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The Messed Up Origins of POSEIDON, Lord of the Seas | Greek Mythology Explained

Jon Solo・27 minutes read

Poseidon, a major figure in Greek mythology, is explored in depth for his significant role in myths, including his domain over the oceans and his complex character due to his numerous children and offspring. Various well-known myths involving Poseidon, such as his rivalry with Athena, illustrate his influence on ancient Greek culture and history.

Insights

  • Poseidon's significant presence in Greek mythology stems from his role as a major deity associated with the sea, influencing various aspects of human life and culture, including his rivalry with Athena, patronage of cities, and involvement in well-known myths like the Trojan War and the Minotaur's origin.
  • The complexity of Poseidon's character, highlighted by his diverse offspring, powers, and interactions with mortals, showcases the multifaceted nature of Greek mythology and the intricate relationships between gods, humans, and the natural world, emphasizing the depth and richness of ancient storytelling traditions.

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Recent questions

  • Who is Poseidon?

    Poseidon is a significant figure in Greek mythology, known as one of the big three gods alongside Zeus and Hades. He is the god of the sea, with powers that include influencing the oceans, calming seas, causing floods, drownings, shipwrecks, droughts, and earthquakes.

  • What are some myths involving Poseidon?

    Poseidon plays a crucial role in various well-known Greco-Roman myths, such as the naming of Athens, the transformation of Medusa, and the Odyssey. He is also involved in myths related to the Trojan War, the birth of the Minotaur, and the punishment of Queen Cassiopeia.

  • How did Poseidon become a god?

    Poseidon's ascension to godhood aligns with the classic myth, involving Zeus, Cronus, and the cyclopes aiding in the overthrow of the Titans. This event led to the division of the world among the three brothers, with Poseidon ruling over the seas.

  • What is the significance of Poseidon in ancient Greek culture?

    Poseidon's influence on ancient Greek culture is evident through various practices and events. For example, sacrifices and prayers to Poseidon were common among sailors for safe voyages, and the city of Corinth held the Isthmian Games in his honor, featuring athletic, musical, and poetical contests.

  • How did Poseidon's relationships with mortals impact his mythology?

    Poseidon's relationships with mortals, such as his numerous mortal children and divine offspring, contribute to his complex character in mythology. His interactions with figures like King Minos, Queen Cassiopeia, and Odysseus showcase his role in shaping the fates of individuals in Greek mythology.

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Summary

00:00

Poseidon: God of the Sea and Mythology

  • Poseidon is the focus of the discussion after four years of content creation on Greek mythology, being a significant figure for surfers, scuba divers, swimmers, sailors, and cruise ship enthusiasts.
  • Poseidon, one of the big three gods, plays a crucial role in well-known Greco-Roman myths, such as the naming of Athens, the transformation of Medusa, and the Odyssey.
  • Poseidon's pervasiveness in myths is likened to the omnipresence of the seas, with roughly 70% of Greek myths featuring him due to his domain over the oceans.
  • Poseidon's numerous mortal children, divine offspring, and animal progeny contribute to his complex character, with over 100 mortal children from various women.
  • Poseidon's birth story involves alternate versions, one where he is saved from being swallowed by Cronus by being hidden among sheep, showcasing the creativity of Greek mythology.
  • Poseidon's ascension to godhood aligns with the classic myth, involving Zeus, Cronus, and the cyclopes aiding in the overthrow of the Titans.
  • As god of the sea, Poseidon's powers include influencing the oceans and their inhabitants, calming seas, causing floods, drownings, shipwrecks, droughts, and earthquakes.
  • Sacrifices and prayers to Poseidon were common among sailors for safe voyages, with examples like fishermen sacrificing to him for successful fishing trips.
  • The city of Corinth held the Isthmian Games in honor of Poseidon, featuring athletic, musical, and poetical contests, showcasing his influence on ancient Greek culture.
  • Poseidon's rivalry with Athena over the patronage of Athens resulted in Athena winning by gifting the city the first olive tree, leading to the city's renaming and Poseidon still being honored as a civic god.

13:41

Poseidon's wrath and curses in Greek mythology.

  • Apollo, after leaving the city, shot a single Arrow laced with disease over its walls, causing death among Trojan citizens, soldiers, and Statesmen.
  • Poseidon sent a sea monster to devour anyone looking too happy with their lives in Troy, leading to his later siding with the Greeks during the Trojan War.
  • Poseidon felt cheated for having to build the walls of Troy for free before the war, leading to his anger towards the Trojans.
  • Poseidon was displeased with the Greek soldiers' dishonorable victory during the war, especially King Odysseus' blasphemous behavior towards his son, the Cyclops Polyphemus.
  • Poseidon punished Odysseus by throwing every possible danger into his path, resulting in the loss of his entire crew and a ten-year delay in his return home.
  • Poseidon's strained relationship with the kings of Greece extended to his harsh treatment of his nephew, King Minos, who failed to fulfill a promise to offer a significant sacrifice.
  • Minos, after receiving a great white bull from Poseidon, found it too beautiful to sacrifice and instead offered regular bulls, angering Poseidon who cursed the great white bull with uncontainable rage.
  • Poseidon's curse led to Minos setting the beautiful beast free, causing his wife, Queen Pasiphae, to fall in love with the bull and eventually give birth to the Minotaur.
  • Poseidon also sent a sea monster to ravage the land of Ethiopia as punishment for Queen Cassiopeia boasting about her daughter's beauty, leading to Perseus saving Andromeda from the beast.
  • Poseidon's infamous affair with Medusa, a priestess of Athena, resulted in her transformation into a monster with the power to turn men into stone, a story that varies in interpretations and details across different texts.

27:17

"Content creator delves into mythology origins"

  • The content creator plans to work on a project for the next 36 hours, urging viewers to support their work by liking and subscribing to receive new content every Thursday and short form content daily, focusing on uncovering the origins of mythology and folklore.
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