Summary
Highlights
Before the well-known Olympian pantheon, in Mycenaean religion, Poseidon was the supreme deity, a role later assumed by Zeus. He was associated with earthquakes and the underworld, and even Persephone was considered his daughter with Demeter. It's uncertain if he was seen as the god of the sea by the Mycenaeans, but this association became prominent later.
Poseidon became one of the original six Olympians, children of Cronus and Rhea. After overthrowing Cronus, the three brothers, Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades, drew lots to divide the world. Hades received the underworld, Poseidon the sea, and Zeus became the ruler of the sky. His iconic trident was forged by the Cyclopes during the War of the Titans.
Poseidon had countless lovers and children. His wife was Amphitrite, whom he wooed with the help of dolphins. Together, they had Triton, a merman, and Rhodos, the personification of Rhodes. Despite being married, Poseidon had numerous affairs, including with Scylla, whom Amphitrite transformed into a monster, and Aphrodite. He fathered gods, demigods, nymphs, giants, and many mortal and animal children, including Pegasus.
Poseidon frequently appeared in Greek myths, often retaliating against those who angered him. Examples include sending a sea monster to punish Queen Cassiopeia for her hubris, delaying Odysseus's journey home for blinding Polyphemus, and cursing King Minos for not sacrificing a promised bull, leading to the birth of the Minotaur. His dispute with Athena over patronage of Athens resulted in her victory when she offered the olive tree.
The cult of Poseidon was significant, particularly in coastal regions, where sailors and fishermen offered sacrifices for safe passage and bountiful catches. He was believed to create islands with his trident and cause earthquakes and floods when angered, earning him the epithet 'Earthshaker.' He traveled in a chariot pulled by hippocampi. The video concludes by addressing the common question of who was stronger, Zeus or Poseidon, asserting Zeus's superior authority as decided by the ancient Greeks.