Amphitrite is a figure from Greek mythology, known as the goddess of the sea and the wife of Poseidon, the god of the sea. According to myth, she was one of the fifty Nereids, daughters of Nereus (the old man of the sea) and Doris (an Oceanid). Amphitrite's name is often synonymous with the sea itself, embodying the calm and nurturing aspects of the ocean.
Her courtship by Poseidon is an interesting tale. Poseidon fell in love with her at first sight, but Amphitrite, being shy, fled to the Atlas mountains. Poseidon sent his messenger, the dolphin god Delphin, to find her. Delphin not only found her but also persuaded Amphitrite to agree to the marriage. As a reward, Poseidon placed Delphin among the stars as the constellation Dolphin (Delphinus). This story highlights the dolphin's importance in ancient Greek culture as a symbol of protection and guidance for sailors.
Amphitrite is usually depicted as a beautiful, mature woman often crowned with seaweed or shells and holding a scepter or trident. She is sometimes shown riding sea creatures or in a chariot drawn by hippocamps (mythical sea horses). Although not as prominent in myths as her husband, Poseidon, Amphitrite plays a crucial role in embodying the sea's generative and supportive qualities.
As the queen of the sea, Amphitrite also represents the fertility of the ocean and is associated with calm seas, sailors' safety, and sea creatures' bounty. Her worship was not as widespread as that of Poseidon, but she was still venerated in several coastal and island communities across the Greek world.
In literature and art, Amphitrite's figure is often used to symbolize the sea's majestic and nurturing nature.