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Myths and Legends

Poseidon

Greek God Poseidon holding a Trident in a Corinthian plague dated between 525-550BC

Poseidon was the son of Cronus (the youngest of the 12 Titans) and Rhea (Cronus sister).  Cronus was the god of agriculture. Rhea was the goddess of fertility.  Poseidon was the brother of Zeus, the King of the gods and of Hades, god of the underworld. Poseidon, like Zeus was one of the most revered gods in Greek Mythology.

Poseidon ruled over the oceans and was the god of the sea, earthquakes, flood, drought, and horses. Poseidon’s legendary trident was created by the Cyclopes, the same beings who created the thunderbolt for Zeus and Hades helmet. The trident is a fishermen’s spear.

Poseidon throwing this trident in an ancient coin dating between 282-306BC

Poseidon, like his brother, Zeus, had a weakness for human women and had many children with them. He had Pelias and Neleus with Tyro, who was the daughter of Salmoneus, who was part of the royal family. And many of Poseidon’s descendants would become rulers of Greece.

Poseidon had other children, that were giants and savage creatures. Most notably, Polyphemus, Orion, and Antaeus.

Poseidon was also known to have consorts. Progenitor, was one of them.

He was married to the Oceanid Amphitrite. Together, they had the sea creature, Triton. Triton became a powerful figure in Greek mythology, like his father Poseidon.