Mythology

• Poseidon's trident was a gift from the Cyclopes, a race of one-eyed giants who also gave a lightning bolt to Zeus and a helmet to Hades. The trident is the source of Poseidon's power. It can control weather patterns like rainstorms, cause earthquakes and calm or invigorate the sea.
  
  

Significance

• As the tool of choice for fishers, the trident links Poseidon with ancient Greek seafarers, who believed they were at his mercy each time they were on a ship or boat. As a powerful battle weapon, the trident also establishes Poseidon's symbolic authority over his realm.
  
  

Other Trident-Holders

• Tridents are also associated with deities from other religions and myths, like the Hindu god Shiva and Poseidon's Roman counterpart, Neptune. In popular culture, comic-book hero Aquaman and King Triton in Disney's "The Little Mermaid" both carry a trident.