In the epic Trojan War, Poseidon, the mighty god of the sea, played a significant role by siding with the Achaeans (Greeks) against the Trojans. His allegiance was driven by a deep-seated anger stemming from a past grievance with the city of Troy.
Poseidon's Alignment in the Trojan War
During the protracted conflict, Poseidon actively supported the Greek forces. As one of the most powerful Olympian gods, his favor was invaluable to the Achaean cause. Unlike some other deities who wavered or switched sides, Poseidon maintained his support for the Greeks throughout much of the war, influenced by a long-held grudge against Troy's royal lineage.
The Root of His Resentment: Laomedon's Betrayal
Poseidon's decision to oppose Troy was not arbitrary but rooted in an ancient insult. His wrath was directed at Laomedon, the former king of Troy and father of the prominent King Priam, who reigned during the Trojan War.
The specific grievance originates from a period before the war when Poseidon, alongside Apollo, was contracted by Laomedon to build the formidable, impenetrable walls around the city of Troy. Despite their divine labor, Laomedon notoriously failed to honor his agreement, refusing to pay the gods for their arduous work. This betrayal deeply offended Poseidon, leaving him with a lasting resentment towards the city and its rulers.
Key Aspects of Laomedon's Betrayal:
- Divine Labor: Poseidon and Apollo, by divine decree, built the walls of Troy.
- Breached Contract: King Laomedon refused to pay the agreed-upon wages.
- Lingering Anger: This act of deceit cemented Poseidon's animosity towards Troy, influencing his actions centuries later during the Trojan War.
Poseidon's Role Summarized
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Action | Sided with the Greeks (Achaeans). |
| Motivation | Deep anger towards Troy due to King Laomedon's past betrayal, specifically his failure to pay Poseidon for building the city walls. |
| Impact | Provided divine support and intervention on behalf of the Greek forces, contributing to their efforts against the Trojans. |
Poseidon's powerful presence and unwavering support for the Greeks, fueled by ancient history, made him a formidable divine adversary for the Trojans during the war.
