Neptune the Sea God

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?

Mythical origins

According to Greek legends, the brothers Zeus, Hades and Poseidon were the ruling triumvirate amongst the gods. Zeus had dominance over the world, Hades over the underworld, and Poseidon ruled the waters. This meant that as well as the seas, rivers and lakes also fell within Poseidon’s dominion, and he easily outranked Nereus, the Old Man of the Sea – a gentle god who never lied.

Poseidon

Also associated with earthquakes, Poseidon was at the very least a brooding, quarrelsome character who rarely kept out of disputes. Wishing to claim patronage over the city of Athens, he struck the Acropolis with his trident spear to show his power, causing a salt-water spring to flow. Athena, his rival, instead planted an olive that flowered and bore fruit. The citizens decided the olive was the more precious gift, making Athena their principal deity in response. Nevertheless, the Athenians were prudent enough to pay homage to Poseidon too.

Neptune

Neptune the sea god was simply the Roman name for Poseidon and most accounts of his exploits thus appear in Roman literature. Neptune is often depicted as a bearded, older man riding in a sea chariot, pulled by a team of white horses, and wielding his famous trident three-pronged spear. He is also regarded as the creator of the horse, though interestingly, the camel, donkey, giraffe, hippo and zebra – all failed horses – are his creations too.

Crossing the line

For many sailors, crossing the Equator for the first time must be marked by an initiation ritual involving some acknowledgment of Neptune the sea god, to bring good luck. Perhaps, in their wisdom, sailors feel just as anxious to appease Neptune (Poseidon) as did the Athenians.

Though taking no set form, these initiation rites always involve the ‘pollywogs’ (the initiate sailors) paying homage to King Neptune and his colourful court. Usually, there are mildly humiliating rites to endure before the participants are finally declared ‘shellbacks’ and true ‘Sons of Neptune’.

Shellback refers to another common depiction of Neptune riding the seas in a turtle shell; and the origins of such ceremonies, it has been suggested, lie in efforts to boost morale during long voyages. Another explanation suggests the purpose was also to test the endurance and resolve of novice seamen.

Photo Credit: OliBac via Compfight cc

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