Poseidon is one of the most important gods in Greek mythology, the set of beliefs and legends that the Greeks of Classical Greece knew how to respect and worship. Poseidon had to represent a very relevant place within the planet since he was the god of the waters, seas, oceans, etc.
Protector of cities and navigators
The veneration of Poseidon was of course extended throughout Greece, cities like Pylos, Corinth and Thebes were some of the closest to this Olympian god, who purposely protected many of them and set him up as the main protective god.
He was also the protector of sailors who prayed directly to him to protect their voyages on the high seas. Even one of the great Hellenic conquerors like Alexander the Great turned to Poseidon for protection during his long journeys on the seas.
A cruel enemy in the face of challenges
Now, we must emphasize that the reign that Poseidon offered in the waters could become a nightmare for many because although when he was calm he created islands and calmed the waters, when he was bothered by something he unleashed all his fury precisely in them, generating tremendous and furious earthquakes, shipwrecks and subsidence. That is, Poseidon was good and protective when harmony reigned but he could be a great enemy if challenged.
His great attribute was the trident, a three-pointed spear that accompanied him in the seas and that he slashed into the ground when he got upset and with it caused the aforementioned earthquakes.
Birth and family ties with other Olympian gods
According to legend, Poseidon was the son of the Titan Cronus and Rhea, a Titan daughter of Uranus, God of the sky, and Gaea, goddess of the earth. He was also the brother of Zeus and Hades.
How could it be otherwise, love would be found in a couple from the sea, Amphitrite, goddess of calm seas. She had a prolific offspring that included many Greek heroes such as Theseus, who knew how to be King of Athens. He was the father of the marine goddess of the Island of Rhodes, Rodo, and of Triton, a god who fulfilled the mission of messenger from the depths of the sea.
The equivalent of Poseidon in Roman mythology, which we must say, was basically inspired by the Greek, is Neptune.
Photos: iStock – jericho667 / EnkiPhoto
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