King Minos of Crete was offered a white bull by Poseidon. In Greek mythology, bulls were sacrificed to Poseidon as well as other gods. From their union, Demeter gave birth to Arion (talking horse). And in order to hide from Poseidon, she disguised herself as a mare, but he also transformed himself into a stallion. Many voyagers sacrificed horses by drowning them to appease the sea god.Īnother theory suggests that he was attracted to Demeter. Hippocamps were the horses who pulled his chariot on the sea. The first one suggests that Poseidon was the first god who created the first horse. There are many myths stating the reason as to why horse is regarded as his symbol. So what are the symbols related to Poseidon? Poseidon Symbols In Greek Mythology Animalsīesides being the sea of god, he was also considered as the god of horses. Though he had few attributes, but each of them was marked important by him. In various sculptures, paintings, and mosaics he was often pictured with elements which served as his symbols. He is believed to have numerous affairs other than his wife, in fact he has many kids out of those affairs. His union with his wife Amphitrite is one of a kind, wherein he used power to claim her. He had two palaces, one was located in Mount Olympus and the other under the sea which was decorated with precious gold and other gems. He had extreme personality, one moment he could cause earthquakes, tempests, drown lands and the next moment bring calmness and peace like nothing ever happened. Many sailors before setting on a voyage would try to appease Poseidon by sacrificing animals or through prayers, so that their journey is favorable. Since he was the dweller of the sea, he was responsible for many natural and supernatural events that took place in the sea. If he was insulted or let down in any way, he would make sure to hold that grudge against that person for their entire lifetime. He was considered to be very moody, ill-tempered and greedy amongst the god of Olympians.
Poseidon was given the sea portion, hence he is known as god of the sea. As a reward, they divided the world into three parts.
They all defeated their father and the Titans. When Zeus grew up he freed Poseidon and his other siblings. When Zeus was born, his wife Rhea presented a stone instead of the baby. Cronus was scared that one day his children will overthrow his throne, so he gulped down Poseidon along with his other kids. There are several myths surrounding his birth, but one myth states that on his birth, his father swallowed him. He is strongly associated with water, horses, and earthquakes. He is known as Neptune in Roman mythology. Poseidon was one of the children of the Titans Cronus and Rhea. Poseidon is also known by other names such as, Earth-Shaker and tamer of horses. There are certain symbols which correspond to objects associated with Poseidon. Since he was the god of sea, he was accountable for all the events which took place in the ocean. Commonly known as ‘God of the sea,’ Poseidon was one of the twelve Olympian gods in ancient Greek mythology.