The Story of Amphitrite
Amphitrite was the queen of the sea and the wife of Poseidon. She is usually called a daughter of the sea god Nereus and the Oceanid Doris, one of the fifty sea nymphs known as the Nereids. She was graceful and beautiful, and ruled over the creatures of the sea.
When Poseidon first wanted to marry her, Amphitrite did not want him. In some tellings she fled to the far ends of the sea, near where Atlas holds up the sky. Poseidon sent his messengers to search for her.
A dolphin found her and gently persuaded her to return and become Poseidon's queen. Poseidon was so grateful that he placed the dolphin among the stars as the constellation Delphinus. Amphitrite and Poseidon then had a son, Triton, and in some tellings daughters as well.
Amphitrite also welcomed the young hero Theseus. When King Minos doubted that Theseus was Poseidon's son, he threw a gold ring into the sea and dared him to fetch it. Theseus dove down to the palace beneath the waves, where Amphitrite welcomed him and gave him a golden crown.
Amphitrite was honored mostly alongside Poseidon, and she had few temples of her own. Artists showed her riding in a chariot drawn by sea creatures, or seated on a dolphin. For the Greeks, she was the calm, regal side of the sea, a counterpart to her powerful husband.
Famous Myths About Amphitrite
The Dolphin Matchmaker
When Poseidon courted Amphitrite, she fled to the far ends of the sea. A dolphin found her and convinced her to marry Poseidon, who rewarded the dolphin by placing it among the stars.
Theseus Beneath the Sea
When King Minos doubted that Theseus was Poseidon's son, he threw a ring into the sea and challenged Theseus to retrieve it. Theseus dove down and was welcomed by Amphitrite, who gave him the ring and a crown.
Where to See Amphitrite in Greece
Amphitrite's Family Tree
Parents of Amphitrite
Husband of Amphitrite
Children of Amphitrite
Frequently Asked Questions About Amphitrite
Who is Amphitrite in Greek mythology?
Amphitrite is the queen of the sea and the goddess of sea creatures.
Who are Amphitrite's parents?
Amphitrite is usually called a daughter of Nereus and Doris, one of the fifty Nereids.
How did Amphitrite become Poseidon's wife?
Amphitrite fled when Poseidon wanted to marry her, but a dolphin found her and persuaded her to return. She married Poseidon, and their son was Triton.
What is Amphitrite's Roman name?
The Romans called Amphitrite Salacia.
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