POSEIDON

FACTS

• one of the twelve Olympian deities of the pantheon in Greek mythology
• brother of Zeus and Hades
• Symbol-Trident, Fish Dolphin Horse and Bull
• Poseidon fell in love with the human mortal and created a dwelling sanctuary at the top of a hill near the middle of the island
• Poseidon was a major civic god of several cities

PERSONALITY

• Poseidon was one of the greediest gods. He was always trying to expand his underwater palace. He wanted more gold, coral and pearls to add to his wealth. This may be one reason why he was so aggressive.
• Poseidon was very violent. Sometime he liked to kill people just for fun He wasn't always this way, but when he was, he was one of the most dangerous gods. This was one reason why he attacked Odysseus for blinding his son (Polyphemus the Cyclopes) even though the Cyclopes was threatening to eat Odysseus and his crew. He could also be very vengeful. This was a bad trait because it meant much death for sailors and others who angered him.b
• When he was in a good mood, he would drive a chariot drawn by horses or hippocampi and he would calm the seas. Sometimes he would even withdraw previous floods or water damage he had made.

POWERS

• create Giant tidal waves
• storms
• floods
• whirlpools

RELATIONSHIPS

• Was one of the big three
• Brothers Zeus Hades and Poseidon
• Mom was rhea and dad was Cronus
• Had many kids with many different people

STORIES

• Battle for Athens
• Poseidon came first: he struck the earth powerfully and created a well with his trident. Immediately, streaming water shot forth, but the water turned out to be salty and not very useful for the population.
• Next, it was the turn of goddess Athena. Athena stepped forward, struck her spear into the ground and then she kneeled and planted an olive branch in it. This way she created an olive tree, as a symbolization of peace and prosperity on earth.
• Cecrops was very impressed by Athena’s gift. So he chose Athena to lay claim of the city