sea, earthquakes, storms, and horses and is considered one of the most bad-tempered, moody and greedy Olympian gods.
- Facts about Poseidon. Poseidon was most notably the God of the sea and the protector of all waters; sailors relied upon him for safe passage.
- Link/cite this page. ...
See more
What is Poseidon's main myth?
MYTHS. Poseidon and his brothers drew lots for the division of the cosmos after the fall of the Titanes, and won the sea as his domain. He entered a contest with the goddess Athena for dominion over Athens and produced the very first horse as a gift.
How was Poseidon created?
When Zeus overthrew their father, and the three brothers divided the earth among them, Poseidon became the god of the sea and earthquakes and bugs.
Can Poseidon be killed?
Immortality: As a god, he is immortal and can live forever. Like his brothers and the other Olympians, Poseidon doesn't age and is not affected by time, only divine weapons, other Gods, and Titans can kill him.Apr 20, 2018
What is the symbol of Poseidon?
the tridentHis weapon and main symbol was the trident, perhaps once a fish spear. According to the Greek poet Hesiod, Poseidon's trident, like Zeus's thunderbolt and Hades' helmet, was fashioned by the three Cyclopes.
Who is Poseidon in Greek mythology?
Ancient Greece portal. v. t. e. Poseidon ( / pəˈsaɪdən, pɒ -, poʊ -/; Greek: Ποσειδῶν, pronounced [poseːdɔ̂ːn]) was one of the Twelve Olympians in ancient Greek religion and myth, god of the sea, storms, earthquakes and horses. In pre-Olympian Bronze Age Greece, he was venerated as a chief deity at Pylos and Thebes.
What is Poseidon's name?
If surviving Linear B clay tablets can be trusted, the name po-se-da- wo-ne ("Poseidon") occurs with greater frequency than does di-u-ja ("Zeus"). A feminine variant, po-se-de-ia, is also found, indicating a lost consort goddess, in effect the precursor of Amphitrite. Poseidon carries frequently the title wa-na-ka (wanax) in Linear B inscriptions, as king of the underworld. The chthonic nature of Poseidon-Wanax is also indicated by his title E-ne-si-da-o-ne in Mycenean Knossos and Pylos, a powerful attribute (earthquakes had accompanied the collapse of the Minoan palace-culture ). In the cave of Amnisos (Crete) Enesidaon is related with the cult of Eileithyia, the goddess of childbirth. She was related with the annual birth of the divine child. During the Bronze Age, a goddess of nature, dominated both in Minoan and Mycenean cult, and Wanax ( wa-na-ka) was her male companion (paredros) in Mycenean cult. It is possible that Demeter appears as Da-ma-te in a Linear B inscription (PN EN 609), however the interpretation is still under dispute.
Why did the Athenians send Poseidon to the Attic?
The Athenians or their king, Cecrops, accepted the olive tree and along with it Athena as their patron, for the olive tree brought wood, oil and food. After the fight, infuriated at his loss, Poseidon sent a monstrous flood to the Attic Plain, to punish the Athenians for not choosing him. The depression made by Poseidon's trident and filled with salt water was surrounded by the northern hall of the Erechtheum, remaining open to the air. "In cult, Poseidon was identified with Erechtheus," Walter Burkert noted; "the myth turns this into a temporal-causal sequence: in his anger at losing, Poseidon led his son Eumolpus against Athens and killed Erectheus."
What does the name Poseidon mean?
The origins of the name "Poseidon" are unclear. One theory breaks it down into an element meaning "husband" or "lord" (Greek πόσις ( posis ), from PIE *pótis) and another element meaning "earth" (δᾶ ( da ), Doric for γῆ ( gē )), producing something like lord or spouse of Da, i.e. of the earth; this would link him with Demeter, "Earth-mother". Walter Burkert finds that "the second element δᾶ- remains hopelessly ambiguous" and finds a "husband of Earth" reading "quite impossible to prove." According to Robert S. P. Beekes in Etymological Dictionary of Greek, "there is no indication that δᾶ means 'earth'", although the root da appears in the Linear B inscription E-ne-si-da-o-ne, "earth-shaker".
What is Poseidon's chthonic nature?
The chthonic nature of Poseidon-Wanax is also indicated by his title E-ne-si-da-o-ne in Mycenean Knossos and Pylos, a powerful attribute (earthquakes had accompanied the collapse of the Minoan palace-culture ). In the cave of Amnisos (Crete) Enesidaon is related with the cult of Eileithyia, the goddess of childbirth.
Where did Poseidon worship Demeter?
The illuminating exception is the archaic and localised myth of the stallion Poseidon and mare Demeter at Phigalia in isolated and conservative Arcadia, noted by Pausanias (2nd century AD) as having fallen into desuetude; the stallion Poseidon pursues the mare- Demeter, and from the union she bears the horse Arion, and a daughter ( Despoina ), who obviously had the shape of a mare too. The violated Demeter was Demeter Erinys (furious) . In Arcadia, Demeter's mare-form was worshiped into historical times. Her xoanon of Phigaleia shows how the local cult interpreted her, as goddess of nature. A Medusa type with a horse's head with snaky hair, holding a dove and a dolphin, probably representing her power over air and water.
Where is Poseidon's sunctuary?
Pausanias describes a sunctuary of Poseidon near Sparta beside the shrine of Alcon, where he had the surname Domatites ( Δωματίτης ), "of the house". Homer uses for Poseidon the title Kyanochaites ( Κυανοχαίτης) , "dark-haired, dark blue of the sea".
What are some interesting facts about Poseidon?
Facts about Poseidon. Poseidon was most notably the God of the sea and the protector of all waters; sailors relied upon him for safe passage. Poseidon was allotted his dominion after the fall of the Titans. Zeus and Hades were his brothers.
Where was Poseidon's palace?
Poseidon possessed a palace, made of gems and coral, located on the ocean floor. He was at Mount Olympus more often than his palace.
Why was Poseidon not swallowed by Cronus?
However, in some folklore stories it is believed that Poseidon, like Zeus, was not swallowed by Cronus because his mother Rhea who concealed him among a flock of lambs and pretended to have given birth to a colt, which was devoured by Cronus instead .
How was Poseidon similar to Zeus?
He was similar to Zeus in that he liked to exert power over women and flaunt his rugged masculinity. At times, however, his efforts were appreciated. Poseidon saved Amymone from a satyr. His primary means of transportation was a chariot pulled by horses. Poseidon assisted the Greeks in the Trojan war.
Who is the Greek god of the sea?
Greek God of the Sea. Poseidon was god of the sea, earthquakes, storms, and horses and is considered one of the most bad-tempered, moody and greedy Olympian gods. He was known to be vengeful when insulted. He is the son of Cronus and Rhea and was swallowed by his father along with Hades, Demeter, Hestia and Hera.
Who were Zeus' brothers?
Zeus and Hades were his brothers. It stands to reason that, because of his influence on the waters, he was worshipped in connection with navigation. Poseidon was worshipped as a fertility god. His name is Greek for “husband.”. He wielded the trident or three-pronged spear, and this image of him is reflected in art.
Who gave Poseidon the olive tree?
He and Athena competed for possession of the city of Athens. To sway the people in his favor, Poseidon made it spring at the Acropolis. Athena, on the other hand, gave them the olive tree. With it, she won the contest.
Who was Poseidon married to?
Progenitor of many, with several consorts, Poseidon also was married to the Oceanid Amphitrite, with whom he also had multiple offspring, including the sea creature Triton.
How big was Poseidon's trident?
Poseidon hurling his trident, coin (reverse), 306–282 bce. Diameter 1.1 inches (28 mm).
Who was the sea god?
The Romans, ignoring his other aspects, identified him with Neptune as sea god. Amphitrite and Poseidon in a chariot drawn by Tritons.
Where is Poseidon's amphora?
An amphora (jar) with a representation of Poseidon, attributed to the Berlin Painter, c. 470–465 bce; in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City. Poseidon, marble statue from Melos, 2nd century bce; in the National Archaeological Museum, Athens.
When was Poseidon's amphora painted?
An amphora (jar) with a representation of Poseidon, attributed to the Berlin Painter, c. 470–465 bce; in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City.
Who drew the chariot of Amphitrite and Poseidon?
Amphitrite and Poseidon in a chariot drawn by Tritons. Amphitrite and Poseidon in a chariot drawn by Tritons, detail of a frieze from an altar in the Temple of Neptune, Rome, 40 bce. Giraudon/Art Resource, New York. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Alicja Zelazko, Assistant Editor.
Who is the father of the horse Pegasus?
Poseidon himself fathered many horses, best known of which was the winged horse Pegasus by the Gorgon Medusa. ruins of a temple of Poseidon. Ruins of a temple of Poseidon, Attica, Greece. © Digital Vision/Getty Images. Poseidon came into conflict with a variety of figures in land disputes.
Who was Poseidon's father?
Poseidon was known to be the son of Rhea and Cronus. When he was born, his father, Cronus had already been told of a prophecy where one of his children would end up taking his throne. In a state of fear, Cronus ate all of his children (except for Zeus). Poseidon was among those children. When his brother, Zeus, was old enough to return and face Cronus, Zeus made his father throw up his brothers and sisters.
Why did Poseidon create a dolphin?
He created a talking and dancing fish which he called a dolphin. Because the dolphin could speak, it pleaded Poseidon’s case to Amphitrite who was so taken with the dolphin, she had no choice but to accept and return Poseidon’s love.
What did Apollo and Poseidon do to revenge?
Apollo and Poseidon retaliated by sending a giant sea monster to attack Troy. The only way the sea monster would stop attacking was if King Laomedon sacrificed his daughter Hesione. So, Hesione was tied to a rock as a sacrifice.
What did Demeter do to the King's daughter?
Demeter was satisfied with this punishment and ended up watching over the king’s daughter by making sure her crops prospered every year. This myth shows the kindness Poseidon could possess from time to time. He took pity on the girl and gave her a gift that changed her life.
What is Poseidon's vengeful side?
This myth shows the vengeful side of Poseidon. He was known to have a temper and he longed to be in control of things, so being slighted would not be something he would handle well.
Who is the father of Cyclops?
Poseidon was the father a Cyclops named Polyphemus. The Greek adventurer Odysseus happened to meet Polyphemus when he and his men landed on the island of the Cyclopes. They had found Polyphemus’ cave and decided to see if they could find any supplies there. When Polyphemus came home after shepherding his fields, he found Odysseus and his men.
Who did Poseidon send to rescue his half brother?
Poseidon answered this prayer by sending another son, Triton, to rescue his half-brother. Triton blew on his horn and a channel appeared.
What did Poseidon do?
Poseidon drew the ocean and took control of the Sea (Zeus drew the sky and Hades the Underworld). Creating the Horse. One of Poseidon's most famous deeds is the creation of the horse. There are two stories that tell how he did this. The first says that he fell in love with the goddess Demeter.
Who were Poseidon's children?
Poseidon had a number of interesting children with both human women and goddesses. Some of his children were monsters like the sea creature Charybdis and the Cyclops Polyphemus (both of whom tried to kill Odysseus). Others were not so scary like the Greek hero Theseus, the famous hunter Orion, and the winged horse Pegasus.
Why was Poseidon swallowed?
After being born, Poseidon was swallowed by his father Cronus because of a prophesy that said Cronus' children would someday overthrow him. Poseidon was eventually saved by his younger brother Zeus.
Why did Poseidon and Athena make the horse?
Both Poseidon and Athena wanted to be the patron god of the Greek city-state of Athens. As part of a contest, they each presented a gift to the leaders of Athens.
How did Poseidon defeat Polybotes?
He defeated the giant Polybotes by breaking off a piece of the island of Kos and throwing it at him. According to Greek mythology, Poseidon helped build the towering walls that surrounded the city of Troy. Activities. Take a ten question quiz about this page. Listen to a recorded reading of this page:
What is Poseidon's spear called?
Poseidon is pictured with a three pronged spear called a trident. He usually has curly hair and a beard. Sometimes he is shown riding his chariot which is pulled by hippocampuses (horses that have fish tails).
What did Poseidon do to help the Earth?
Poseidon had complete power and control over the ocean. He could create storms to sink ships or clear weather to help them along. He also could cause earthquakes on land which earned him the title "earth-shaker."
What is the symbol of Poseidon?
According to legend, he was one of the 12 chief gods who lived on Mount Olympus. Poseidon also was said to have a palace under the sea. Poseidon’s main symbols were the dolphin and the trident (a three-pronged spear). The ancient Romans called Poseidon by the name of Neptune.
Who was Poseidon's brother?
The Titans were a race of giants who once ruled the world. Poseidon had two brothers, Zeus and Hades.
Why did Poseidon use his trident?
The ancient Greeks believed that Poseidon used his trident to stir up storms at sea or to calm the waves. He also used his trident to shatter rocks. Because of this, he became known as the god of earthquakes. The Greeks also honored Poseidon as the creator of the horse. Print (Subscriber Feature)
What is Poseidon's role in the Greek mythology?
Poseidon was the ancient Greek God of the sea, earthquakes and horses . He was eaten by the father Cronus at birth and it was his brother Zeus who, after coming of age, tricked his father to disgorge him. Along with his siblings, Poseidon then helped Zeus overthrow their father. There are numerous myths associated with Poseidon. These include his sexual relationships with Medusa, Demeter and Aphrodite. Moreover, he was involved in a rebellion against his brother Zeus, the King of Gods. In relation to humans, Poseidon took part in the Trojan War and in a competition with the goddess Athena for the position of the primary deity of the city of Athens. Here are the 10 most famous myths featuring the Greek God Poseidon.
What is the most famous myth about Poseidon?
Here are the 10 most famous myths featuring the Greek God Poseidon. #1 The Birth of Poseidon. #2 Battle Against Cronus.
What did Minos pray to Poseidon for?
In Greek mythology, Minos was the son of Zeus and Europa; and the first King of Crete. To justify his accession as king, Minos prayed to Poseidon for a sign. Poseidon sent a bull from the sea which Minos was supposed to sacrifice in honor of Poseidon. But Minos developed a soft corner for the bull and could not bring himself to sacrifice it. He instead substituted it was a different bull. When Poseidon learned of this, he was furious. He asked the goddess of love, Aphrodite, to punish Minos by making his queen, Pasiphae, to fall in love with the bull. Pasiphae developed a mad passion for the bull and mated with it leading to the birth of a horrible monster named Asterius, who was a Minotaur, half man half bull.
Why did Zeus punish the other gods?
Zeus was furious due to the rebellion and he punished the other gods. Poseidon and Apollo, to atone for their part in the failed rebellion, were sent to Phrygia to serve as slaves to King Laomedon of Troy for one year. Together the two gods built the famous impenetrable walls around Troy.
How did Medusa escape Poseidon?
Medusa was deeply desired by Poseidon and he pursued her to great lengths. Medusa tried to escape him by running to the temple of Athena. Nonetheless, Medusa was found by Poseidon, who went on to rape her on the floor of the temple itself. After discovering this, Athena was filled with rage.
Why did Poseidon fight in the Trojan War?
During the Trojan War, Poseidon fought on behalf of the Greeks because he held a grudge against Laomedon, the Trojan king. However, there is also a myth that says that he worked against them on one occasion.
What happened to Demeter's daughter?
Her absence caused the death of crops and of livestock thus leading to a universal famine. Ultimately, she washed away her anger in the River Ladon. As a result of having intercourse with Poseidon, Demeter gave birth to a daughter named Desponia and to Arion, a horse with the ability to speak human language.
Overview
Mythology
Poseidon was the second son of the Titans Cronus and Rhea. In most accounts he is swallowed by Cronus at birth and is later saved, along with his other siblings, by Zeus.
However, in some versions of the story, he, like his brother Zeus, did not share the fate of his other brother and sisters who were eaten by Cronus. He was saved by his mother Rhea, who concealed him among a flock of lambs and pretended to have given birth to a colt, which she gave to Cronu…
Etymology
The earliest attested occurrence of the name, written in Linear B, is 𐀡𐀮𐀅𐀃 Po-se-da-o or 𐀡𐀮𐀅𐀺𐀚 Po-se-da-wo-ne, which correspond to Ποσειδάων (Poseidaōn) and Ποσειδάϝονος (Poseidawonos) in Mycenean Greek; in Homeric Greek it appears as Ποσειδάων (Poseidaōn); in Aeolic as Ποτειδάων (Poteidaōn); and in Doric as Ποτειδάν (Poteidan), Ποτειδάων (Poteidaōn), and Ποτειδᾶς (Poteidas). The form Ποτειδάϝων (Poteidawon) appears in Corinth. A cult title of Posei…
Bronze Age Greece
If surviving Linear B clay tablets can be trusted, the name po-se-da-wo-ne ("Poseidon") occurs with greater frequency than does di-u-ja ("Zeus"). A feminine variant, po-se-de-ia, is also found, indicating a lost consort goddess, in effect the precursor of Amphitrite. Poseidon carries frequently the title wa-na-ka (wanax), meaning "king" in Linear B inscriptions. The chthonic nature of Poseidon-Wanax is also indicated by his title E-ne-si-da-o-ne in Mycenean Knossos and Pylos, …
Origins
It seems that the Arcadian myth is related with the first Greek speaking people who entered the region during the Bronze Age. (Linear B represents an archaic Greek dialect). Their religious beliefs were mixed with the beliefs of the indigenous population. It is possible that the Greeks did not bring with them other gods except Zeus, Eos, and the Dioskouroi. The horse (numina) was related with the liquid element, and with the underworld. Poseidon appears as a beast (horse), w…
Worship of Poseidon
Poseidon was a major civic god of several cities: in Athens, he was second only to Athena in importance, while in Corinth and many cities of Magna Graecia he was the chief god of the polis.
In his benign aspect, Poseidon was seen as creating new islands and offering calm seas. When offended or ignored, he supposedly struck the ground with his trident and caused chaotic springs, earthquakes, drownings and shipwrecks. Sailors prayed to Poseidon for a safe voyage, sometim…
In literature and art
In Greek art, Poseidon rides a chariot that was pulled by a hippocampus or by horses that could ride on the sea. He was associated with dolphins and three-pronged fish spears (tridents). He lived in a palace on the ocean floor, made of coral and gems.
In the Iliad Poseidon favors the Greeks, and on several occasion takes an active part in the battle against the Trojan forces. However, in Book XX he rescues Aeneas after the Trojan prince is laid l…
In modern culture
Due to his status as a Greek god, Poseidon has made multiple appearances in modern and popular culture.
Poseidon has been very popular especially in god-related films. John Putch directed the movie The Poseidon Adventure. Wolfgang Petersen also film adapted Paul Gallico's novel and directed the movie Poseidon.