Definition

Proper noun 1. The god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses in Greek mythology: Poseidon is one of the twelve Olympian deities, a brother of Zeus and Hades, and is often depicted wielding a trident. He is associated with the sea, storms, and seismic activity.

Usage

• As a proper noun (name of a deity):
  • In Homer's epics, Poseidon is a powerful and often wrathful god.
  • Sailors would pray to Poseidon for safe passage across the sea.
  • The myth explains that Poseidon created the first horse by striking a rock with his trident.

Advanced Usage

• "Poseidon's wrath": A literary phrase describing violent storms or earthquakes, attributed to the god's anger.
  • The sudden tempest was seen as Poseidon's wrath for the sailors' disrespect.
• Cultural/Historical Reference: Used to refer to the mythological figure in discussions of art, literature, or history.
  • The statue of Poseidon in the museum is a Roman copy of a Greek original.

Variants and Related Words

• Neptune (proper noun): The Roman god identified with and equivalent to the Greek Poseidon.
• Poseidonian (adjective, rare): Pertaining to Poseidon.
  • The Poseidonian myths were central to coastal communities.

Synonyms

• God of the sea: A descriptive synonym.
• Earth-shaker: An epithet for Poseidon, highlighting his association with earthquakes.

Related Phrases

• "Poseidon's trident": The three-pronged spear that is his primary symbol and weapon.
  • The emblem featured Poseidon's trident.

Noun

1. (Greek mythology) the god of the sea and earthquakes in ancient mythology; brother of Zeus and Hades and Hera; identified with Roman Neptune