"Many of the Greek gods had attributes that were associated with them. Some were purely symbolic in art, while others played a role in the deity’s mythology as well. Of all the attributes of the gods, few are as prominent as Poseidon’s trident. The sea god’s three-pronged spear is shown in virtually every image of him and is often featured in his legends as well. Like many of the gods’ symbols, the trident also had a story connected to its origin. In the legend of how the gods of Olympus won power from their elders, Poseidon’s trident was a powerful gift that helped to ensure victory for the younger gods. In the art of Greece and Rome, Poseidon is almost always pictured with his trident. This three-pronged spear was both his most famous attribute and his most powerful weapon.The story of how Poseidon got his trident begins before his birth. Gaia, the Mother Earth, and Uranus had eighteen children before the gods of Olympus were ever born. The most famous of these were the twelve Titans, who would rise to power after deposing their father. There were also three Cyclopes and the three Hecatonchieres."