Amphitrite facts for kids
Amphitrite was a powerful goddess in Greek mythology. She was known as the goddess of the sea, especially of sea springs and all the amazing life in the ocean. She was married to Poseidon, who was the mighty god of the sea. Amphitrite was usually thought to be a Nereid, which means she was one of the many beautiful sea nymphs, daughters of the sea god Nereus. Sometimes, people also called her an Oceanid, another type of sea nymph.
Who Was Amphitrite?
Amphitrite was a very important figure in the ancient Greek world. She represented the calm and gentle side of the ocean. While Poseidon controlled the powerful waves and storms, Amphitrite was often seen as the spirit of the sea's bounty and peacefulness. She was not one of the twelve main Olympian gods, but she was still highly respected.
Her Family and Role
Amphitrite was one of the fifty Nereids, daughters of the sea god Nereus and the Oceanid Doris. Her sisters included famous figures like Thetis, the mother of Achilles. As Poseidon's wife, she was the queen of the seas. They lived in a magnificent underwater palace. Together, they had a son named Triton, who was a merman with a fish tail and a conch shell trumpet. They also had a daughter named Rhode.
Stories About Amphitrite
One famous story tells how Poseidon first met Amphitrite. He saw her dancing with her Nereid sisters on the island of Naxos. He immediately fell in love and wanted to marry her. However, Amphitrite was shy and ran away to the Atlas Mountains. Poseidon sent his dolphin messenger, Delphin, to find her. Delphin convinced Amphitrite to return and marry Poseidon. As a reward for his help, Poseidon placed Delphin among the stars as the Delphin constellation.
Amphitrite is often shown riding in a chariot pulled by sea creatures, like hippocampi (horses with fish tails). She is sometimes seen holding a trident, just like Poseidon, or a scepter. She was also often surrounded by dolphins and other sea animals.
Images for kids
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Amphitrite on 1936 Australian stamp commemorating completion of submarine telephone cable to Tasmania
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Theseus and Amphitrite clasp hands, with Athena looking on (red-figure cup by Euphronios and Onesimos, 500–490 BC)
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Sea thiasos depicting the wedding of Poseidon and Amphitrite, from the Altar of Domitius Ahenobarbus in the Field of Mars, bas-relief, Roman Republic, 2nd century BC
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Drawing of Amphitrite sitting in a sea shell surrounded by her subjects. The Triumph of Amphitrite by Giovanni Battista Crosato (1745–1750). Held at the National Gallery of Art.
See also
In Spanish: Anfitrite para niños
