Mythical Creatures Series
While the hippocampus, half horse, half sea monster is not commonly talked about, they are found in greek and roman mythology and strongly associated with Poseidon. These creatures are not vicious, but loyal, and if I ever happen to find myself living beneath the sea, I want a chariot of hippocampus all for myself. They are just so beautiful.
HIPPOCAMPUS
What is it?
Hippocampus comes from both Phoenician and Greek mythology, and are said to have served the God of seas, earthquakes and horses – none other than Poseidon. They would draw his chariot, or he was often seen riding one. Hence why they are commonly referred to as Poseidons horses. The name hippocampus comes from the Greek ‘hippos’ which means horse and ‘kampos’ which means sea monster. It is believed that sailors sometimes drowned horses as a sacrifice to Poseidon to ensure a safe voyage. Oh that’s sad.
Poseidon (Neptune) driving a chariot of hippocamps, Roman mosaic C3rd A.D., Sousse Museum, Tunis
Various displays of statues, mosaic displays and paintings of hippocampus can be found all over the world, though this creature is not often spoken about.
Psychical Appearance
They have the head and front legs of a horse and the tail and hindquarters of a fish or serpent. They tend to be secretive creatures and will not seek out human contact, but prefer to graze on the plants on the bottom of the ocean floor.
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Did you know? Today the word hippocampus refers to the seahorse – it is a literal translation of the name.
Did you know Take 2: The Historic Carousel & Museum in Albany OR use the hippocampus in their logo.
Sources:
Previous Mythical Creature Posts:
Marchosias: A Kick-Ass Creature, Ningyo: The Deadly Mermaid, Abatwa: Riding Ants To Victory, Cait Sith: It Gets Into Your Mind, Anka: The Goliath Bird, Huldra: Norse Forest Lady, iele: Romanian Nymphs Of The Air, Manticore: The Man-Eater, Hantu Demon: Legendary Spirit, Lich: Undead Necromancer, Joan The Wad: Queen of Piskies, Fomorian: Ancient Gigantic God, Rakshasa: Shape Shifter Demon, Hellhound: Guarding The Gates Of The Dead, Sleipnir: Eight-Legged Horse, Three-Legged Crow: Guiding the Lost, Afanc: Welsh Lake Monster, Tarasque: Ferocious French Dragon, Echidna: The She-Viper, Alkonost: Siren of the Sky: Landvaettir: Land Wights
Fascinating! This site is so informative.just want to know more about other mythical sea creatures. But totally this site is good. Expecting for more post.
An interesting post. The first picture is gorgeous. It’s sad that men would drown their horses as an offering though.
I know, that part made me sad too…
That picture reminds me of the film “The Last Unicorn.” Beautiful! Interesting about the hippocampus. The word sounds familiar, yet I don’t remember actually knowing what it was. Sad about the horses.
Hmm haven’t seen that movie… am so going to check it out this weekend
That first picture is beautiful! Now I want to go and watch waves and imagine horses! Thanks so much for sharing that.
There is an award for you over at my blog.
Thanks for the award… that is too sweet:)
Nope, I didn’t know any of this.
Glad you popped over then:)
So lovely and elegant. I want to ride that carousel now!
Hehe it does look gorgeous
So it means seahorse? Makes sense.
Yeah, that was new for me too… learnt something new this week.
I’d want a chariot of them too. The name just throws me off every time. Hippo = hippopotamus. Not as attractive.
Exactly what I thought when I first saw the name ages ago… It’s a deceiving name
That first picture is just wonderful.
Agree, it so gorgeous.