The collection of stories about Poseidon explores a variety of mythological themes, showcasing his interactions with different characters and realms. These stories highlight Poseidon’s role in the sea, his influence on various creatures, and his involvement in human affairs.
One prominent theme in the collection is Poseidon’s role in calming chaos and protecting sailors. In The Battle of the Winds, Poseidon explains how the winds, not himself, cause trouble for sailors. He recounts his intervention to calm the sea and ensure their safety. Similarly, Neptune presents a situation where Poseidon (Neptune) restores order to his underwater domain by calming a storm that puts ships and sailors in peril.
The theme of rulers and succession appears in multiple stories. In The Queen of the Sea, Poseidon abdicates his throne, and the sea creatures elect a mermaid as the new queen, who finds a beautiful gown made of oyster linings for her coronation. Meanwhile, Princess Cantilla tells the story of a princess who is offered a chance to restore her family’s fortune by marrying an enchanted dwarf, later revealed to be a prince.
Several stories involve humans interacting with mythological creatures. In Nicko and the Ogre, a youth named Nicko marries a mermaid to defeat an ogre terrorizing his town, with Poseidon transforming the ogre into a rock. Hilda’s Mermaid features Hilda, a girl who meets a mermaid during a storm, leading to a quiet interaction and a lasting memory.
Other stories, like The Gift of Athena, depict Poseidon’s interactions with other gods, such as his rivalry with Athena over the naming of a city, ultimately resulting in the city’s dedication to Athena.
Imagination over knowledge
