20 Interesting Facts about Poseidon in Greek Mythology

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20 Interesting Facts about Poseidon in Greek Mythology

With his powerful trident and his command over the waves, he is a figure of both fear and admiration. Poseidon is one of the well-known and revered Greek deities. But beyond his legendary battles with other gods, there are many fascinating facts about Poseidon that many may not know. From his romantic conquests to his animal transformations, Poseidon’s story is full of intrigue and adventure. 20 interesting facts about Poseidon will be explored in this article. From his contentious relationship with his brother Zeus to his unexpected connections to other mythological figures, we’ll uncover the lesser-known aspects of Poseidon’s story that make him a truly captivating figure in Greek mythology. So join us for facts about this fascinating deity.

1. Part of the Olympian Gods

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In ancient Greek religion and mythology, the major deities of the Greek pantheon are the twelve Olympians. Zeus, Poseidon, Hera, Demeter, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Ares, Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Hermes, and Dionysus are all common names for them. He was well-known for being powerful and unpredictable, and his emblem, the trident, was frequently depicted alongside him. In addition to Poseidon, each of the other eleven Olympians had their mythological history and areas of influence.

15 Great Facts about Zeus in Greek Mythology.

2. God of the Sea, Earthquakes and Horses

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Poseidon was the god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses. He was often depicted riding a chariot pulled by horses, or with a trident in his hand. Few gods can hold a candle up to Poseidon. He had the power to summon storms and earthquakes. He was nicknamed the earth-shaker. In Greek mythology, it is said that he created the horse to impress the goddess of harvest Demeter. In ancient Greek culture, many people relied on the sea for food and commerce thus Poseidon played a significant role.  He was a revered and feared deity because of his power over the sea and other natural phenomena.

3. Poseidon’s Dad Ruled the World

Cronus and Rhea gave birth to Poseidon according to Greek mythology. Titans were the first generation of deities who ruled the cosmos before the reign of the Olympian gods, Cronus was one of them. Rhea was also a Titan and the sister of Cronus, who later became his consort. Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades, and Zeus are his siblings. He was the fifth-born child to Cronus and Rhea.

Related Read: 10 Interesting Facts about Goddes Aphrodite.

4.  His Father Swallowed Him at Birth

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Poseidon was indeed the son of Cronus.  To avoid his prophesied fate of being overthrown by one of his offspring, Cronus swallowed his children. He swallowed whole each child as they were born, to ensure that no one would be able to challenge his rule. However, Cronus’s wife Rhea managed to save their last child, Zeus, by hiding him and giving Cronus a stone wrapped in swaddling clothes to swallow instead. Cronus’s fear of being overthrown by his children was not unfounded, as the gods led by Zeus eventually did overthrow him and take control of the universe.

5.  Amphitrite is his Wife

Amphitrite was a prominent figure in ancient Greek mythology. Apart from being the wife of Poseidon, she was known as the queen of the sea.  She is one of the 50 Nereids or daughters of Nereus. Amphitrite was believed to be a powerful goddess. They had a son called Triton, who was a merman, half fish and half human! Amphitrite was born to Nereus and Doris, or Oceanus and Tethys, depending on the source, and was the eldest of the Nereids. According to the myth, she lived with Poseidon in a magnificent golden palace beneath the sea, where they ruled over the oceans and all marine life. Amphitrite was highly respected and worshipped by sailors and seafarers, who sought her protection during their voyages.

Related Read: 10 Facts about Greek Goddess Artemis.

6.  He was the God of Navigation

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The ancient Greeks also called him the “Savior of Sailors”. It stands to reason that, because he influenced the waters, he was associated with navigation. In Greek mythology, the palace of Poseidon was in the depths of the sea near Aegae in Euboea. It was located on the seafloor and made of gems and coral. Because of his powers over the seas, he was also worshipped as the god of the sea. Sailors believed that worshipping this deity would keep them safe from getting lost in turbulent waters. Sailors sacrificed horses in return for a smooth passage across the sea. Alexander the Great (the founder of Ancient Greece) prayed to Poseidon by driving a four-horse-drawn carriage off the cliffs and into the sea!

7.  Poseidon was Unpredictable

Poseidon was often portrayed as a powerful and unpredictable deity. He is capable of causing storms, earthquakes and tidal waves. His mood and actions were often unpredictable, and he was known to be both helpful and vengeful towards humans. During the hero Odysseus’ journey home, Poseidon helped him but he also punished the city of Troy by sending a sea monster to attack its shores. Atlantis sank into the ocean from Poseidon’s curse. For ancient sailors and coastal communities, the sea was both a source of life and a source of danger.

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8. The Dolphin is one of Poseidon’s Symbol

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Over the years people have associated Poseidon with many symbols. Among these, the most common is the dolphin. In most paintings artists depict him surrounded by dolphins. Dolphins, which are intelligent and friendly marine mammals, were believed to be sacred to Poseidon. They were sometimes depicted alongside the god in art and were considered to be his messengers and helpers. Dolphins often played a crucial role in assisting sailors and helping them navigate treacherous waters in Greek mythology. The dolphin symbolizes the power and grace of the sea.

9. His Trident was made by the Three Elder Cyclopes

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The trident is also a symbol of the king of the sea and also his favourite weapon. Poseidon’s Trident was made by the Three Elder Cyclopes – Brontes, Steropes and Arges. These were powerful beings who had only one eye each and were known for their exceptional crafting skills. The three Cyclopes were freed from Tartarus by Zeus, Poseidon and Hades, as gratitude for their help in defeating the Titans. The three gods asked the Cyclopes to forge powerful weapons for them. The Cyclopes made Zeus’ thunderbolt, Hades’ helmet of invisibility, and Poseidon’s trident. It was said to be unbreakable and could create massive earthquakes and tidal waves when struck on the ground or water. Often depicted in ancient Greek art and literature the Trident was also a symbol of Poseidon’s power and authority.

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10. He had a Volatile Temper

Greek gods are not known for their kindness and Poseidon is not an exception. He often created storms and earthquakes to punish those who had fallen afoul of him. Poseidon was known for being ill-tempered and unpredictable according to various myths and legends. Those who opposed him or challenged his authority received his anger and vengeance. For example, he punished the city of Athens by causing a drought and flooding their land with saltwater when they chose Athena as their patron goddess over him. Despite all this, Poseidon was worshipped by those who relied on the sea for their livelihood. He was also known to be a protector of sailors and seafarers.

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11. He had a Relationship with Aphrodite

Some legends assert Poseidon was romantically involved with Aphrodite. In one myth, for instance, Poseidon tried to get Aphrodite, but she turned him down and married Hephaestus, the god of fire and blacksmiths. Eryx, Poseidon and Aphrodite’s son was renowned for his strength and beauty in another legend. Despite these legends, Poseidon and Aphrodite had a generally respectful and sometimes even cooperative relationship. In the Greek pantheon, they were both important gods whose powers sometimes overlapped, like when sailors needed Poseidon and Aphrodite for protection and direction on their journeys.

10 interesting Fact about goddess Aphrodite.

12.  Poseidon’s Equivalent in Roman Mythology is Neptune

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Neptune is the god of the sea, freshwater, earthquakes and horses. He is considered to be the equivalent of the Greek god Poseidon in Roman mythology. Both gods are associated with the sea and are often depicted carrying a trident. They share many similarities in their domains and characteristics, and their myths often overlap, though there are some differences in their stories and legends as well.

13. Poseidon Fathered Numerous Children

Among his most famous offspring were heroes, gods, and monsters. These include Theseus, the legendary king of Athens who was known for his bravery and strength, Triton, a sea-god often depicted with the tail of a fish, and Polyphemus, a one-eyed Cyclops who was blinded by Odysseus in “The Odyssey.” Other notable children of Poseidon include Orion, a giant hunter who was placed among the stars after his death, Pegasus, the winged horse who was born from the blood of Medusa after she was slain by Perseus, and Chrysaor, a warrior who emerged from Medusa’s neck after her beheading by Perseus. There are many other offspring of Poseidon in Greek mythology, demonstrating his prolific and powerful nature as a deity.

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14. Poseidon and Athena had a Longstanding Rivalry

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God of the sea and Athena both wanted to be the patron deity of the city of Athens. Poseidon claimed the city by creating a saltwater spring, while Athena won the city by offering the olive tree, which was deemed a more useful gift. Their rivalry extended beyond Athens as well. Athena, was renowned for her intelligence and cunning while Poseidon was frequently depicted as a powerful and unpredictable force of nature. In ancient Greece, both deities were highly revered and worshipped despite their differences.

15. His Son Slew the Minotaur

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Theseus, the legendary hero of Athens who slays the Minotaur is Poseidon’s son.  Theseus was born to Aethra, daughter of King Pittheus of Troezen and Poseidon. When Theseus was grown, he travelled to Athens and eventually became one of the city’s greatest heroes. He volunteered to be one of the young men who were sent as tribute to Crete to be sacrificed to the Minotaur. The Minotaur lived in the labyrinth of King Minos and is a creature with the head of a bull and the body of a man. Theseus managed to slay the Minotaur with the help of Princess Ariadne, who gave him a ball of thread to help him navigate the labyrinth and a sword to fight the beast. He became a famous hero throughout Greece after his victory over the Minotaur.

16.  Poseidon Created Horse Racing Competition

Poseidon offered the people of Athens a salty spring as part of the competition for their patronage. The Athenians judged the olive tree that Athena gave as a gift to be more valuable. Athena then became Athens’ patron goddess.  Dissatisfied with the outcome, Poseidon decided to organize a race between Athena’s horses and his own. The city’s patron would be the one who won. Though Poseidon’s horse was faster, Athena’s horse was more graceful. At the end of the race, Athena’s horse won, and she became Athens’ patron.

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17. His Palace was Underwater

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A magnificent underwater palace made of coral and gemstones was Poseidon’s abode. Aegean Sea was its address. Cyclops, a race of one-eyed giants are believed to have constructed it under Poseidon’s orders. The palace was known to have several grand halls and chambers, with each of them adorned with exquisite artwork and treasures. Several divine creatures lived in and around the palace, including the sea nymphs, mermaids, and the hippocampus. The trident, Poseidon’s prized possession was kept at the palace. While the underwater palace is a mythological concept, it remains a fascinating piece of Greek mythology.

18.  The Temple of Poseidon

The southern tip of the Attica peninsula, in Sounion, Greece was the location of the Temple of Poseidon. It was dated to the 5th century BCE. Ancient Greek architecture is well preserved here. It overlooks the Aegean Sea from atop a cliff. The temple was constructed out of marble and features 34 Doric columns that surround the cella, or inner sanctuary, where a statue of Poseidon once stood. The Temple attracted pilgrims from all over the Mediterranean as it was an important centre of worship in ancient Greece. It was also strategically located to help protect the coast of Attica from invasion. The stunning views and history of ancient Greece attract thousands of visitors each year.

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Temple of Athena-Nike.

19. He Fought a Giant… and Won

Polybotes was a giant in Greek mythology and one of the sons of Gaia, the earth goddess. He fought against the gods during the Gigantomachy a legendary battle between the gods and the giants. His great size and strength were well known. Polybotes was angry at Poseidon for throwing a piece of the island of Kos at him during the battle and so he sought revenge. The war between Polybotes and Poseidon is not described in great detail in the surviving myths, but it is said that Poseidon ultimately emerged victorious. He defeated Polybotes with his trident, while other accounts suggest that he called upon the aid of Zeus and other gods to defeat the giant.

20. Catch Poseidon in the Aquaman Comics

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In Aquaman comics, Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, is a significant character. He is often portrayed as the supreme ruler of the sea. He also possesses unparalleled power over its waves and tides. In some storylines, Poseidon is depicted as an adversary of Atlantis, the underwater city governed by Aquaman. In some versions of the story, Aquaman is said to be the son of Poseidon. Poseidon is believed to have a special affinity for sea creatures like dolphins, sharks, and whales. Prominently featured in the comics is his magical ability. With his magic, he has the power to control the sea and its creatures.  All in all, in Aquaman comics, he remains an essential and formidable character

The mythical figure of Poseidon is fascinating and intricate. He was known for his power, eccentricity and volatile attitude as the lord of the ocean, earthquakes, and horses. The ancient Greeks considered him to be an essential part of their lives despite his numerous flaws. Also, he upheld fishermen and seafarers. Students of mythology, history and culture will undoubtedly be captivated by Poseidon tales and myths for many years to come.