Close your eyes and imagine the roar of the ocean, the crash of waves against rocky shores, and the salty spray of the sea. To the ancient Greeks, this was the domain of Poseidon, the mighty god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses. He was a central figure in their religion, feared and revered by sailors, fishermen, and coastal communities alike.
The worship of Poseidon was woven into the fabric of ancient Greek society, from grand temples to humble shrines. His influence extended far beyond the shores, shaping myths, legends, and the very lives of the people. Are you ready to embark on a journey through the turbulent waters of Poseidon’s worship? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents:
- The Mythological Origins and Family of Poseidon
- Poseidon’s Role in the Trojan War and Other Myths
- Depictions and Symbols of Poseidon in Ancient Greek Art
- The Worship of Poseidon in Ancient Greece
- Poseidon’s Influence on the Natural World
- Conclusion
The Mythological Origins and Family of Poseidon
In Greek mythology, Poseidon was one of the most powerful and influential gods. He was the god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses, and played a central role in many of the famous myths and legends of ancient Greece.
Birth and Triumph Over Cronus
According to Greek mythology, Poseidon was born to the Titans Cronus and Rhea. Cronus, fearing that his children would overthrow him, swallowed each of them at birth. However, Rhea managed to save Zeus by hiding him away and feeding Cronus a stone wrapped in swaddling clothes instead.
When Zeus grew up, he forced Cronus to disgorge his siblings, including Poseidon. Together, they overthrew their father and the other Titans, establishing the reign of the Olympian gods.
Poseidon’s Siblings and Domains
After the defeat of the Titans, Poseidon and his brothers Zeus and Hades drew lots to determine their domains. Zeus received the sky, Hades the underworld, and Poseidon the sea.
As the god of the sea, Poseidon held sway over the oceans, rivers, and all water. He was also associated with horses, earthquakes, and was the patron deity of many Greek cities, particularly those with strong naval power or located near the coast.
Marriage to Amphitrite and Lovers
Poseidon married the Nereid Amphitrite, who bore him a son named Triton. However, like many of the Greek gods, Poseidon had numerous lovers and offspring.
Among his most famous children were the winged horse Pegasus, born from his liaison with the Gorgon Medusa, and the Cyclops Polyphemus, son of the nymph Thoosa. Poseidon’s romantic pursuits often led to conflict and rivalry with other gods and mortals.
Poseidon’s Role in the Trojan War and Other Myths
Poseidon played a significant role in many of the most famous myths and legends of ancient Greece, including the Trojan War and the adventures of Odysseus.
Poseidon’s Favor of the Greeks
In Homer’s Iliad, which recounts the events of the Trojan War, Poseidon favors the Greeks and plays a significant role in their ultimate victory. He is described as the protector of the Greek heroes and is often seen intervening on their behalf in battles.
Poseidon’s support of the Greeks stems from his rivalry with the Trojan god Apollo and his anger at the Trojan king Laomedon, who had once cheated him of his payment for building the walls of Troy.
Sending Monsters Against Odysseus
In Homer’s Odyssey, Poseidon is a central antagonist to the hero Odysseus. Angered by Odysseus’ blinding of his son, the Cyclops Polyphemus, Poseidon seeks revenge by making Odysseus’ journey home to Ithaca long and perilous.
He sends storms and sea monsters to hinder Odysseus’ progress, including the monstrous Scylla and the whirlpool Charybdis. Poseidon’s wrath is a major theme throughout the epic, highlighting the power of the gods and the importance of not offending them.
Fathering Mythical Creatures
Poseidon was known for fathering many mythical creatures, often as a result of his numerous love affairs. In addition to Pegasus and the Cyclopes, he was said to be the father of the giant Orion, the Thracian king Eumolpus, and the Isthmian hero Sinis.
Many of these offspring inherited their father’s strength, size, or association with the sea and played significant roles in various Greek myths and legends.
Depictions and Symbols of Poseidon in Ancient Greek Art
In ancient Greek art, Poseidon was often depicted as a powerful, bearded man with a trident and accompanied by various sea creatures. His symbols and attributes were instantly recognizable and served to reinforce his status as one of the most important gods in the Greek pantheon.
Poseidon’s Trident and Abilities
Poseidon’s most recognizable attribute was his trident, a three-pronged spear that symbolized his power over the sea. With his trident, Poseidon could create springs, stir up or calm the waters, and cause earthquakes.
In art, he is often depicted holding the trident, which became an instantly recognizable symbol of his authority. The trident was said to have been crafted by the Cyclopes and was so powerful that it could shatter rocks and create islands.
Poseidon and Horses
Poseidon was closely associated with horses, which he was believed to have created. According to myth, Poseidon created the first horse by striking the ground with his trident.
He was often depicted riding a chariot pulled by hippocamps, creatures with the head and front legs of a horse and the tail of a fish. This association with horses extended to his worship, with horse races and sacrifices of horses being common in festivals dedicated to him.
Famous Statues of Poseidon
One of the most famous statues of Poseidon in ancient Greek art is the Artemision Bronze, a 2.09 m (6.9 ft) tall bronze statue that was found in the sea off Cape Artemision in Greece.
Dating to the mid-5th century BCE, it depicts a nude, bearded Poseidon striding forward with his left arm outstretched, probably originally holding a trident. The statue, now housed in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, is considered a masterpiece of classical Greek sculpture and provides insight into how the ancient Greeks envisioned their sea god.
The Worship of Poseidon in Ancient Greece
The worship of Poseidon was widespread throughout the Greek world, with numerous temples, sanctuaries, and festivals dedicated to him. As the god of the sea and patron of sailors, Poseidon held a special place in the hearts of the ancient Greeks, many of whom relied on the sea for their livelihood and survival.
Temples and Sanctuaries Dedicated to Poseidon
Poseidon was worshipped throughout the Greek world, with numerous temples and sanctuaries dedicated to him. One of the most important was the Sanctuary of Poseidon at Isthmia, located near Corinth.
This sanctuary hosted the Isthmian Games, one of the four major Panhellenic festivals, which included athletic and musical competitions held in honor of Poseidon. Other notable sites of Poseidon worship included the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, the Sanctuary of Poseidon at Tainaron, and the Temple of Poseidon at Onchestos.
Festivals and Sacrifices in His Honor
The ancient Greeks held various festivals and performed sacrifices in honor of Poseidon. In Athens, the Posidea festival was celebrated in the month of Poseideon (December/January) and included sacrifices and feasts.
The Isthmian Games, held every two years, also featured sacrifices to Poseidon. Bulls were the most common animal sacrificed to the sea god, often thrown into the sea or into freshwater springs. Horses were also sacrificed, particularly by those who sought Poseidon’s favor in horse breeding and racing.
Poseidon as Patron of Sailors and Seafarers
As the god of the sea, Poseidon was seen as the patron deity of sailors, fishermen, and all those who made their living from the water. Sailors would pray to Poseidon for safe passage and favorable winds, and would make offerings to him before embarking on a voyage.
Fishermen would also seek his blessing for a good catch. In port cities and coastal towns, Poseidon was often the principal deity, reflecting the importance of the sea to these communities.
His Worship in Athens and Sparta
While Poseidon was worshipped throughout the Greek world, his cult held particular significance in certain city-states. In Athens, Poseidon was honored as one of the city’s patron deities, along with Athena.
The famous contest between the two gods for the patronage of the city, in which Poseidon offered a saltwater spring and Athena an olive tree, reflects this shared status. In Sparta, Poseidon was worshipped as the father of the mythical Spartan kings and as the patron of the Spartan army. Spartan soldiers would pray to him before battle, and festivals were held in his honor.
Poseidon’s Influence on the Natural World
As the god of the sea and earthquakes, Poseidon held immense power over the natural world. His influence was felt in the oceans, rivers, and springs, as well as in the very earth itself. The ancient Greeks believed that Poseidon’s moods and actions could have a profound impact on their lives and the world around them.
Poseidon as God of Earthquakes
In addition to his role as god of the sea, Poseidon was also known as the “Earth-Shaker” due to his ability to cause earthquakes. The ancient Greeks believed that earthquakes were caused by Poseidon striking the ground with his trident or stomping his feet in anger.
This aspect of Poseidon’s power was particularly significant in regions prone to seismic activity, such as the Peloponnese. Temples and sanctuaries to Poseidon were often built in areas that had experienced earthquakes, as a way of appeasing the god and seeking his protection.
His Control Over Fresh Water Springs
Poseidon’s domain extended beyond the sea to include freshwater springs and rivers. He was believed to have the power to create new springs by striking the ground with his trident, and to control the flow of existing ones.
This ability was particularly important in the dry, Mediterranean climate of Greece, where freshwater was a precious resource. Many springs and fountains were dedicated to Poseidon, and offerings were made to him to ensure a steady supply of water.
Calming and Stirring the Seas
As the god of the sea, Poseidon had the power to control the waters, stirring up storms and waves or calming them at his will. This duality reflects the ancient Greek perception of the sea as both a source of life and a dangerous, unpredictable force.
Poseidon’s moods were thought to influence the state of the sea, with his anger manifesting as violent storms and his benevolence as smooth sailing. Sailors and seafarers would pray to Poseidon for safe passage, offering sacrifices and libations to appease him and secure his favor.
Poseidon, one of the most powerful Greek gods, ruled over the sea, earthquakes, and horses. He played key roles in many myths.
Born to Titans Cronus and Rhea, he helped overthrow his father. Poseidon’s domains included oceans and freshwater springs.
Married to Amphitrite but known for numerous affairs; fathered famous creatures like Pegasus and Cyclops Polyphemus.
A significant figure in the Trojan War; favored Greeks due to rivalry with Apollo. Hindered Odysseus’ journey home as revenge for blinding his son.
Poseidon was widely worshipped with temples at Isthmia hosting games in his honor. Festivals often featured sacrifices of bulls or horses.
Conclusion
From the depths of the Aegean to the heights of Olympus, the worship of Poseidon left an indelible mark on ancient Greek culture. His temples, like the magnificent Sanctuary of Poseidon at Sounion, stand as testaments to the god’s enduring power and influence.
Through festivals, sacrifices, and prayers, the ancient Greeks sought to appease Poseidon’s tempestuous nature and harness his favor for safe passage at sea and bountiful catches. His myths, interwoven with the lives of heroes and mortals alike, remind us of the god’s capricious nature and the respect he commanded.
So the next time you find yourself by the sea, listening to the rhythmic crash of waves, remember Poseidon, the great Earth-Shaker, and the awe he inspired in the hearts of the ancient Greeks. In many ways, his presence can still be felt today, a testament to the enduring power of the gods and the myths that shaped the ancient world.
