The mighty Poseidon, ruler of the seas, rivers, drought and flood as well as horses and earthquakes. He is one of the three brother gods who split the world among them.
Poseidon was born to the Titans Cronus and Rhea. His two brothers are Zeus (ruler of Mount Olympus) and Hades (ruler of the Underworld). He also has three sisters Hera, Hestia and Demeter.
He was a popular god and was mentioned in many myths as well as stories from Homer and Hesiod. His temple is located at Cap Sounion, near Athens.
Poseidon had a bit of a temper and when angry he would cause earthquakes, storms, drowning, floods and drought. Sailors would prey to his and sacrifice horses to him for his protection and calm seas.
In one myth, Poseidon harshly punishes hero Odysseus for blinding his son Polyphemus. In another, he was not paid as he was told he would be for building a wall. Poseidon became very angry and sent a sea monster to wreak havoc on the countryside.
Then during the Trojan wars, he was on the Greeks side to punish the king of Troy for not paying. He followed Polybotes to Cos, where he threw the island on him, killing him.
Poseidon was not always in a foul mood causing destruction, he was helpful as well. He was the one who helped make the lands fertile, by supplying his water and provided safety to those sailing the sea.
He was married to Amphitrite, a sea goddess. Together they had three children, the goddess Rhode, goddess of the waves, Benthesikyme and Triton the king of the sea.
Poseidon also had many other children with goddesses and mortals, before and after marriage. With Medusa, he fathered Pegasus the winged horse. The rape of his sister Demeter led to the birth of the horse Arion. Other children included heroes Pelias and Neleus, Hippothoon, Nauplius and the giants Oto and Ephialtae among others.
Poseidon is recognized as an older, physically fit man with a beard. His symbol of power is his three-pronged trident. He is often shown in his gold chariot, drawn by his sea creatures, with his wife.
