Introduction:
Poseidon is the god of sea, earthquakes, and horses. He considered responsible for shipwrecks and drowning. Although there were various rivers personified as gods, these would have been technically under Poseidon's reign. He is Neptune in the Roman form. He is usually seen with his trident in his hands. He is one of the elder gods so he is the brother of Zeus and Hades and the son of Kronos and Rhea. He is the husband of Amphitrite, a nymph and ancient sea goddess. He has many children like the Cyclops and Orion. His symbols are trident, fish, dolphins, and horses.
Personality:
Poseidon is a moody and unpredictable god. When he is mad, he cause storms, hurricanes, or rough seas. He usually acts that he is equal to Zeus in strength and power so they quarrel a lot. He is a player like Zeus with many children. Fortunately, Amphitrite is not a jealous wife like Hera expect for some occasions.
Relationship:
Poseidon usually fights with his brothers, Hades and Zeus. Mainly he fights with Zeus, believing that he and Zeus are equal in power.
Although he lost to Athena for the fight over Athens, he worked cooperatively with her in the Trojan War. Also he already had revenge on Athens by giving it droughts.
Poseidon and his wife had a fairly good relationship. She is not as jealous as Hera. Only a few suffer her jealously. One of them is Scylla who used to be a beautiful nymph. She was changed into a monster that terrorized sailors. Amphitrite even helped Theseus, a demi-god and a son of Poseidon by giving her crown to prove he is the son of Poseidon to Minos.
Athens:
When the city state of Athens started to rise from the ground, the founder, King Cecrops decided that they need a patron for the city. Poseidon and Athena were interested in this position. Poseidon went first. He struck his trident and immediately a spring came out, but it is salt-water so it is not much use. Then, it is Athena's turn. She made a hole in the ground with her spear. Then, she buried an olive branch in the hole, creating an olive tree. King Cecrops chose Athena and named the city after her: Athens. Poseidon was not pleased and cursed the city to never have enough water. That is still major problem nowadays.
Interesting Facts:
There are two theory of the parentage of Poseidon wife, Amphitrite. One is Oceanu, the titan of the sea. The other is the Nereus, the Old Man of the Sea. (The man in Titan's Curse)