Poseidon 101 🔱 | Greeking Out: Minute Myths | @natgeokids

Key Concepts

• Poseidon
• God of the Sea
• Earth Shaker
• Bringer of Storms
• Patron God of Athens
• Athena
• Trident
• Olive Tree
• Trojan War
• Odysseus
• Cecropia

Poseidon: God of the Sea, Earthquakes, and Horses

Poseidon is a prominent figure in Greek mythology, known primarily as the God of the Sea. However, his dominion extends beyond the oceans; he is also recognized as the "Earth Shaker" and the bringer of storms, signifying his immense power over natural forces. Furthermore, Poseidon is associated with horses.

Consequences of Angering Poseidon

The transcript emphasizes that Poseidon was a deity not to be trifled with. Offending him carried severe and long-lasting repercussions. A prime example cited is the fate of Odysseus. After the Trojan War, Odysseus's journey home, which should have taken a mere few weeks, was prolonged to a decade due to Poseidon's wrath.

The Contest for the Patronage of Athens

A significant event discussed is Poseidon's ambition to become the patron God of the city of Athens, which was then known as Cecropia. Both Poseidon and Athena desired this honor, and Zeus decreed that the citizens would decide based on the gifts they received.

• Poseidon's Gift: Poseidon struck the ground with his trident, causing a spring of water to emerge. While initially met with excitement, the citizens soon discovered the water was saltwater, rendering it undrinkable and unsuitable for agriculture.
• Athena's Gift: Athena, in contrast, gifted the city with the olive tree. This gift was highly practical, offering food, shade, and the resources necessary for the city's growth and development.

Outcome of the Contest

The citizens of Cecropia ultimately voted for Athena's gift, recognizing its superior utility and long-term benefits. Consequently, the city was named Athens in her honor. The narrator humorously speculates that without Athena's victory, the capital of Greece might have been named "Poseidaho."

Further Exploration

For those interested in learning more about Greek mythology, the transcript directs readers to the new season of the "Greeking Out" podcast, available on the Nat Geo Kids YouTube channel.

Synthesis/Conclusion

This segment of "Greeking Out" provides a concise overview of Poseidon's multifaceted role in Greek mythology, highlighting his power over the sea, earthquakes, and storms, as well as his association with horses. It underscores the severe consequences of incurring his displeasure, exemplified by the story of Odysseus. The narrative also details the pivotal contest for the patronage of Athens, illustrating the practical superiority of Athena's gift of the olive tree over Poseidon's saltwater spring, which ultimately led to the city being named Athens. The segment concludes with a recommendation for further engagement with Greek mythology through the "Greeking Out" podcast.