It is common for sailors crossing the Equator for the first time to be initiated into the Kingdom of Neptune. But why is Neptune the sea god so important to mariners?
Mythical Origins
In Greek mythology, the three brothers Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon divided the cosmos between them. Zeus ruled the heavens, Hades the underworld, and Poseidon commanded the waters. His power stretched beyond the seas to rivers and lakes, giving him dominion over nearly all bodies of water. In this role, he easily outranked Nereus, the Old Man of the Sea, a gentle and truthful deity.
Poseidon and His Rivalries
Poseidon was far from a mild ruler. Associated with both the sea and earthquakes, he was a temperamental and quarrelsome god.
One of his best-known myths involves a contest with Athena for the city of Athens. To prove his might, Poseidon struck the Acropolis with his trident, creating a saltwater spring. Athena countered by planting an olive tree that blossomed and bore fruit. The Athenians judged the olive to be the more valuable gift and chose Athena as their patron deity. Even so, they continued to honour Poseidon, wary of his volatile nature.
From Poseidon to Neptune
When the Romans adopted Greek mythology, they gave Poseidon a new name: Neptune. In Roman art and literature, Neptune is typically shown as a bearded, older man wielding his three-pronged trident and riding a sea chariot pulled by white horses.
Neptune was also considered the creator of the horse. Myths even credit him with a series of “failed horses”, the camel, donkey, giraffe, hippo, and zebra.
Yet Neptune was not always seen as stormy or destructive. In Roman tradition he could also take on a gentler role, celebrated at the midsummer festival of Neptunalia. During the July heat, Romans built leafy shelters, held picnics, and prayed to Neptune for protection from drought. Here he was honoured not as the wrathful god of tempests, but as a benevolent guardian of water and fertility.
Crossing the Line
For sailors, Neptune’s power was more than myth. Crossing the Equator for the first time was a milestone that called for an initiation ritual, acknowledging the sea god’s dominion and seeking his favour.
These crossing the line ceremonies varied from ship to ship but shared common elements. Novice sailors, or “pollywogs,” were summoned before King Neptune and his court, enduring playful trials before being declared shellbacks – true “Sons of Neptune.”
If you’d like to read more about these fascinating traditions, see our full article on Crossing the Line.
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