Poseidon

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In ancient Greece people were polytheistic, or believed in many gods. For them there were 12 main gods called the Olympians. The Olympians were ruled by three brothers: Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. The three were sons of Cronus, the ruler of the Titans. Cronus had previously devoured all his sons and daughters, or at least that's what he thought. When Zeus was born, Rhea, wife of Cronus, tricked him in believing that he had ate Zeus but actually he eaten a rock wrapped around a blanket. So Rhea had hidden her son until he was old enough to revolt against Cronus. When Zeus was old enough, he lead a war against the Titans and freed his siblings from their father's stomach. The gods won the war and Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades decided to gamble who would control what. Zeus won and took the sky, second was Poseidon and took the seas, and finally Hades was forced to pick the Underworld.



Poseidon's physical appearance, like most Greek gods, is intended to portray perfection. It 'is said that Poseidon had a beard and looks like what you would expect from a fisherman or professional swimmer. Poseidon also had many symbols that would identify him immediantly. His symbols included his trident, fish, dolphin, horse, and a bull.

Poseidon, who is more widely known as god of the seas, is also the creator of horses, and responsible for all the earthquakes, leading to his nickname " Earth-Shaker". His Roman, or Latin, name is Neptune. His wife is sea goddess and nymph Amphitrite. Poseidon has many children as well, although not all were necessarily with his wife. Many of his kids were also with lovers, both divine and human. His sons include Theseus, Triton, Polyphemus, Belus, Agenor,and Neleus. One of Poseidon's most famous lovers was with one of the Gorgon sisters, Medusa. Surprisenly, Poseidon also had a male lover, a semi -god named Nerites.



Poseidon, for different reasons, had become angry toward gods and mortals. Thus creating many enemies during different Greek poems, literature, and arts. Two of most notable examples of rivalries with Poseidon we're with Odysseus and Athena. The reason he had rivalry with Odysseus was because he had blinded Poseidon's son, a cyclops named Polyphemus and dishonored the god after winning the war with his help. The rivalry with Athena was due because the soon to be city Athens needed a name, so both gods fought to see who would be the patron of the city. The way to settle who would win the contest was by seeing who created a more usable item that would benefit the city. Poseidon was said that he created horses (in some version it is said that he created a salt water spring instead). While Athena won by creating an olive tree. So the city was named Athens in name of goddess Athena.



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