Poseidon: Lord of the Sea - (Greek Mythology Explained)

Summary

This video delves into the mythological figure of Poseidon, the Mycenaean god associated with the sea, earthquakes, and horses. Originally considered the supreme deity, his role diminished with the rise of Zeus. Poseidon's domain was the sea, and he was known for his trident, symbol of his rule. The video explores his complex family tree, numerous children, and the various myths where his wrath led to calamities. It also touches on his rivalry with Athena and his significant role in the Trojan War, highlighting the cultural and religious practices of his worshippers in ancient Greece.

Takeaways

• 🌊 Poseidon was originally the central figure in Mycenaean religion, predating the more familiar Greek pantheon where Zeus took a more prominent role.
• 🔱 In early myths, Poseidon was associated with earthquakes and the underworld, not the sea, which is a role typically linked to Hades.
• 🐴 Poseidon's connection to the sea was established later, possibly after the defeat of his father, and he is often depicted with his trident, a symbol of his domain.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Poseidon had numerous lovers and children, including gods, demigods, nymphs, giants, animals, and mortals, reflecting his status as a prolific figure in Greek mythology.
• 🎎 The story of Amphitrite, Poseidon's wife, involves a unique marriage proposal facilitated by dolphins, which were later placed in the constellation Delphinus.
• 👦 Triton, Poseidon's son, is often confused with his father due to his similar appearance and the trident he carries; he is essentially a merman.
• 🐙 Scylla, a nymph who had an affair with Poseidon, was transformed by Amphitrite into a monster and then into a coastal cliff, showcasing the gods' complex relationships.
• 🏺 Poseidon's disputes with other gods, such as Athena over the patronage of Athens, often resulted in his creation of saltwater springs or other forms of retribution.
• 🏰 The story of the Minotaur involves Poseidon, as King Minos' refusal to sacrifice a bull granted by the god led to the birth of the Minotaur, causing further woes.
• 🐎 Poseidon's animal offspring include Pegasus, Arion, and the Golden Fleece Ram, demonstrating his association with horses and his creative powers.
• ⛈️ Poseidon's anger could lead to natural disasters like earthquakes and floods, and he was known to punish those who displeased him in various mythological stories.

Q & A

What was Poseidon's role in the Mycenaean religion?

In the Mycenaean religion, Poseidon was the figurehead of their religion, holding a role that later belonged to Zeus. He was associated with the underworld and its rivers, and not necessarily with the sea as commonly known.

How did Poseidon's association with the sea come about?

Poseidon's association with the sea was believed to have come after his father was defeated. As the years passed, he became known as the god of the sea, especially after the establishment of the Olympian pantheon.

What was the significance of Poseidon's Trident?

Poseidon's Trident was a symbol that identified him as the God and ruler of the sea. He received it during the War of the Titans when the Cyclopes forged weapons for the gods in exchange for their freedom.

Who was Amphitrite and how did she become Poseidon's wife?

Amphitryte was a sea nymph who Poseidon wished to marry. When she tried to flee, Poseidon sent his dolphins to bring her back. The story varies on whether she was brought back by force or convinced to return willingly, but she eventually became the queen of the sea and Poseidon's wife.

What are the names of Poseidon and Amphitrite's children mentioned in the script?

Poseidon and Amphitrite had two notable children: a son named Triton, who is often confused with his father due to also carrying a trident and having a fish's tail, and a daughter named Rhode, who was the personification of the Greek island of Rhodes.

How did Poseidon's affair with the nymph Scylla end?

When Amphitrite discovered Poseidon's affair with the nymph Scylla, she transformed Scylla into a hideous sea monster. Poseidon then further transformed her into a coastal cliff in the Straits of Messina.

What was the outcome of Poseidon's dispute with Athena over the patronage of Athens?

Poseidon created a saltwater spring, which was useless to the people of Athens. Athena, on the other hand, gave them an olive branch, which was more beneficial. The people preferred Athena's gift, making her the patron deity of Athens, leaving Poseidon unhappy.

Why did Poseidon send a sea monster to attack King Laomedon's city?

Poseidon sent a sea monster to attack King Laomedon's city of Troy because the king had promised to reward him and Apollo for building a wall around the city but went back on his word.

What was the reason behind Poseidon's anger that led to the appearance of the Minotaur?

Poseidon was angered when King Minos broke his promise to sacrifice a splendid bull that Poseidon had sent. In response, Poseidon made the bull feral and caused Minos's wife to fall in love with it, resulting in the birth of the Minotaur.

How did Poseidon travel according to the script?

Poseidon traveled in a chariot pulled by hippocampi, which are horses with a fish tail, also known as giant sea horses.