Is My Poseidon Based On Greek Mythology Or Original?

The question about the origins of 'my Poseidon' points towards a character that's likely a modern reinterpretation, but I'd need the specific title to give a precise breakdown. Within the vast world of fictional sea gods, you're probably encountering one of two distinct types. Some stories directly lift the figure from the Greek myths—the volatile god of the sea, brother to Zeus and Hades, wielding his trident and known for his temper. This version carries all the classical baggage: the contest for Athens, the creation of horses, his disputes with Odysseus. If a novel or series labels him as 'Poseidon' and sets the action in a world with Zeus and Mount Olympus, then it's squarely based on the mythological framework, using that established lore as its foundation.

However, there's a whole other category where 'Poseidon' is essentially a title or a mantle worn by an original character. This is common in urban fantasy, paranormal romance, or original mythopoeic fiction. The author might create a completely new pantheon or a hidden society of oceanic deities where the ruler is called Poseidon, but his personality, backstory, powers, and relationships are freshly invented. He might be a CEO of a maritime corporation, a broody immortal living in modern-day San Francisco, or a deity in a fantasy kingdom with no connection to Greek Athena or Hera. In these cases, the name is a powerful archetype the author is evoking, but the core being is an original creation.

To figure out which one you've got, look at the surrounding world-building. Are other Greek gods like Apollo or Hera present and named as such? Does the story reference classic myths directly in its plot? If yes, it's mythology-based. If the world has its own unique system of gods, even if they have vaguely familiar domains like 'sea' or 'storms,' then your Poseidon is likely an original figure using a famous name as a shorthand for his domain. Either way, the fun often lies in seeing how the author plays with or departs from those ancient expectations. My hunch, given how common reinterpretations are these days, leans towards it being a fresh take unless the book is explicitly a retelling.