About Pontus – God of the Sea
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When most people think of Greek sea gods, Poseidon usually comes to mind. Poseidon is the most famous of sea gods in Greek mythology. However, Poseidon is just one of many gods portrayed in Greek folklore. Pontus, a third-generation god, was one of the primordial sea gods and one of the twelve immortals who ruled the Greek Pantheon and he predated Poseidon. Here’s more information:
History of Pontus
Pontus, the son of Gaia, the personification of all life on Earth, was born in the space where nothing existed, often referred to as the place between heaven and earth. According to the ancient Greek poet Hesiod, Pontus was said to have no father. However, according to the Latin author Hyginus, Pontus was the son of Aether, another of the primordial deities.
Pontus is said to have been born of the Earth when the Universe came into being and actually was the sea rather than an immortal god. In Greek mythology, the Titan gods were the precursors of the Olympian gods that included Poseidon.
Pontus was the personification of the Mediterranean Sea and considered to be the most powerful of the sea gods. He became one of the weaker or less significant gods when the Olympian gods came to power. Pontus name means “the road” and is associated with the Mediterranean since that was the Greek trade route.
Pontus Family Line
Although the power held by Pontus was diminished when the Olympian gods rose in power.
Pontus became the patriarch of the family that produced the mythological characters associated with Greek mythology and the sea. Children of Pontus:
- Neurus was the father of the water nymphs and is referred to as “The Old Man of the Sea. Although the designation was given to Neurus, gods associated with the sea could be referred to the same way.
- Aegeus, the god for whom the Aegean Sea was named and the god of storms.
- Ceto and Phorcys, the parents of many monsters who live beneath the sea, including the Sirens and Gorgons.
- Eurybia, a minor deity known as the “Strong Goddess.”
- Thaumas associated with dangers and wonders of the sea.
- The Telchines, the minor gods associated with Rhodes, said to be the offspring of Pontus.
Pontus gained notoriety as the father of fish and all sea life. His partner was Thalassa, was the primeval spirit of the sea, and the daughter of Hemera and Aether.
Facts About Pontus
The sea god Pontus was given numerous abilities and powers. He was immortal and could regenerate quickly. He had the power to manipulate and regenerate the sea and create aquatic life. The abilities that Pontus had were telekinesis and teleportation.
Ancient Greek and Roman mosaic artwork depict Pontus as rising from the sea, having an enormous head, a flowing, gray beard, and horns of crab claws. In ancient artwork, Pontus wears a crown and is portrayed with Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune.
Pontus lost his power as the sea lord when it was taken over by his brother Oceanus, then Poseidon.
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Categorized in: Greek Mythology
This post was written by Greek Boston
