Neptune (mythology) facts for kids

Antoine Coysevox's Neptune (1705) in the Louvre

Neptune was a very important god in ancient Roman myths. He was known as the god of the sea and all water. The ancient Romans believed he controlled the oceans, rivers, and even fresh water.

Neptune's Greek name was Poseidon. These two gods were very similar. Neptune was also the brother of two other powerful gods: Jupiter, who ruled the heavens, and Pluto, who was the god of the Underworld. Neptune's wife was a goddess named Salacia.

Besides water, Neptune was also seen as the god of horses. The Romans even called him Neptune Equester, which means "Neptune of the Horses." He was a special protector for horse-racing events.

You might know the planet Neptune! It was named after this powerful Roman god because of his connection to the vast oceans.

Who Was Neptune?

Neptune was one of the main gods in the Roman religion. He was part of a group called the "Dii Consentes," which were the twelve most important gods and goddesses. People prayed to Neptune for safe travels across the sea. They also asked him for good fishing.

Neptune's Family

Neptune had two famous brothers, Jupiter and Pluto. Together, they divided the world among themselves. Jupiter ruled the sky and was the king of the gods. Pluto ruled the dark Underworld. Neptune, of course, ruled the waters. His wife, Salacia, was often shown with him. She was also a goddess of the sea.

Neptune and Horses

It might seem strange that a sea god was also linked to horses. But in ancient times, horses were very important for travel and war. Some stories say Neptune created the first horse. Romans would hold special horse races and festivals in his honor. They believed he would protect their horses and help them win races.

Worship and Temples

The Romans built temples and held festivals to honor Neptune. One important festival was called Neptunalia. It took place in the summer, usually around July 23rd. During this festival, people would build small huts from branches and leaves. They would feast and drink inside these huts. This was a way to celebrate Neptune and ask him for protection from drought during the hot summer.

Famous Statues and Art

Many beautiful statues and fountains have been made to honor Neptune over the centuries. You can find him in art holding a trident. A trident is a three-pronged spear, like a big fork. This trident was his symbol of power over the sea. Many famous fountains around the world feature Neptune, showing his importance even today.

The Planet Neptune

The eighth planet from the Sun, Neptune, is named after this Roman god. It's a giant ice planet with a deep blue color. This color reminds us of the vast oceans that Neptune ruled. The planet's name is a lasting tribute to the powerful Roman god of the sea.

Images for kids

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  Centaur, Salacia and Neptune, antique fresco from Pompeii, Italy

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  Mosaic of Neptune (Regional Archeological Museum Antonio Salinas, Palermo)

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  The Chichester inscription, which reads (in English): "To Neptune and Minerva, for the welfare of the Divine House, by the authority of Tiberius Claudius Cogidubnus, Great King in Britain, the college of artificers and those therein erected this temple from their own resources [...]ens, son of Pudentinus, donated the site."

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  The Temple of Neptune at the Monrepos Park in Vyborg, Russia

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  Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Neptune Offering Gifts to Venus (1748–1750)

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  Juan Pascual de Mena, Fuente de Neptuno, Madrid (1780–1784)

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  Neptune tobacco label (1860–1870)

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  Neptune fountain in Nuremberg

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  Neptune Monument in Gdańsk

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  Berlin's Neptunbrunnen

See also

In Spanish: Neptuno (mitología) para niños