Mythological Figure: Poseidon
Mythological Figure: Poseidon
Mythology is filled with endless stories about warriors and gods, which tell tales of quarrels and battles that went on a long time ago. Greek Mythology is very interesting in that it is filled with tales of ironies and adultery, and many conflicts between the gods. But one god popped up in a lot of myths about adultery or murder or disputes with humans. His name was Poseidon. Poseidon stands tall as one of the most infamous gods in Greek mythology. He was a very bold god with quite a temper and he was often viewed as being violent. He was involved in many battles and was often known to hold a grudge.
Powers and Domain
Poseidon was the Greek god of the sea and of earthquakes. He was the protector of all waters, and could cause storms at sea. He was especially important because people used to think that the earth was carried on the sea. His main weapon was the trident, a three-pronged spear, which was believed to be able to split boulders and cause earthquakes. The trident was thought to have originally been a long handled fish spear. He obtained the trident as a gift from the one-eyed Cyclops when Zeus released it from the underworld. Poseidon also had the ability to change his shape; he used this skill often. He lived in a golden palace in the depths of the waters, where sea creatures danced at his passing.
Conflict with Humans
Poseidon had many conflicts with human beings. Poseidon built the walls of Troy but, after he built them, Laomedon didn’t pay him for his work. So, Poseidon sent a sea monster to ravage the Troad. Many years later he helped the Greeks during the Trojan War and was believed to protect the Greek ships with surging waves surrounding them. Poseidon also had a grudge against the Greek hero Odysseus for blinding his son Polyphemus, a one-eyed monster.
Another conflict was with Clito and her sons. After Poseidon fell in love with Clito, he built a paradise island for her and her sons. On this island, they founded the kingdom of Atlantis. The brothers ruled the island in wisdom, but later rulers became greedy and corrupt. So, Poseidon sent a tidal...