Who is Poseidon Jealous Of?
In Greek mythology, Poseidon, the god of the sea, is notorious for his intense jealousy and temper. As a powerful deity, he has strong feelings of envy towards various gods and mortals, which can lead to catastrophic consequences. In this article, we will delve into the lives and actions of those who incur Poseidon’s wrath and find out who is Poseidon jealous of.
Zeus: The King of Gods
Poseidon’s primary obsession is his brother, Zeus, the mighty King of the Gods. Zeus occupies the highest position in the Greek pantheon, enjoying the respect and admiration of both gods and mortals. Poseidon’s resentment towards his older brother stems from feeling overshadowed by Zeus’s power and popularity. He continually plots to overthrow Zeus and claim his place as the supreme deity. He is jealous of Zeus’s position of authority and the reverence he receives from the others.
Athena: The Goddess of Wisdom
According to myth, Poseidon contended with Athena for control of the city of Athens. Athena won the contest and became the patron goddess of the city. Poseidon, enraged at his defeat, sent a flood to destroy Athens. This incident has contributed significantly to his reputation as a jealous deity. He is jealous of Athena’s knowledge and wisdom, which gives her an air of superiority over him.
Calypso: The Beautiful Nereid
Poseidon, known for his romantic escapades, fell deeply in love with Calypso, a beautiful Nereid. This infatuation fueled his wrath when he discovered that his wife, Amphitrite, had not reciprocated his affections. Poseidon’s jealousy towards Amphitrite knew no bounds, as he punished the sea goddess for his perceived betrayal by banishing her to remote islands.
Mortal Heroes
Poseidon often takes issue with mortal heroes, particularly those who receive recognition or praise from the gods. In one instance, he challenged the greatest hero of ancient Greece, Odysseus, out of annoyance at the hero’s successful journey to Tiryns. Poseidon even went so far as to destroy half of Odysseus’ troops, demonstrating his deep-seated jealousies towards mortals who outshone him **.
Consorts and Lovers
Several of Poseidon’s consorts and lovers have been victims of his anger and jealousy, including the princess of the sea, Calypso’s sister, and various Nereids. This behavior adds to his already dubious reputation in the eyes of the gods and mortals, solidifying his role as a destructive and vengeful god.
Repercussions of Jealousy
Poseidon’s jealousies are deeply ingrained in his personality and, as a result, lead to considerable chaos and destruction in both mythological and mortal worlds. His outbursts of fury have shaken the foundations of the sea and even moved the earth, exemplifying the devastating power of unchecked jealously.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Poseidon’s jealousy is a constant theme throughout his persona in Greek mythology. He is perpetually envious of Zeus’ authority, Athena’s wisdom, Calypso’s beauty, and even the acclaim of mortal heroes. His deep-rooted insecurities lead to destructive power struggles and catastrophic consequences. By recognizing the motivations behind his jealousies, we can better understand the actions of this god and the impact they have on the characters and events in Greek mythology.