The Lord of the Seas: Poseidon

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12 Feb 2024

Who is Poseidon?

Poseidon represents the sea among the Olympian gods and is considered the absolute ruler of the seas. In Homeric epics, he is referred to as Poseidaon. Derived from Poti-dan, this name, when compared to its forms in other Indo-European languages, means "master of the seas." His power and dominion extend not only to the seas but also to rivers and lakes. Poseidon not only controls the waves but can also create storms. With a single strike of his trident, he can move coastal rocks and create fearsome earthquakes. As a god who can disrupt the earth, he is also known as Enosigaios, meaning "the earth-shaker." He is the second most significant god after Zeus. The trident, horse, and dolphin are symbols associated with him. In Roman mythology, he is known as "Neptune."

Poseidon, the Sea God's Origin

He is the son of Kronos and Rheia, and the brother of Zeus and Hades. According to one myth, Kronos, like his other children, swallowed Poseidon at birth, but Zeus, with the help of their mother Rheia, rescued and released him, granting him dominion over the sea. Another myth suggests that Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon drew lots after overthrowing their father Kronos to determine who would rule the sky, underworld, and sea, respectively. Poseidon won the sea through the draw.

Poseidon's Contention with Zeus

Poseidon is depicted with a beard, resembling Zeus in appearance but not as powerful. He possesses a similar dignity but has a nature as fierce and combative as his brother. Poseidon challenges Zeus and resists obeying his commands. In one instance, he says:

"His might is mightier, I know that, but why should he slight me? I am his equal; will he force me against my will? Rhea bore Zeus and me, Hades who rules the dead, and the earth was divided among us three, and by lot it fell to me to rule the foaming sea forever. The sky fell to Zeus in the upper air between the clouds, but the land is common to all, so let him sit and rule in his own land, and he can’t scare me with his threats."

Poseidon and Amphitrite

Poseidon falls in love with Amphitrite, one of the fifty daughters of Doris, an Oceanid, and the sea god Nereus. Amphitrite, initially shy, avoids Poseidon's advances and takes refuge in the Atlas Mountains. However, Poseidon sends a dolphin to bring her back, and they marry. Amphitrite becomes Poseidon's lawful wife, and they live in golden palaces beneath the sea.

Poseidon's Relationships and Offspring

While some sources claim that Amphitrite had no children with Poseidon, others mention three offspring: Triton (Poseidon's only immortal son, half-human and half-fish), Rhode, and Benthesikyme. Poseidon also has numerous offspring from extramarital relationships, resulting in wild beings with non-human traits. These offspring include the famous hero Theseus.

Poseidon and Athena's Contest

Poseidon desires to rule over lands and demonstrates this ambition by throwing his trident into the Acropolis of Athens, creating a pool of seawater, claiming the city. Athena, in response, plants the first olive tree near a spring, asserting her dominance more subtly. Angry at this, Poseidon challenges Athena to a duel. Zeus intervenes, ordering them to resolve the dispute in divine court. The gods and goddesses vote, and Athena wins the city for the more exquisite gift, the olive tree. Enraged, Poseidon floods the city with massive waves but has to accept Athena's victory.

Poseidon and Medusa

Gorgons, including Stheino, Euryale, and Medusa, were three sisters, with only Medusa being mortal. Poseidon becomes infatuated with Medusa's beauty, which Athena envies. Despite her reluctance, Poseidon sneaks into Athena's temple, where Medusa is transformed into a monstrous creature with snake-covered hair, a protruding tongue, and the ability to turn people to stone with her gaze.

Birth of Pegasus and Other Legends

During the beheading of Medusa, Poseidon impregnates her, leading to the birth of Khrysaor and the winged horse Pegasus. Poseidon's involvement in various myths, including his relationships, contests, and conflicts, reflects his complex and influential role in Greek mythology.

Poseidon's Temple in Sounion

Situated 70 kilometers south of Athens on the Sounion peninsula in Attica, Poseidon's temple is surrounded by three sides of the sea, offering a magnificent view. The temple, perched on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, is one of the oldest Ancient Greek temples. It is believed that Ictinus, a renowned architect, designed this beautiful structure.