Neptune and Poseidon are two of the most powerful gods in the Greek pantheon.
Some say that Neptune is the god of the ocean and can control the tides, while others say that Poseidon is the god of the sea and can create earthquakes.
While Neptune is known for his playful nature, Poseidon is known for his stubbornness and temper.
The debate between Neptune and Poseidon went on for centuries, with no clear winner.
So Neptune and Poseidon, are they the same or not?
Many people say that Neptune and Poseidon are both considered gods of the ocean, but is that true?
This page is perfect for those who have missed Greek and Roman mythology information as we are going to discuss the difference between those two gods.
Expect that we will show their origin, story, appearance and representation.
This information will change your perception of the greatest gods in history.
In addition, we will introduce the background of each god so that you can understand more deeply.
Tips on how to easily distinguish these two gods will also be here.
Comparison of Neptune and Poseidon
Both gods have a story to tell, and most people didn’t know it.
Their knowledge about these gods always came from hearsay.
But let us show you the main differences between Neptune and Poseidon.
1. The comparison of Neptune and Poseidon’s origin.
Neptune came from the Latin word Neptunus and is a god from Roman
mythology, while Poseidon is a god in Greek mythology.
The comparison of Neptune and Poseidon’s origin.
2. They have a different version.
According to Greek mythology, Poseidon was the king and queen of Titan’s sons, Cronus, and Rhea. Cronus heard about the prophecy that he would overthrow his children.
He swallowed Poseidon after being born. Zeus, his brother, saved him.
Poseidon also helps his brothers to win the war against the Titans and control the world.
Thanks to Poseidon’s power, after dividing the world’s lot, he drew the seas and controlled them.
His brother Hades drew the underworld while Zeus drew the sky.
The history of Neptune was different. According to Roman mythology, Neptune is one of the gods in Rome in the early period.
Neptune was one of Ops and Saturn’s children, and he has two brothers, Pluto–the god of the dead, and Jupiter–the sky’s god.
A prediction of fate influences Saturn’s attitude towards his children.
Eating them after being born was his way to stop the forecast.
However, Ops tricked his husband and let him eat stone instead of his flesh and blood.
Saturn vomited these six children and came back to the world to fill their roles as gods and goddesses. And Neptune was one of them.
They have a different version.
3. They have different facts based on mythologies.
The Greek god Poseidon lived in a palace under the ocean made from corals.
In Greek mythology, Poseidon helped build the soaring walls that fenced Troy’s city.
On the other hand, in Roman mythology, they believed Neptune’s domain is the sea and lived in a golden palace under the wave and with his sons and Salacia, his consort.
They have different facts based on mythologies.
4. Their differences in appearance.
Neptune and Poseidon are often mistaken because of their appearance, but here is the trick to stop this confusion.
Remember that Neptune is always seen in a picture riding a seahorse having a three-pronged fisherman’s spear.
At the same time, Poseidon always appeared as a bearded older man with seashells holding a trident.
Their differences in appearance.
5. The way people worship them.
Another difference between Neptune and Poseidon is worshipping them, and most people didn’t know.
In Greek culture, every July 23, they are celebrating the Neptunalia festival.
Neptunian was an ambiguous ancient two-day anniversary.
During this summer and drought season, they worshipped Neptune as the god of water because it suggests a primitive part for this time.
Neptune’s only temple in Rome stood before 206 BC.
It was near Circus Flaminius—the Roman racecourse.
The bulls are the sacrifices for Neptune.
In ancient Greece, every second of the spring and fourth year of each Olympics, in honor of Poseidon, they held a festival called Isthmian Games.
This festival and competitions are famous among Athenians.
Initially, the prize for the winner is dry wild celery.
As time passes, they change it to a pine wreath, which is very sacred to Poseidon.
Unfortunately, this festival died in the 4th century AD when Christianity governed the era.
6. The Representation of Neptune and Poseidon.
Since we mentioned earlier those god’s origins, it was clear now that they have different representations.
Neptune was the god of fresh water, and Poseidon was the god of the sea.
Both signify unbelievable supremacy and confidence.
7. They have different attitudes.
The attitude of Poseidon is like the sea.
He was moody.
He could be intense or calm.
These changes somehow relate to the ocean’s temper that would control the fate of every sailor.
His immense power was incomparable.
Controlling the weather and wind could be part of this power.
According to myths, when Poseidon was in a good mood, he could be friendly, cooperative, and pleasant.
During these good times, he could make new lands in Mount Olympus.
His cooperation shows when he helps the Greeks to win the Trojan War.
Neptune, on the other hand, is known for its temperamental behavior.
He was also more suitable to represent freshwater, and Romans adored him as the god of horses.
Being the god of freshwater, Neptune believes blessed the streams and springs.
8. They have different symbol representations.
Poseidon’s trident is the personification of his power over the sea.
According to mythology, the three cyclops crafted Poseidon’s trident.
Once appointed as the god of the sea, cyclops bestowed it to him.
Neptunes’ symbols, on the other hand, are horse, trident, and dolphin.
His trident represents three properties of water: fluidity, fertility, and drinkability.
This is to honor him as being the Roman god of freshwater.
Conclusion
Neptune vs. Poseidon is different gods, to put it bluntly.
Reading the given details concluded it.
The discussion shows that they came from two other mythologies.
Also, their origin, stories, and representation are opposite and they mistook them as the same.
These are enough reasons to change your perception of them.
When you come across Greek and Roman mythology literature, you can quickly point out who’s the Greek or Roman god.
