Cults of Gods: Poseidon, God of the Sea and...Horses?

Modern sources often present Poseidon as a one-sided god of the sea. But that is only part of his vast domain. Beyond the waves, Poseidon ruled forces that had little to do with water such as earthquakes and horses. This makes him one of the most complex figures of the Greek pantheon.

Poseidon is an Olympian god of the sea (Poseidon Pelagaios), earthquakes (Poseidon Ennosigaios), horses (Poseidon Hippios), floods, and droughts. His etymology is clearer than Hera’s, but still more obscure than Zeus’. His name likely contains two roots: the Greek posis, possibly derived from the Proto-Indo-European potis, meaning “husband,” “man,” or “master.” The second root is less certain, but many scholars connect it to the Proto-Indo-European da- (“land” or “earth”), which could render his name as “Master of the Earth” or “Lord of the Land.”

According to my interpretation, Poseidon is connected to horses, because they represent nature of his domain. Sea is unpredictable, one moment it's calm, next moment storm can start. Horses possess similar nature, hence his connection to them, symbolizing his reign over things unpredictable.

According to myth, after the Olympians defeated the Titans, the three brothers, Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon drew lots to divide the world. Zeus received the sky, Hades the underworld, and Poseidon the sea.

Another famous story tells of Poseidon’s contest with Athena for the patronage of Athens. When asked what he could offer, Poseidon struck the ground with his trident, and a spring burst forth — but the water was salty and useless for drinking or farming. Athena, by contrast, planted the first olive tree, a source of food, oil, and wood. The Athenians chose her gift, and Athena became their patron goddess.

Poseidon, however, was worshipped throughout Greece from the earliest times. His main cult center was at Corinth, where the Isthmian Games — athletic and musical competitions held every two years — were dedicated to him. Other important sanctuaries included Helike and Onchestos. Even in Athens, Poseidon was not forgotten: he had an altar in the Erechtheion, near the spring he supposedly created during his contest with Athena. One of the most remarkably preserved temples of Poseidon still stands on Cape Sounion, about 69 kilometers southeast of Athens, overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Beyond his titles mentioned above, Poseidon also bore the epithet Asphalios, emphasizing his vital religious role as the protector of sailors and provider of safe sea travel. His other epithets are like Phytalmios (Plant Nurturer), reflecting his connection to fertility, Epoptês (Overseer, Watcher), which represent his more abstract domain of looking over humans.

Many of his epithets relate to offerings or the locations of his temples. For example, Taureos, since bulls were sacrificed to him, Hippios (of Horses) is also connected to nature of his offerings. Poseidon is the only god to whom people would offer horses. Other epithets are Isthmios linking him to his main temple in Corinth, Helikônios connecting him to Helicon and others.

One might notice that Poseidon, much as Hera, has a little range of domain. The reason is because Poseidon comes from an age when animism was moving into polytheism, and gods were rather practical than moral and abstract. Same as Hera, who has a small but very important domain.

Unfortunately, despite Poseidon having prominent cult across whole Greece, his cult and religious functions were simple. Unlike Athena and Hermes, he doesn't have elaborate and complex myths, religious aspects and epithets. It doesn't diminish his importance as a god, but rather expresses how ancient he is, reflecting that he came from the ages of animism and his cult remained in providing basic, tangible things like safe voyage, fertility on the farm and horses.

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