Editing Poseidon (section)

==Cult==
[[File:God of Cape Artemision 01.JPG|thumb|300px|[[Artemision Bronze]], bronze statue probably of Poseidon, [[Severe style]] 480-440 BC. The statue was possibly a thank offering to the god after the battle of Artemision (480 BC).<ref name=Artemision>"In 480 BC a great storm at Magnesia and then at Artemision heavily damaged the Persian fleet. After the war the Greeks gave to Poseidon the epithet ''soter'' (savior). The ''agalma'' found near Artemision was probably a thank offering dedicated to Poseidon-''Soter'' (saviοr)" : Burkert, "Greek religion" [https://archive.org/details/greekreligion0000burk/page/136/mode/2up?view=theater p.137]</ref>[[National Archaeological Museum Athens]].]]

:I begin to sing about Poseidon, the great god,
:mover of the earth and fruitless sea
:god of the deep who is also lord of Helicon <ref>Helikonios, ({{lang|grc|Ελικώνιος}}): The word may mean, "god of the eddying waves" :Nilsson, Geschichte. p.447 A6</ref> and wide Aegae.
:A two-fold office the gods allotted you,
:O Shaker of the Earth, to be a tamer of horses
:and a saviour of ships!
:Hail, Poseidon, Holder of the Earth, dark-haired lord!
:O blessed one, be kindly in heart
:and help those who voyage in ships!
:(Homeric Hymn to Poseidon)<ref>The Homeric Hymns and Homerica with an English Translation by Hugh G. Evelyn-White. Homeric Hymns. Cambridge, MA., Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1914.[https://archive.org/details/greekreligion0000burk/page/136/mode/2up?view=theater Homeric Hymn to Poseidon]</ref>

The worship of Poseidon was extended all over Greece and southern [[Italy]], but he was specially honoured in Peloponnese which is called "the residence of Poseidon" and in the [[Ionia|Ionic]] cities.<ref name=Smith/> The significance of his cult is indicated by the names of cities like [[Potidaea|Poteidaia]] in the [[Chalkidiki]] peninsula and ''Poseidonia'' ([[Paestum]]), a Greek colony in Italy.<ref name="Burkert1985Poseidon"/> ''Poseidion'' is a frequent Greek placename along coastlines and the name of a Greek colony at the [[Syria]]n coast.<ref>[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0060.tlg001.perseus-grc2:19.79 Diodorus 19.79.1]</ref>

In [[Ionia]] his cult was introduced by Achaean colonists from Greece in the 11th century BC. Traditionally the colonists came from [[Pylos]] where Poseidon was the principal god of the city. The god had a famous temple near the mountain [[Mycale]].<ref name=Burkert1985Poseidon/> The month [[Attic calendar|Poseidaon]] is the month of the winter-storms. The name of the month was used in Ionic territories, in Athens, in the islands of the [[Aegean Sea|Aegean]] and in the cities of Asia Minor. At [[Lesbos]] and [[Epidauros]] the month was called ''Poseidios''. During this month Poseidon was worshipped as the "master of the sea" in a bright cult.<ref name=Geschichte/>

[[File:Athena Painter - ABV extra - Poseidon on hippocamp - Oxford AM 1889-1011 - 01.jpg|thumb|right|210px|Poseidon with trident on hippocamp (sea-horse). Athenian black-figure white-ground pottery lekythos ca. 500-480 BC, by [[Athena Painter]]. [[Ashmolean Museum]], Oxford ]]
 
Poseidon was a major civic god of several cities: in [[History of Athens|Athens]], he was second only to [[Athena]] in importance, while in [[Ancient Corinth|Corinth]] and many cities of [[Ionia]] and [[Magna Graecia]] he was the chief god of the [[polis]].<ref name=Burkert1985Poseidon /> Many fests of Poseidon included athletic competitions and horseracing.
In Corinth his cult was related to the [[Isthmian games]].<ref name="Burkert1985Poseidon"/> In [[Arcadia (region)|Arcadia]] his cult was related to the games "Hippocrateia" and at Sparta he had a temple near an [[Hippodrome]]. In [[Onchestos]] of [[Boeotia]] horseracing was a part of the athletic games in honour of the god.<ref name=Hard/><ref name=Geschichte/>

Poseidon was considered a symbol of unity. The [[Panionia]] the festival of all Ionians near [[Mycale]] were celebrated in honour of Poseidon ''Helikonios'' and was the place of meeting of the [[Ionian League]].<ref name=Helikonios>"The form is the same with [[Mount Helicon|Helikon]]. Traditionally the adjective derives from the town [[Helike]] of [[Achaea]] . However it is possible that it derives from "helix" (twisted, spiral) and Poseidon would be the "god of the eddying waves"":Nilsson, "Geschichte, p.447 A6</ref><ref name=Jeffery208>Jeffery, ''The city states'', p.208</ref> He was the patron god of the [[Amphictiony]] of [[Kalaureia]]. At [[Onchestos]] of [[Boeotia]] he was worshipped as Poseidon ''Helikonios''. His sanctuary became the place of meeting of the second [[Boeotian league]].<ref name=Geschichte/><ref name=Iliad>[http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Hom.%20Il.%202.506&lang=original Iliad 2.506]</ref> At [[Helike]] of Achaea there was the famous temple of Poseidon ''Helikonios'', which was the place of meeting of the [[Achaean League]].<ref name="Katsonopoulou2002a">{{cite journal | last=Katsonopoulou | first=Dora | year=2002 | title=Helike and her Territory in Historical Times | journal=Pallα as | volume=58 | pages=175–182 | issn =0031-0387 }}</ref>

The "master of the sea" creates
clouds and storms, but he is also the protector of the sailors. He has the ability to calm the sea for a good voyage and save those who are in danger.<ref name=Smith/> He was worshipped with the surname "savior" as the protector of the seafarers and the fishermen.<ref name=Artemision/> He is the "earthshaker", however he is also the protector against the earthquakes. In some cults he was worshipped as the "bringer of safety" or "protector of the house and the foundations".
<ref name=Geschichte/>

The god was considered the creator of the first horse, and it was believed that he taught men the art of taming horses. He was depicted on horseback, or riding in a chariot drawn by two or four horses.<ref name=Smith/> He had a lot of temples in Arcadia, with the surname ''Hippios'' (of the horse) and he was also transformed into a horse to seduce [[Demeter]].<ref name=Geschichte/>
[[File:Poseidon with fish Nationalmuseet 13407.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Poseidon with a trident and a fish. Tondo of an Attic red-figured kylix, 520-510 BC, from Etruria.[[National Museum of Denmark]], Copenhagen.]]

Being the god of waters, Poseidon is related to the primeval water which encircles the earth ([[Oceanus]]),<ref name=Smith/> who is the father of all rivers and springs. He can create springs with the strike of his trident.<ref name="Burkert1985Poseidon"/> He was worshipped as "ruler of the springs" and "leader of the nymphs" <ref>Nilsson, "Geschichte" p.450 A4.</ref> In Thessaly it was believed that he drained the area cutting the rocks of [[Vale of Tempe|Tempe]] with his trident.<ref name="Burkert1985Poseidon"/><ref>[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=petrai%2Fos&la=greek#lexicon πετραῖος]</ref> In Greek folklore the horse can also create springs .<ref name=Hard/>

As god of the sea Poseidon was also god of fishing and especially of sea-fishing. Tuna was offered to him by the fishermen during the festal meal for the protection of the nets .<ref name="Burkert1985Poseidon"/> Tuna and later dolphin was his attribute. He was worshipped in many islands and cities by the coast. At [[Corfu|Corcyra]] a roaring bull near the sea-shore quaranteed a good fishing.<ref name=Geschichte1/> The devastating storm of Poseidon is related to fishermen and they poured drink offerings to Poseidon -''savior'' into the sea.<ref name=Artemision/> The god of inland waters is very close to vegetation and Poseidon was worshipped in many cities as god of vegetation. [[Haloa]] in Athens was a fest of vegetation. The ''Protrygaia'', a wine-fest seem to belong to [[Dionysus]] and Poseidon.<ref name=Geschichte1>Nilsson, ''Geschichte'', 449-452</ref>

In several cities Poseidon was worshipped in relation to the genealogy and the [[phratry]].<ref name=Burkert1985Poseidon/> At [[Tinos]] he was worshipped as a healer-god, probably a forerunner of the famous [[Our Lady of Tinos|Evangelistria]].<ref name=Geschichte1/>

The bull is related to Poseidon mainly in Ionia. The sacrifice of a bull offered to Poseidon is mentioned by [[Homer]] in an Ionic festival ([[Panionium|Panionia]]).<ref name=Homer>[http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Hom.+Il.+20.404&fromdoc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0134 Iliad 20.404]</ref><ref name=Geschichte1/> The sacrifices offered to Poseidon consisted of black and white bulls which were killed or thrown into the sea. Boars and rams were also used and in [[Argolis]] horses were thrown into a well as a sacrifice to him.<ref>[http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Paus.+8.7.2&fromdoc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0160 Pausanias 8.7.2]</ref><ref name=Smith/>
[[File:Poseidon Polybotes Cdm Paris 573.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A scene from the [[Gigantomachy]]: Poseidon fights [[Polybotes]]. The god broke off a piece of the island of [[Kos]] called [[Nisyros]], and threw it on top of the giant.<ref>[[Strabo]], [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Strab.+10.5.16 10.5.16]. The mention of a millstone, in the poem fragment by Alcman (mentioned above) may be an early reference to the island of Nisyros, see Hanfmann 1937, pp. 476; Vian and Moore 1988, p. 192.</ref> Tondo of an Attic red-figure kylix, ca. 475-470 BC. Painter of the Paris Gigantomachy (eponymous vase), circle of the [[Brygos Painter]] found in Vulci [[BnF Museum]] (Cabinet des médailles), Paris .]]

In his benign aspect, Poseidon was seen as creating new islands and offering calm seas. When offended or ignored, he supposedly struck the ground with his [[trident]] and caused chaotic springs, [[earthquake]]s, drownings and [[ship]]wrecks.
Sailors prayed to Poseidon for a safe voyage, sometimes drowning horses as a sacrifice; in this way, according to a fragmentary [[papyrus]], [[Alexander the Great]] paused at the Syrian seashore before the climactic [[battle of Issus]], and resorted to prayers, "invoking Poseidon the sea-god, for whom he ordered a [[Quadriga|four-horse chariot]] to be cast into the waves".<ref>[[Karl Wilhelm Ludwig Müller]]'s ed. Papyrus Oxyrrhincus ''Fragmenta Historicorum Graecorum'' 148, 44, col. 2; quoted by Robin Lane Fox, ''Alexander the Great'' (1973) 1986:168 and note. Alexander also invoked other sea deities: [[Thetis]], mother of his hero [[Achilles]], [[Nereus]] and the [[Nereid]]s</ref>

According to [[Pausanias (geographer)|Pausanias]], Poseidon was one of the caretakers of the [[Delphic oracle|oracle at Delphi]] before Olympian [[Apollo]] took it over. Apollo and Poseidon worked closely in many realms: in colonization, for example, Delphic Apollo provided the authorization to go out and settle, while Poseidon watched over the colonists on their way, and provided the [[holy water|lustral water]] for the foundation-sacrifice. At one time Delphi belonged to him in common with Ge, but Apollo gave him the psychopompeion [[Kalaureia]] as a compensation for it.<ref name=Smith/><ref>[http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Paus.+2.33.2&fromdoc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0160 Pausanias 2.33.2]</ref>

[[Xenophon]]'s [[Anabasis (Xenophon)|''Anabasis'']] describes a group of [[Sparta]]n soldiers in 400–399 BC singing to Poseidon a [[paean]]—a kind of hymn normally sung for Apollo. Like [[Dionysus]], who inflamed the [[maenad]]s, Poseidon also caused certain forms of mental disturbance. A [[Hippocrates|Hippocratic]] text of ca 400 BC, ''On the Sacred Disease''<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://classics.mit.edu/Hippocrates/sacred.html |title=(Hippocrates), ''On the Sacred Disease'', Francis Adams, tr. |access-date=22 December 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524210044/http://classics.mit.edu/Hippocrates/sacred.html |archive-date=24 May 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> says that he was blamed for certain types of epilepsy.

Poseidon is still worshipped today in modern [[Hellenism (religion)|Hellenic]] religion, among other Greek gods. The worship of Greek gods has been recognized by the Greek government since 2017.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brunwasser |first1=Matthew |title=The Greeks Who Worship Ancient Gods |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-22972610 |access-date=July 24, 2020 |agency=[[BBC]] |date=June 20, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Souli |first1=Sarah |title=Greece's Old Gods Are Ready for Your Sacrifice |url=https://theoutline.com/post/2843/hellenism-legalized-greece?zd=1&zi=rnorsdnx |website=[[The Outline (website)|The Outline]] |access-date=July 24, 2020 |date=January 4, 2018}}</ref>

=== Epithets and attributes===
[[File:Poszeidón Epoptész.png|thumb|left|280px|Poseidon Epoptes]]

Poseidon had a variety of roles, duties and attributes. He is a separate deity from the oldest Greek god of the sea [[Pontus (mythology)|Pontus]]. In Athens his name is superimposed οn the name of the non-Greek god [[Erechtheus]] {{lang|grc|Ἑρεχθεύς}} (''Poseidon Erechtheus'').<ref>Walter Burkert (Peter Bing, tr.) ''Homo Necans'' 1983, p. 149 gives references for this observation</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=erexqe%2Fus&la=greek#lexicon| title=Ἑρεχθεύς}}</ref> 
In the [[Iliad]], he is the lord of the sea and his golden palace is built in Aegai, in the depth of the sea.<ref>[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Hom.+Il.+13.21&fromdoc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0134 Iliad 13.21] Nilsson Vol I p.446</ref> His significance is indicated by his titles ''Eurykreion'' ({{lang|grc|Εὐρυκρείων}}) "wide-ruling", an epithet also applied to [[Agamemnon]]<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Hom.%20Il.%2011.751&lang=original| title=Iliad 10.751}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=eu%29rukreiwn&la=greek#lexicon| title=Εὐρυκρείων}}</ref> and ''Helikonios anax'' ({{lang|grc|Ἑλικώνιος ἄναξ}}), "lord of [[Helicon (mountain)|Helicon]] or Helike" <ref>[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:abo:tlg,0012,001:20:404&lang=original Iliad 20.404].</ref> In Helike of Achaia he was specially honoured.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=%28Elikw%2Fnios&la=greek#lexicon| title=Ἑλικώνιος}}</ref> ''Anax'' is identified in Mycenaean Greek ([[Linear B]]) as ''wa-na-ka'', a title of Poseidon as king of the underworld. [[Aeschylus]] uses also the epithet ''anax'' <ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:abo:tlg,0085,004:131&lang=original| title=Seven against Thebes 131}}</ref> and [[Pindar]] the epithet ''Eurymedon'' ({{lang|grc|Εὐρυμέδων}}) "widely ruling".<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0072%3Aentry%3Deu)rume%2Fdwn| title=εὐρυμέδων }}</ref>

[[File:DSC00363_-_Mosaico_delle_stagioni_(epoca_romana)_-_Foto_G._Dall'Orto.jpg|alt=See caption|thumb|right|280px|Poseidon- Neptune Detail from the "Mosaic of the Seasons", from the Roman era. [[Regional Archeological Museum Antonio Salinas]], [[Palermo]]).]]

Some of the epithets (or adjectives) applied to him like ''Enosigaios'' ({{lang|grc|Ἐνοσίγαιος}}), ''Enosichthon'' ({{lang|grc|Ἐνοσίχθων}}) (Homer) and ''Ennosidas'' ({{lang|grc|Ἐννοσίδας}}) (Pindar), mean "earth shaker".<ref name= Dietrich>Diedrich [https://books.google.com/books?id=rgWHB3QMB3sC&pg=185 p. 185 n. 305]</ref> These epithets indicate his [[chthonic]] nature, and have an older evidence of use, as it is identified in Linear B, as {{lang|gmy|𐀁𐀚𐀯𐀅𐀃𐀚}}, ''E-ne-si-da-o-ne''.<ref name=Earth_shaker>{{cite web |url=http://www.csun.edu/~hcfll004/mycen.html |title=Mycenaean Divinities |access-date=2 September 2006 |work=List of Handouts for Classics 315 |first=John Paul |last=Adams |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001091024/http://www.csun.edu/~hcfll004/mycen.html |archive-date=1 October 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> Other epithets that relate him with the earthquakes are ''Gaieochos'' ({{lang|grc|Γαιήοχος}}) <ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0057%3Aentry%3Dgaih%2Foxos| title=Γαιήοχος}}</ref> and ''Seisichthon'' ({{lang|grc|Σεισίχθων}}) <ref>{{LSJ|seisi/xqwn|σεισίχθων}}</ref>
The god who causes the earthquakes is also the protector against them, and he had the epithets ''Themeliouchos'' ({{lang|grc|Θεμελιούχος}}) "upholding the foundations",<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=qemeliou/xos&la=greek#lexicon| title=θεμελιούχος}}</ref> ''[[Asphaleius |Asphaleios]]'' ({{lang|grc|Ἀσφάλειος}}) "securer, protector" <ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=asfa%2Fleios&la=greek#lexicon| title=ἀσφάλειος.}}</ref> with a temple at [[Tainaron]].<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.cs.uky.edu/~raphael/sol/sol-entries/tau/206| title=Suda, tau, 206}}</ref> Pausanias describes a sanctuary of Poseidon near Sparta beside the shrine of Alcon, where he had the surname ''Domatites'' ({{lang|grc|Δωματίτης}}), "of the house"<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=dwmati%2Fths&la=greek#lexicon| title=δωματίτης}}</ref><ref>Pausanias, [http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text? doc=Paus.+3.14.7&fromdoc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0160:book=:chapter=&highlight=Poseidon3.14.7 3.14.7]</ref>

[[File:Pelike, red figure, 440-430 BC, Poseidon surprises Anymone, AM Agrigento, 121098.jpg|thumb|left|230px|Poseidon surprises Anymone near a spring. Attic pelike in red figure, circle of the [[Polygnotus]] Painter, 440-430 BC. Archaeological Museum of [[Agrigento]]]]

Homer uses for Poseidon the title ''Kyanochaites'' ({{lang|grc|Κυανοχαίτης}}), "dark-haired, dark blue of the sea".<ref>{{LSJ|kuanoxai/ths|Κυανοχαίτης}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0134%3Abook%3D20%3Acard%3D144| title=Iliad 20.144}}</ref> Epithets like ''Pelagios'' ({{lang|grc|Πελάγιος}}) "of the open sea",<ref>{{LSJ|pela/gios|πελάγιος}}</ref><ref>Nilsson Vol I p.449</ref> ''Aegeus'' ({{lang|grc|Αἰγαίος}}), "of the high sea" <ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=aigai%2Fos&la=greek#lexicon| title=Aἰγαίος}}</ref> in the town of [[Aegae (Euboea)|Aegae]] in [[Euboea]], where he had a magnificent temple upon a hill,<ref>[[Strabo]], ix. p. 405</ref><ref>[[Virgil]], ''[[Aeneid]]'' iii. 74, where [[Maurus Servius Honoratus|Servius]] erroneously derives the name from the [[Aegean Sea]]</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Schmitz |first=Leonhard |contribution=Aegaeus |editor-last=Smith |editor-first=William |title=Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology |volume=1 |page=24 |place=Boston |publisher=Little, Brown, and Company |year=1867 |contribution-url= http://www.ancientlibrary.com/smith-bio/0033.html |title-link=Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology }}</ref> ''Pontomedon'' ({{lang|grc|Ποντομέδων}}),<ref>{{LSJ|pontome/dwn|ποντομέδων}}</ref>" lord of the sea" (Pindar, [[Aeschylus]]) and ''Kymothales'' ({{lang|grc|Κυμοθαλής}}), "abounding with waves",<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=kumoqalh%2Fs&la=greek#lexicon| title=κυμοθαλής}}</ref> indicate that Poseidon was regarded as holding sway over the sea.<ref name=smith-steven/> Other epithets that relate him with the sea are, ''Porthmios'' ({{lang|grc|Πόρθμιος}}), "of strait, narrow sea" at [[Karpathos]],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=po%2Frqmios&la=greek#lexicon| title=πόρθμιος}}</ref> ''[[Epactaeus]]'' ({{lang|grc|Ἐπακταῖος}}) "god worshipped on the coast", in [[Samos]],<ref>{{Cite DGRBM|author=Leonhard Schmitz |title=Epactaeus |url= https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0104:entry=epactaeus-bio-1&highlight=epactaeus |short=}}</ref> ''Alidoupos'', ({{lang|grc|Ἀλίδουπος}}) "sea resounding".<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=)ali/doupos&la=greek#lexicon| title=Ἀλίδουπος}}</ref> The master of the sea who can cause devastating storms is also the protector of seafarers and he was given the epithet ''sōtēr'' ({{lang|grc|Σωτήρ}}), "savior".<ref name=Artemision/>

His symbol is the trident and he has the epithet ''Eutriaina'' ({{lang|grc|Εὐτρίαινα}}), "with goodly trident" (Pindar).<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=eutri/aina&la=greek#Perseus:text:1999.04.0057:entry=eu)tri/aina-contents| title=εὐτρίαινα}}</ref> The god of the sea is also the god of fishing, and [[tuna]] was his attribute. At [[Lampsacus]] they offered fishes to Poseidon and he had the epithet ''phytalmios'' ({{lang|grc|φυτάλμιος}}) <ref name=Nilsson451>Nilsson Vol I p.451,452</ref> His epithet ''Phykios'' ({{lang|grc|Φύκιος}}), "god of seaweeds" at [[Mykonos]],<ref>{{LSJ|fu/kios|φύκιος}}</ref> seems to be related with fishing. He had a fest where women were not allowed, with special offers also to ''Poseidon Temenites'' ({{lang|grc|Τεμενίτης}}) "related to an official domain ".<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0057%3Aentry%3Dtemeni%2Fths| title=Τεμενίτης}}</ref> At the same day they made offers to ''Demeter Chloe'' therefore Poseidon was the promotor of vegetation. He had the epithet ''phytalmios'' ({{lang|grc|φυτάλμιος}}) at [[Myconos]], [[Troizen]], [[Megara]] and [[Rhodes]], comparable with ''Ptorthios'' ({{lang|grc|Πτόρθιος}}) at [[Chalcis]].<ref name=Nilsson451/><ref>{{LSJ|futa/lmios|φυτάλμιος}}</ref><ref>{{LSJ|pto/rqios| πτόρθιος}}.</ref>

[[File:Poseidon Polybotes Louvre F226.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Poseidon fighting the Giant Polybotes. Attic black-figure neck amphora by [[Swing Painter]], 540-530 BC, ca. 540 BC–530 BC. [[Louvre]], Paris.]]

Poseidon had a close association with horses. He is known under the epithet ''Hippios'' ({{lang|grc|Ἵππειος}}), "of a horse or horses" usually in Arcadia. He had temples at [[Lycosura]], [[Mantineia]], [[Methydrium]], [[Pheneos]], Pallandion.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=)/ippeios&la=greek#lexicon| title=ἲππειος}}</ref><ref>Nilsson Vol I p.448</ref>

At Lycosura he is related with the cult of Despoina.<ref>Pausanias [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?lookup=Paus.+8.37.1 8.37.9–10]</ref> The modern sanctuary near [[Mantineia]] was built by Emperor [[Hadrian]].<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0160%3Abook%3D8%3Achapter%3D10%3Asection%3D2| title=Pausanias 8.10.3}}</ref> In Athens on the hill of horses there was the altar of '' Poseidon Hippios'' and ''Athena Hippia''. The temple of Poseidon was destroyed by Antigonus when he attacked Attica.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0160%3Abook%3D1%3Achapter%3D30%3Asection%3D4| title=Pausanias 1.30.4}}</ref> He is usually the tamer of horses (''Damaios'',{{lang|grc|Δαμαίος}} at Corinth),<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=damai%2Fos&la=greek#Perseus:text:1999.04.0057:entry=*damai=os-contents| title=Δαμαῖος}}</ref> and the tender of horses ''Hippokourios'' {{lang|grc|Ἱπποκούριος}}) at Sparta, where he had a sanctuary near the sanctuary of ''Artemis Aiginea''.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0160%3Abook%3D3%3Achapter%3D14%3Asection%3D2| title=Pausanias 3.14.2}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=ippokou/rios&la=greek#lexicon| title=Ἱπποκούριος}}</ref> In some myths he is the father of horses, either by spilling his seed upon a rock or by mating with a creature who then gave birth to the first horse.<ref name="Burkert1985Poseidon" /> In Thessaly he had the title ''Petraios'' {{lang|grc|Πετραἵος}}, "of the rocks".<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=petrai%2Fos&la=greek#lexicon| title=Πετραῖος}}</ref> He hit a rock and the first horse "Skyphios" appeared.<ref>Nilsson Vol I p. 447</ref> He was closely related with the springs, and with the strike of his trident, he created springs. He had the epithets ''Krenouchos'' ({{lang|grc|Κρηνούχος}}), "ruling over springs",<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=krhnou/xos&la=greek#lexicon| title=κρηνούχος}}</ref> and ''nymphagetes'' ({{lang|grc|Νυμφαγέτης}}) "leader of the nymphs" <ref>" Oceanus is the primeval water, the origin of all springs and rivers" : Nilsson Vol I p.450</ref> On the Acropolis of Athens he created the saltspring ''Sea of Erechtheus'' ({{lang|grc|Ἐρεχθηίς θάλασσα}}).<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Apollod.+3.14.1&fromdoc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0022:book=3:chapter=14&highlight=Erechtheis| title=Apollodorus 3.14.1}}</ref> Many springs like [[Hippocrene]] and Aganippe in Helikon are related with the word horse (hippos). (also Glukippe, Hyperippe). He is the father of Pegasus, whose name is derived from {{lang|grc|πηγή}}, (''pēgē'') "spring".<ref>Nilsson Vol I p.450-451</ref>

[[File:Poseidon Penteskouphia Louvre CA452.jpg|thumb|left|240px|Poseidon carrying a trident. Corinthian plate 550-525 BC, from Pentescouphia, [[Louvre]]]]

Epithets like ''Genesios'' {{lang|grc|Γενέσιος}} at [[Lerna]]<ref>{{LSJ|gene/sios|γενέσιος}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0160%3Abook%3D2%3Achapter%3D38%3Asection%3D4| title=Pausanias 2.38.4}}</ref> ''Genethlios'' ({{lang|grc|Γενέθλιος}}) "of the race or family" <ref>{{LSJ|gene/qlios|γενέθλιος}}</ref> ''Phratrios'' ({{lang|grc|Φράτριος}}) "of the brotherhood",<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0057%3Aentry%3Dfra%2Ftrios| title=φράτριος}}</ref> and ''Patrigenios'' ({{lang|grc|Πατριγένειος}}) <ref>Nilsson Vol I p.452</ref> indicate his relation with the genealogy trees and the brotherhood.

Other epithets of Poseidon in local cults are ''Epoptes'' ({{lang|grc|Ἐπόπτης}}), "overseer, watcher" at Megalopolis,<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=e%29po%2Fpths&la=greek#lexicon| title=ἐπόπτης}}</ref> ''Empylios'' ({{lang|grc|Ἐμπύλιος}}), "at the gate " at [[Thebes, Greece|Thebes]],<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=)empu/lios&la=greek#lexicon| title=ἐμπύλιος}}</ref> ''Kronios'' ({{lang|grc|Κρόνιος }})<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=kro%2Fnios&la=greek#lexicon| title=Κρόνιος}}</ref> (Pindar) and ''semnos'' ({{lang|grc|σεμνός}}), "august, holy"<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=semno%2Fs&la=greek#lexicon| title=σεμνός }}</ref> ([[Sophocles]]).

Some of Poseidon's epithets are related to festivals and athletic games including racing. At Corinth the [[Isthmian games]] was an athletic and music festival in honour of the god who had the epithet ''Isthmios'' ({{lang|grc|Ἴσθμιος}}). At Sparta there was the race ''in Gaiaochō''. ({{lang|grc|ἐν Γαιαόχῳ}}) <ref>[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0160%3Abook%3D3%3Achapter%3D21%3Asection%3D8 Pausanias 3.21.8].</ref><ref name="Nilsson447">Nilsson Vol I p.446- 448</ref> Poseidon ''Gaiēochos'' ({{lang|grc|Γαιήοχος}}) had a temple near the city beside an [[Hippodrome]].<ref>contest at Sparta : [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0057%3Aentry%3Dgaih%2Foxos Γαάοχοι]</ref> At [[Mantineia]] and Pallandion in Arcadia the ''Hippokrateia'' ({{lang|grc|Ἱπποκράτεια}}) were athletic games in honour of Poseidon ''Hippeios'' ({{lang|grc|Ιππειος}}). At [[Ephesus]] there was a fest "Tavria" and he had the epithet ''Taureios'' ({{lang|grc|Tαύρειος}}), "related with the bull".<ref>{{LSJ|tau/reios|ταύρειος}}</ref><ref name=Nilsson447/>

===Festivals===
[[File:Terracotta amphora (jar) MET DP117049.jpg|thumb|right|270px| Poseidon and [[Nike (mythology)|Nike]] (victory). Terracotta Attic amphora by the Syracuse Painter, one of the last to decorate an amphora, 470-460 BC. [[Metropolitan Museum of Art]], Manhattan, NY]]

Many festivals all over Greece, in the Ionic cities and in Italy were celebrated in honour of Poseidon.
*[[Corinth]]: The [[Panhellenic]] [[Isthmian Games]] were celebrated in honour of Poseidon. His sanctuary is to be seen in the context of the position of Corinth controlling the sea.<ref name=Burkert1985Poseidon/> The festival included athletic and musical competitions and horseracing. Traditionally the games were established in the Bronze Age over the dead prince [[Palaimon]].<ref>Jeffery, ''The city states'', p.152</ref> 
*[[Athens]]: Poseidon had a fest in the month [[Attic calendar|Poseidaon]]. He was worshipped as the "master of the sea".<ref name=Geschichte/>
*Athens: [[Haloa]] was a fest of vegetation. The wine- fest ''Protrygaia'' belonged to [[Dionysus]] and to Poseidon as a god of vegetation.<ref name=Geschichte1/> 
*[[Mycale]] in [[Ionia]]: Mycale was a promontory, between [[Samos]] and [[Miletus]]. The representatives of twelve cities ([[Ionian dodecapolis|dodekapolis]]) celebrated the [[Panionium|Panionia]] (of all the Ionians), a festival of ''Poseidon Helikonios''.<ref name=Helikonios/> Traditionally the first settlers landed in this place. The temple became the meeting place of the Ionian League).<ref name=Jeffery208/> Homer describes the sacrifice of a bull to Poseidon, during the festival.<ref name=Geschichte1/>
*[[Ephesus]] in Ionia. The relation of Poseidon with the bull is stronger in Ionia. The fest ''Tauria'' was celebrated in honour of Poseidon ''Taureios'' and the capbearers were called ''tauroi'' (bulls).<ref name=Geschichte1/>
*[[Kalaureia]]: Poseidon was the patron god of the [[Amphictiony]] of Kalaureia. The festival was celebrated in honour of the god. The famous temple was the meeting place of the representatives of the members (Amphiktiones).<ref>Thomas Kelly, "The Calaurian Amphictiony" ''American Journal of Archaeology'' '''70'''.2 (April 1966:113–121).</ref> 
*[[Tainaron]]: The famous festival ''Tainaria'' was celebrated in honour of Poseidon. The participants were called ''Tainarioi''.<ref>[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=tainaron&la=greek#lexicon Ταιναρον]</ref> The sacred sanctuary of the god was built in a cave in the Tainaron peninsula.<ref name="Temple of Poseidon Tainaron">[https://tainaron-blue.com/the-temple-of-poseidon/ Temple of Poseidon Tainaron]</ref> A filial cult existed in Sparta.<ref name=Geschichte/>

[[File:Poseidon Louvre G377.jpg|thumb|left|240px|Libation scene: Poseidon seated on a chair, wearing a chiton and a himation, holding a trident and a phiale.450-440 BC red-figure Attic amphora.[[Louvre]]]]
*[[Onchestos]] in [[Boeotia]]. Poseidon had a famous temple praised by Homer in the [[Catalogue of Ships]],<ref name=Iliad/> with the surname ''Helikonios''. It became the place of meeting of the second [[Boeotian league]]. The peculiar fest included horseracing.<ref name=Geschichte/> At the beginning of the race the charioteers jumped down and made a prayer to Poseidon to protect them if the chariot would fall in the sacred grove.<ref name=Hard/> 
*[[Sparta]]; Poseidon was worshipped with the surname ''Gaiaochos'' (carrying the earth or moving under the earth). There was the race ''Gaiaochoi'' and the temple was built beside an [[Hippodrome]].<ref name=Geschichte/>
*[[Helike]] in Achaea: The city is mentioned in [[Homer]]s [[Catalogue of Ships]].<ref>[http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Hom.+Il.+2.575&fromdoc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0134 Iliad 2.575]</ref> The temple and the festival of Poseidon ''Helikonios'' was [[Panhellenic]]. It was the place of meeting of the [[Achaean League]].The city was destroyed by a tsunami in 370 BC.<ref name="Katsonopoulou2002a"/>
*[[Epidauros]]: A fest in the month ''Poseidios'' was celebrated in honour of Poseidon. He was worshipped as the "master of the sea".<ref name=Geschichte/>
*[[Helos]] : The fest ''Pohoidaia'' was celebrated in honour of Poseidon. The festival included athletic games and competitions.<ref name=Geschichte/>
*[[Thuria (Messenia)|Thuria]]: The fest ''Pohoidaia'' was celebrated in honour of Poseidon. It included athletic games and competitions.<ref name=Geschichte/>
[[File:Sozopol Archaeological Museum IMG 4149.JPG|thumb|right|240px|[[Sozopol]] Archaeological Museum. Poseidon in the middle.]]

*[[Mantineia]] in Arcadia: Poseidon was worshipped with the surname ''Hippios'' (of the horse). The fest included the athletic games ''Hippokrateia''. The temple was holy and the entrance into the cella was not allowed.<ref name=Geschichte/>
* Pallandion in Arcadia : Poseidon had the epithet ''Hippios'' (of the horse) and the fest included the athletic games ''Hippokrateia''.<ref name=Geschichte/>
*[[Thronium (Locris)|Thronium]]: Thronium was the chief city of Ancient [[Locris]] and is mentioned by [[Homer]] in the [[Catalogue of Ships]].<ref>[http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Hom.+Il.+2.533&fromdoc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0134 Iliad 2.533]</ref> The name of a month in the city was ''Hippios''.<ref>[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=(ippei/os&la=greek#lexicon ιππειος]</ref>
* [[Lesbos]]: A festival in the month ''Poseidios'' was celebrated in honour of Poseidon. He was worshipped as the "master of the sea".<ref name=Geschichte/>
* [[Myconos]]: In a fest he was worshipped as a god of fishing and women were not allowed. '' Chloe'' ([[Demeter]]) received offerings in the same fest, indicating that Poseidon was also god of vegetation.<ref name=Geschichte1/>
* [[Tinos]]: A great fest called ''Poseidonia'' was celebrated in honour of Poseidon. The temple included great banquet halls, indicating the large number of the participants.<ref>[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:abo:tlg,0099,001:10:5:11&lang=original Strabo 10.5.11]</ref> Poseidon was worshipped as a healer-god.<ref name=Geschichte1/>