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Poseidon


Poseidon

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Poseidon, marble statue from Melos, 2nd century BC; in the National Archaeological Museum, Athens.—Alinari/Art Resource, New York

Greek god of water and the sea, son of Cronus and Rhea. His brothers were Zeus and Hades. When the three brothers deposed their father, the kingdom of the sea fell by lot to Poseidon. Unpredictable and sometimes violent, he was also god of earthquakes, and he was closely associated with horses. Most of his offspring were giants and savage creatures. By Medusa he was the father of the winged horse Pegasus. The Isthmian Games were held in his honor. In art he was often shown holding a trident and accompanied by a dolphin and tuna. The Romans identified him with Neptune.

This entry comes from Encyclopædia Britannica Concise.
For the full entry on Poseidon, visit Britannica.com.

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