The Greek god Poseidon: an overview
Poseidon is one of the twelve Olympian gods in Greek mythology and he is known as the god of the sea. He is the son of Cronus and Rhea, and the brother of Zeus and Hades. Poseidon was also worshipped as the god of earthquakes, horses, and storms. The trident, a three-pronged spear, is his symbol, and he is usually depicted riding a chariot pulled by horses.
Who were Poseidon’s rivals among the gods?
Poseidon had many rivalries among the gods, including Athena, Ares, Apollo, Hera, and even Zeus. These rivalries were often the result of a power struggle, or a disagreement over a particular subject or event. Poseidon was known for his quick temper and his tendency to hold grudges against those who crossed him.
How did Poseidon’s feud with Athena start?
Poseidon’s feud with Athena started when they both claimed ownership of the city of Athens. According to the myth, Athena gave the people of Athens an olive tree, while Poseidon struck the ground with his trident and created a spring of water. The people of Athens chose Athena’s gift, and she became the patron goddess of the city. Poseidon was angered by this and he flooded the city in revenge. The dispute was eventually settled by Zeus, who declared that the city would be named after Athena, but that Poseidon would still be honored with a temple on the Acropolis.
Ares and Poseidon: a tale of rivalry
Ares and Poseidon were both gods of war, but they had very different personalities. Ares was impulsive and violent, while Poseidon was more strategic and calculated. The two gods often clashed over their respective domains, with Ares wanting to expand his influence over the sea and Poseidon wanting to assert his dominance over land battles. Their rivalry was never resolved, and they continued to feud throughout Greek mythology.
Poseidon and Apollo: the god of the sea vs the god of the sun
Poseidon and Apollo were both powerful gods, but they had very different areas of influence. Poseidon was the god of the sea, while Apollo was the god of the sun and music. Their rivalry began when Apollo insulted Poseidon by saying that the god of the sea was incapable of building anything on land. In response, Poseidon built the walls of Troy, which were later destroyed during the Trojan War.
Hera and Poseidon: a story of power struggle
Hera and Poseidon had a complicated relationship. They were both powerful gods, and they often found themselves in competition with each other. Their rivalry was driven by a power struggle, as they both sought to expand their influence over the mortal world. Hera was the queen of the gods, and she resented Poseidon’s attempts to challenge her authority. Despite their rivalry, they were sometimes allies, such as during the Trojan War.
Why was Poseidon angry with Odysseus?
Poseidon was angry with Odysseus because he blinded his son, Polyphemus the Cyclops. In the myth, Odysseus and his men were stranded on the island of the Cyclops, and they became trapped in Polyphemus’s cave. Odysseus outwitted Polyphemus by blinding him and escaping with his men. This act of violence angered Poseidon, who was the father of Polyphemus, and he made it his mission to prevent Odysseus from returning home.
The story of Theseus and the Minotaur: Poseidon’s revenge
The story of Theseus and the Minotaur is one of Poseidon’s most famous acts of revenge. According to the myth, King Minos of Crete demanded that Athens send seven young men and seven young women each year to be sacrificed to the Minotaur, a monster with the body of a man and the head of a bull. Theseus, the prince of Athens, offered to go to Crete and slay the Minotaur. With the help of Ariadne, a princess of Crete, he succeeded in his mission. However, when Theseus returned to Athens, he forgot to change the color of his sails from black to white, as he had promised to do if he was successful. Poseidon, angry that Theseus had not kept his promise, caused a storm that destroyed the ship and killed Theseus’s father, King Aegeus.
Poseidon’s enmity towards Polyphemus the Cyclops
Poseidon’s enmity towards Polyphemus the Cyclops was a result of his anger towards Odysseus, who had blinded Polyphemus. Polyphemus was one of the giant one-eyed Cyclops, who were sons of Poseidon. When Odysseus blinded Polyphemus, he enraged Poseidon, who sought revenge against Odysseus and his men. Polyphemus was eventually blinded by Odysseus and his men as they escaped from his cave, which led to Poseidon’s anger towards Odysseus.
The myth of Amymone: Poseidon’s pursuit of a mortal
The myth of Amymone tells the story of Poseidon’s pursuit of a mortal woman. Amymone was a daughter of Danaus, who was a king of Argos. Poseidon saw Amymone and was immediately smitten with her. He approached her and offered to teach her how to find water in the desert. Amymone agreed, and Poseidon took her to a nearby cave, where he seduced her. As a result of their union, Amymone became pregnant with the son of Poseidon.
Poseidon and the city of Athens: a rocky relationship
Poseidon and the city of Athens had a rocky relationship. As previously mentioned, Poseidon and Athena both claimed ownership of Athens, which led to a dispute that was eventually settled by Zeus. Despite this, Poseidon remained resentful towards the city and its people. In another myth, Poseidon became angry with Athens after the king, Erechtheus, sacrificed one of his daughters to the god of the sea. In revenge, Poseidon caused a drought in Athens, which lasted for several years.
Conclusion: Poseidon’s enduring legacy as a god of the sea
Poseidon’s enduring legacy as a god of the sea is evident in his continued influence in modern culture. He has been featured in countless works of literature, art, and film, and his trident has become an iconic symbol of power and authority. Despite his many rivalries and feuds, Poseidon remains one of the most beloved and respected gods of Greek mythology.
