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 The God of the Sea

  Poseidon is the Greek God of the sea, also known as Neptune to the Romans. His father was Cronus, a Titan, and his mother was the goddess Rhea.  Most myths that include Poseidon present him negatively, from raping women to taking revenge on foes.  Poseidon is a strong, competitive God who was very moody and took to punishing those who angered him. He and his siblings divided the world so that each would have a piece of their own.

Birth: At birth, Poseidon, along with his other siblings, was swallowed whole by his father, Cronus.  The only child that escaped this fate was Zeus with help from his mother Rhea. Zeus eventually freed his siblings and overthrew his father. ^[2]

Parents: Poseidon's father is the Titan, Cronus.  His mother is the goddess, Rhea.  

In charge of: The Sea                                             ^[3]

Symbol: Trident       ^[4]

Major story: Poseidon and Odysseus

Polyphemos was a cyclops and the son of Poseidon.  One day, Odysseus and his crew was traveling and landed in Polyphemos's cave.  There, they found out that the cyclops ate humans.  Odysseus's men slowly began to be eaten, until Odysseus thought of an idea to free him and his men.  Odysseus offered Polyphemos some special wine, which he accepted.  While Polyphemos drank the wine, Odysseus tricked him with some clever words.  Eventually, when the wine took control of Polythemos, Odysseus got a burning spear and stabbed the cyclop's eye.  The monster howled with rage, and while distracted, he gave Odysseus time to run.  Odysseus escaped but turned around and made harsh comments to Polythemos.  Poseidon, hearing these taunts, could not let someone hurt his son.  He caused Odysseus much misery, but not enough to kill him.  He pointed waves Odysseus's way when on water and drove him away from his home and happiness.  Poseidon was well known for his cruel acts of revenge.^[5]

Poseidon's Life:

     Poseidon was born a son of Cronus and Rhea.  He was swallowed at birth and eventually saved by his brother Zeus.  Poseidon was second to his brother Zeus in power, but still a very powerful god. He is known for striking the ground with his trident and causing earthquakes and destruction.  Poseidon was well known for keeping calm waters and creating peaceful islands.  He was also known for destoying ships and throwing waves at sailors.  One event from Poseidon's life was his competition with Athena.  He and Athena were competing to become the patron of Athens.  Their task was to give the Athenians a gift and the Athenians would pronounce the winner.  Poseidon broke the ground with his trident and created a spring that shot out salty water.  Athena gave the olive tree which supplied wood, food, and oil.  The Athenians found Athena's gift more useful and therefore proclaimed her the patron.  Poseidon, in his rage, flooded Athens for not choosing him.

     Another point at Poseidon's life was in Troy.  When Poseidon and Apollo offended Zeus, Zeus sent them to Troy. There, he commanded them to build large walls around the entire city, while promising to reward them at the end.  Later on, Zeus broke his promise.  Angry at his brother, Poseidon sent a sea monster at Troy.  The monster terrorized the city until Hercules sleighed it.  Poseidon was also well known for his acts of revenge.  His wife was Amphitrite, although he had many women.  Poseidon was the father of heroes, one of which is said to be Theseus.  Through his life, Poseidon gained many symbols of names which clearly make him a popular Greek God.  He is commonly used in literature and art today. ^[6]