Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Neptune explained
This chapter introduces Neptune, the chief of the water deities, describing his symbols of power such as the trident, his creation of the horse, and his patronage of horse races.
What happens
This chapter introduces Neptune, the chief of the water deities, describing his symbols of power such as the trident, his creation of the horse, and his patronage of horse races. It depicts his chariot drawn by horses with brazen hoofs and golden manes, smoothing the sea as he travels.
Characters to notice
- Neptune
Chief of the water deities, wields a trident, creator of the horse and patron of horse races.
Key passages
“Neptune was the chief of the water deities. The symbol of his power was the trident, or spear with three points, with which he used to shatter rocks, to call forth or subdue storms, to shake the shores and the like.”
Neptune ruled over all water gods and used his three-pronged spear, the trident, to break rocks, control storms, and shake coastlines.
Describes Neptune's dominion and the trident's capabilities.
“He created the horse and was the patron of horse races. His own horses had brazen hoofs and golden manes.”
Neptune invented the horse and oversaw horse racing; his personal horses had bronze hooves and golden manes.
Highlights Neptune's association with horses and racing.
“They drew his chariot over the sea, which became smooth before him, while the monsters of the deep gambolled about his path.”
His horses pulled his chariot across the sea, calming the waters ahead, while sea creatures played around him.
Depicts Neptune's majestic travel across the ocean.