Who Did Poseidon Have Problems with?

Poseidon, the powerful god of the sea, was no stranger to conflicts and rivalries within the pantheon of Greek gods. Particularly notable were his conflicts with the Titans and his intractable feuds with Athena, one of the most prominent Olympian gods.

Challenges from the Titans

At the dawn of the Greek pantheon, Poseidon faced numerous challenges from the Titans. The Titans were a formidable group of gods, known for their immense strength and power. These gods continually tested Poseidon’s authority and challenged his rule over the seas. This ongoing conflict created a tense atmosphere, with Poseidon often needing to assert his dominance.

From Controversies to Rivalries with Athena

However, the most notorious of Poseidon’s conflicts were not with the Titans but rather with Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy. Their rivalry was multifaceted and deeply rooted in their individual aspirations and rivalries.

Athene’s Defeat of Poseidon

The rivalry between Poseidon and Athena began in a tragic and dramatic way. In the myth of the founding of Athens, the two gods were competing for the patronage of the city. Poseidon, seeing the potential for growth and development, delivered a spring of salt water, which was considered unpalatable and unsuitable for the city’s needs. In response, Athena presented an olive tree, symbolizing peace and prosperity. As the people of Athens recognized the value of Athena’s gift, Poseidon’s claim to the city was defeated, setting the stage for their long-standing rivalry.

Medusa and the Gorgon’s Curse

The rivalry between Athena and Poseidon continued through a series of personal vendettas and conflicts. For instance, Medusa, Poseidon’s lover, was transformed into the monstrous Gorgon by Athena, an act of calculated retribution. Athena further capitalized on this by inflaming the hero Perseus to decapitate Medusa, manipulating him to destroy her. This was not the end of Poseidon and Athena’s conflict; Athena later wore Medusa’s head on her breastplate, symbolizing her dominance and fearlessness.

Odysseus and Poseidon’s Cyclops Son

In another instance, Athena’s favorite hero, Odysseus, blinded the Cyclops Polyphemus, Poseidon’s son. This act of violence directly harmed Poseidon, causing him significant personal distress. Poseidon retaliated by relentlessly pursuing Odysseus, causing him to be lost at sea for a decade, adding misery to his already challenging journey home.

Aphrodite’s Intervention

Their rivalry went beyond petty conflicts, reaching a peak when Athena was the subject of sexual assault at the hands of Hephaestus, with Poseidon’s reluctant support. Despite Athena’s escape, this event only fueled the enmity between them.

Unlikely Alliances and Persistent Antagonism

Despite the numerous conflicts, Athena and Poseidon found themselves on occasion on the same side of conflicts. They both attempted a coup against Zeus and rallied against the Trojans during the Trojan War. However, these alliances were temporary, and their antagonism was notorious, underscoring deep-seated sibling rivalries and personal vendettas.

Ultimately, the rivalry between Poseidon and Athena is a reflection of the complex motivations and relationships within the ancient Greek pantheon. Their feuds served as drivers for many of the heroic tales and myths that have come to define Greek mythology, showcasing the dynamic and often tumultuous nature of the gods themselves.