The question "Who is the father of seas?" requires a nuanced understanding of mythology and terminology. While Poseidon is the well-known god of the seas, he isn't considered the "father" of all seas.
Understanding the Hierarchy of Waters
To understand the concept of the "father of seas," we need to delve into the ancient Greek understanding of water and its deities:
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Oceanus: According to the provided reference, Oceanus is the primeval water that encircles the Earth. He is considered the father of all rivers and springs. Therefore, in a mythological sense, Oceanus can be seen as the father figure of all waters, including the seas.
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Poseidon: As the god of the seas, Poseidon is a powerful ruler of the marine realm. However, he is not considered the primordial source of all water. Instead, Poseidon is a powerful god within the realm established by Oceanus.
Key Differences Summarized
| Deity | Role | Relationship to Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Oceanus | Primeval water, father of all rivers and springs | Encompasses all waters and is therefore an indirect 'father' of the seas as he is the source of all water. |
| Poseidon | God of the seas | Rules the seas, but he is not considered their origin or source, but is a later god in the hierarchy. |
Conclusion
In summary, if we understand the question to be about the ultimate origin of the seas, Oceanus would be the better answer as he's considered the source of all water. While Poseidon is the god who rules the seas, he isn't the progenitor of water as a concept.
