In Greek Mythology, Poseidon, also called Neptune, was the god of the sea and protector of all aquatic features. He 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 brothers and sisters, by Zeus.
Poseidon’s relatives and wife
He is the brother of Zeus and Hades, after the fall of their father, Cronus, Poseidon drew lots with his brothers to share the universe and ended up becoming lord of the sea and was widely worshiped by seamen. He married Amphitrite, one of the granddaughters of the Titan Oceanus.
Poseidon and Demeter
At one point he desired Demeter, goddess of the harvest, grains, and agriculture. To put him to test, Demeter asked him to make the most beautiful animal that the world had ever seen. So, in an effort to impress her, Poseidon created the first horse. In some accounts, his first attempts were unsuccessful and created a variety of other animals in his quest; thus, by the time the horse was created, his passion for Demeter had diminished.
Poseidon and Athena
Both Poseidon and Athena wanted to take control of the Greek city of Athens. They each presented a gift to Athens’ leaders as a part of a contest in order to win the city. Poseidon created a horse that could help in work, battle and transportation, but Athena won the contest by creating the olive tree that could produce olives, oil and woods. Athena then became the patron goddess of Athens, a position that made her and Poseidon to be rivals.
Poseidon and Medusa
Poseidon is known to be the cause of Medusa’s misfortune. He raped Medusa, one of the three gorgon sisters, when she was a servant in Athena’s temple. For being raped, Athena punished Medusa by turning her gorgeous hair into horrible snakes. Medusa looked so horrible that anybody who looked at her face would turn to statue. She was later beheaded by hero Perseus in a cave. At the time of her death, Medusa was heavily pregnant by Poseidon. Read the story of Medusa.
Poseidon’s weapon and personality
His weapon was a trident, with which he could make the earth shake, causing earthquakes, and shatter any object. He was second to Zeus in power among the gods. He was considered by Greeks to have a difficult quarrelsome personality. Combined with his greed, he had a series of disputes with other gods during his various attempts to take over the cities they were patrons of.
Poseidon is still worshiped today in modern Hellenic religion, among other Greek gods. The worship of Greek gods is recognized by the Greek government since 2017.
