Greek Myths: Poseidon
Poseidon was god of the sea in Greek mythology, ruling over both the oceans and the creatures within it. He also controlled many natural phenomenon associated with the sea--such as hurricanes and earthquakes--and is often associated with horses, which the cresting waves supposedly represented.
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Imagery
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Poseidon is usually depicted carrying a trident, with blue hair and robes. He lived in a palace under the sea, and served as the template for the Roman god Neptune.
Temperament
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Poseidon was often depicted as an angry and vengeful god, who sent storms and tidal waves to drown Greek sailors.
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Islands
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Despite his anger, Poseidon could be benevolent when he was calm, raising new islands out of the sea on which people could live.
Athens
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According to myth, Poseidon vied with his niece Athena for patronage of the city of Athens. He created a spring for them, but because the spring was salt water, it was useless to them; Athena won the contest by giving them a much more useful olive tree.
The Odyssey
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The most famous myth surrounding Poseidon is Homer's "The Odyssey" about a Greek sailor who blinds his son, a cyclops, and must spent ten years wandering before he can return home.
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