Greek mythology

Mythical objects — Greek mythology

A mythological object is never mere decoration: Zeus's thunderbolt settles the war against the Titans, the Golden Fleece alone justifies the Argonauts' voyage, and Poseidon's trident opens springs and triggers earthquakes. Each entry traces the object's origin, its maker where one is named — usually Hephaestus or the Cyclopes — its powers and its final fate, then points to the stories where it turns the plot.

Jason seizing the Golden Fleece in a sacred grove, ancient painted scene

The Golden Fleece: royal symbol and prize of the Argonauts' quest

The Golden Fleece in Greek mythology: the hide of the divine ram Chrysomallus, treasure of Colchis guarded by a dragon, and the legendary prize of Jason and the Argonauts.

Zeus wielding the thunderbolt on a red-figure Greek vase

The Thunderbolt of Zeus: divine weapon and symbol of supreme power

The Thunderbolt of Zeus in Greek mythology: forged by the Cyclopes, weapon of the Titanomachy, and the ultimate symbol of Zeus's supreme sovereignty over gods and mortals.

Poseidon-Neptune raising his trident on a chariot drawn by two hippocamps — Roman mosaic from Hadrumetum, mid-3rd century AD

The Trident of Poseidon: weapon of the seas and symbol of oceanic power

The Trident of Poseidon in Greek mythology: forged by the Cyclopes, weapon and sceptre of the god of the seas, symbol of his dominion over waters, earthquakes, and horses.