Poseidon Tattoo: Symbolism, Meanings and More

A popular tattoo style characterizes the earth-shaker from a side profile, looking over the sea or at distant travelers.

101 Amazing Poseidon Tattoo Ideas You Need To See!

A Poseidon tattoo is for men who like interesting designs. It is pretty popular among men who love power, as well as power-embracing symbols. Do you want to know a bit more about god tattoos, and you are intrigued by Greek mythology Poseidon designs? Keep on reading, you will find perfect tattoo ideas in the text below.

What Is The Meaning Of Poseidon?

Poseidon tattoo meaning is pretty powerful as well as attractive for men and women. If you end up getting a Poseidon tattoo, know that you are placing a powerful god on your body. According to Greek mythology, he was the protector of the sea, while his symbol stands for water, peace, as well as long-lasting protection.

Top 10 Poseidon Tattoo Designs

1. Poseidon Tattoo Black Ink

This larger Poseidon tattoo will take over 5 hours for you to get. If you want a bigger design on your body and you want a sleeve that everyone will notice, this god tattoo will suit you.

2. Poseidon Tattoo Sleeve

Make sure your tattoo artist has experience with doing sleeves. People who are into Greek mythology will also fancy this image on their bodies.

3. Poseidon God Tattoo

Poseidon tattoos will look the best if done in black ink. Black and grey ink tattoo will look great even once it starts to fade. This arm or shoulder tattoo will suit guys who appreciate true art, as well as those who work out and want their tattoo to stand out.

4. Poseidon Tattoos Back Tattoo

This amazing Poseidon tattoo is perfectly done and shaded. If you need a back tattoo inspo, and you also prefer detailed work over larger tattoo designs, you will love this tattoo. Approximately, it will take you around 4 hours to achieve this design.

5. Poseidon Tattoo Forearm

A calf tattoo does hurt. Only some people can stand the pain. If you are one of them, why not get the well-known Greek mythology Poseidon tattoo? Once decorated with a crown, this tattoo will look even more marvelous.

6. Poseidon Tattoos Greek Gods Tattoo

A smaller Poseidon tattoo is for guys who are into quick and easy designs. This arm tattoo is petite, yet still attention-seeking and perfect for men who want to get out of the salon in less than two hours, and pay an acceptable price for their tattoo.

7. Poseidon Tattoo Designs Colorful Ink

Some guys prefer color, are you one of them? This Poseidon tattoo is a bit pricier to get, but it will definitely stand out if you end up getting this design. Incorporating a trident with your tattoo is a must, make sure your tattoo artist gives you a couple of options so that you make the right decision.

8. Tattoos Poseidon Greek Gods On Arm

A water god should have some ocean or water symbols next to him. If you like tattoo ideas that tell a story, or you want to add onto your tattoo as time goes on, you will appreciate this Poseidon tattoo. You could even create a sleeve out of it as time goes by.

9. Popular Greek God Tattoo Design

This Poseidon tattoo is a nice piece of art. However, elbow placement does hurt, so keep that in mind. If you can handle pain and you have 6 hours to spare (and you really love bold designs) this tattoo is for you.

10. Poseidon Tattoo Colorful Tattoo

People who like bright tattoo ideas and who want their god tattoo to stand out will stick with this ink. Once decorated with a trident and a crown, this Poseidon design will come to life!

On That Note

Choose one of these 10 Poseidon tattoo designs and place it anywhere on your body. If you love a powerful meaning and you gravitate toward larger tattoos in general, read through this article and find your perfect match!

Need More Inspiration

Feature image from Pinterest

Jamie Wilson

Jamie Wilson (BA) is a professional tattooist, blogger and passionate photographer! After graduating with a BTEC Level 4 in tattoo design he has gone on to work for both private clients in tattoo parlours across the UK, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. He is also the editor in chief at Outsons. The brains behind the brand: a veteran of the industry working for some of the biggest fashion and grooming brands in the UK. Jamie has been writing for Outsons tattoo section since the beginning of 2017, providing informed and passionate content about the fascinating world of inked body art. If you would like to know more about Jamie or further details on our editorial policy then just click the links in the footer.

Poseidon Tattoo: Symbolism, Meanings and More

When it comes to tattoos, many people draw inspiration from Greek mythology.

Twelve Olympians are still well known to this day, but among the popular gods, there is one powerful character that inspires tattoos all around the world. Poseidon, the god of the sea.

Not only did this Greek god rule the seas, but he was the god of earthquakes, storms, and horses.

As the folklore goes, the gods defeated the Titans and the world was split into three sections: the skies, the underworld, and the seas.

Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon drew their choices randomly and immediately ruled the designated section.

Background on Poseidon

The god of the sea represents confidence, power, and strength. It is said that he was similar to the sea because of his unpredictable emotions.

As the Olympian who protected the waters, sailors would honor him in hopes of safe travels.

In Homer’s Odyssey, Poseidon’s passion and fury are featured as he destroys Odysseus’ raft. But he also shows elements of peace in the Illiad as he favors the Greeks in their battle against the Trojans.

He is seen as a symbol of masculinity as he was often described as flaunting his body to women. He was also named “earth-shaker” because of his ability to manifest earthquakes.

Poseidon is often paired with the iconic trident and chariot drawn by horses.

The Meaning of Poseidon’s Famous Trident

There are many elements of the symbolism of the god of the sea, ranging from the imagery of his trident and horse to the god himself. Tattmag describes the trident’s significance:

“It is a symbol of his power and dominion over sea creatures.”

Power is a common theme with this particular Olympian. The trident represents more than influence and strength. SymbolSage dives deeper into the symbolism of the trident stating,

“The weapon was most commonly used for fishing. Both tridents and especially bidents/pitchforks can also symbolize rebellions.”

Although, Poseidon rarely led rebellions, folklore details that he played a role in a rebellion against Zeus during the Trojan war.

He was then punished for his participation and was forced to work for Laomedon for an entire year. Laomedon was the king of Troy.

There are a few reasons why Poseidon’s trident symbolizes power. He used the trident to create large waves, tsunamis, and storms.

As the earth-shaker, he could strike the earth to produce disastrous earthquakes. Because the trident is known for being the king of the sea’s weapon, it is often crafted into the design of a tattoo.

The symbolism of the Olympian’s Horse

Another title that Poseidon was given was Hippios, the god of horses. In ancient Greek mythology, it is written that he created the first horse and that soon became a symbol that represented him.

As a way to pay tribute to the Olympian, many travelers would sacrifice horses and bulls in hopes of safe travels.

Although myths differ in his relationship with horses, Earthandstarryheaven states,

“He is associated with horses from birth, in others he became a horse, and many different stories tell how he gave horses to humans, even crediting him with the bridle.”

It is even said that he created two immortal horses: Pegasus and Arion. Interestingly, Pegasus tattoos are a crowd-favorite for those who are interested in Greek mythology.

Fittingtattoo describes the Pegasus tattoo as,

“A symbol of poetic insight and inspiration.” The description is based on a legend where Pegasus rescued the goddess, Muses of Hippocrene.

Originally linked with the god of the sea, Pegasus has grown to be a popular tattoo on its own.

The Emotional Elements of Poseidon

Many tattoos represent Poseidon in his element, the sea. He is often seen raising his trident high as a storm ensues. With lightning bolts and ships captured in the waves, a scene of chaos is painted.

Often the god of the sea expresses anger, passion, and deep-seated emotions in tattoo designs.

Knowyourarchetypes explains some of the characteristics of Poseidon as,

“Anger, brooding, destructive, detached, frustration, moody, and ruthless.”

The symbolism of Poseidon resides in emotions, power, and masculinity.

Tattoo Designs of the Sea Olympian

There are multiple variations of the god in tattoo form. Some versions include black ink, whereas other tattoo designs may include colors like blues and oranges.

Designs of Poseidon depict him with a thick beard and mustache, masking most of his facial features. A noticeable characteristic of his face is his eyebrows, which are drawn to make the god of the sea look furious.

Some Poseidon tattoos only feature his face, while other tattoos reveal a dynamic scene between Poseidon and voyagers.

As a representation of strength, Theoi characterizes Poseidon in this way.

“He was depicted as a mature man with a sturdy build and dark beard holding a trident (a three-pronged fisherman’s spear).”

His trident is a common detail in tattoo designs, where he may be holding it up toward the skies, carrying it near his chin, or bursting through the surface of the sea.

Detailed versions of the tattoo may show lightning bolts engulfed in his hair and beard or connecting to his eyes. The color blue can be used for the lightning bolts or a backdrop, representing the water.

A popular tattoo style characterizes the earth-shaker from a side profile, looking over the sea or at distant travelers.

Some versions of Poseidon have a crown, wrapping around his forehead. The crown sometimes utilizes sea elements, such as seashells or a traditional crown.

In terms of color, some designs paint Poseidon’s entire body blue with black and orange menacing clouds in the background.

Some variations get creative with sea creature elements and position tentacles around Posiedons face and beard.

Although there are several adaptations of the Olympian, allthingstattoo defines him as,

“Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, storms, earthquakes, and horses. Also considered one of the most temperamental and vengeful gods.”

Poseidon is identified as a symbol of power, strength, and revenge. Yet, his image captivates tattoo lovers from all around the world, perhaps because he reflects humanistic characteristics.