Myth of the Week · Greece
Poseidon for kids: god of the sea
· P.Sean Tales
Who makes the waves? Ask an ancient Greek and the answer was easy: Poseidon, god of the sea, brother of Zeus, ruler of every ocean, wave and storm — with a temper as wild as the water itself.
The trident
Poseidon's three-pointed spear is called a trident, and it's one of the most recognizable objects in all of mythology. With it he could whip up towering waves, crack open springs of fresh water, or calm the whole sea flat for a lucky ship.
The Earth-shaker
Here's something surprising: Poseidon wasn't only the sea god. The Greeks also called him "Earth-shaker," because they believed earthquakes happened when Poseidon struck the ground. Sea, storms AND earthquakes — that's a lot of rumbling for one god.
Dolphins and horses
Poseidon's sacred animals are the dolphin and — surprise — the horse! Legends even credit him with creating the very first horse, and his chariot is pulled across the waves by magnificent sea-horses called hippocamps.
Did you know?
Sailors would pour a splash of their drink into the sea before a voyage as a small gift to Poseidon — a little "please keep us safe" for the journey ahead.
Color the legend yourself
Poseidon rides the waves in Greek Titans, Sea & Underworld — alongside sea monsters, hippocamps and the Titans themselves:
- Greek Titans, Sea & Underworld — Poseidon & the deep
- Greek Gods & Goddesses
- Greek Monsters, Giants & Heroes
Or start free: grab the free coloring pages.