Poseidon
(Ποσειδων)
History
The son of Cronus and Rhea. He is the god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses. His siblings are Zeus, Hades, Hera, Hestia, and Demeter. He is married to Amphitrite, a sea goddess. Most commonly known for his trident, but also known for dolphins and horses.
Powers and Domains
Poseidon has lots of strength and stamina. He also heals quickly when he's wounded. He can make storms on the ocean appear and then disappear. Poseidon had power over all water, fresh and salt.
Character traits
Poseidon's character is similar so water, it changes at any moment. He could be calm in one moment and violent in the next. He is very helpful to mankind but can quickly become jealous or angry.
Origin myth
Poseidon's father, Cronus was told by his father Uranus and Mother Earth that one of his own sons would someday dethrone him. Because of this, he swallowed the first five children that his wife, Rhea, bore: Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades, and Poseidon. He also meant to swallow the next child, Zeus, but the trickery of Rhea saved the baby. She substituted the baby for a stone wrapped in cloth and gave it to Cronus. Zeus was raised by nymphs and grew to manhood in secrecy of his father. Eventually, he returned home and became cup-bearer for Cronus. After drinking poison mixed into his drink by Zeus, Cronus vomited up his five children and a stone. After releasing his brothers, Zeus led a war against Cronus and the other Titans. The war had gone on for ten years when Cronus' three sons released the Cyclopes from captivity on advice of a prophecy from Mother Earth. In gratitude, the Cyclopes gave each of the brothers a weapon. Poseidon received a trident, Zeus a thunderbolt, and Hades a helmet of darkness. They used these gifts to finally defeat Cronus and the rest of the titans.
Significant myth
One day, Zeus, asked the gods and goddesses who wanted a city named after them. Both Athena and Poseidon wanted it. Zeus decided to give a contest to see who should have it. He asked each of them to think of a gift to give to the mortals of the city. Whoever had the best gift would have the city named after them. Poseidon showed his gift first. He struck the Earth with a three headed spear. Out sprang a huge, white horse, covered in war gear and ready to fight. The horse was more splendid than anyone could ever imagine. Poseidon said his horse would protect the people of the city. Athena thought the horse would protect the city, but would also bring war. She drew an arc in the air with her hand and suddenly there appeared a tree. her gift was a olive tree, also a sign of peace, happiness, and freedom. she asked if this is what Zeus wanted for his city. Zeus decided that Athena's gift was best for the city. She brings the gift of peace, which a war horse can only bring by harming people. The city was named Athens, city of Athena. And so it was. After losing the contest, Poseidon was angry. This led to the "coming of the flood." The Sea God took his mighty trident, heavily striked the sea numerous times, caused a great storm, which ended up flooding the city of Athens. After the flood waters finally, after a long period of time, subsided, the Athenians repaired their city and built a temple to represent Athena. They also made offerings to Poseidon, to appease the Sea God they recently upset.
Sources:
http://www.pantheon.org/articles/p/poseidon.html
http://www.casawomo.com/essays/a-history-of-poseidon
http://www.theoi.com/Olympios/Poseidon.html
http://myths-legends-folklore.blogspot.com/2010/03/poseidon-flood-athens.html
http://www.casawomo.com/essays/a-history-of-poseidon
http://www.theoi.com/Olympios/Poseidon.html
http://myths-legends-folklore.blogspot.com/2010/03/poseidon-flood-athens.html