Hippocampus (mythology)

The hippocampus, or hippocamp, is a special creature from old stories. Its name comes from Ancient Greek words for "horse" and "sea monster." Many cultures, like the Etruscans, Greeks, Phoenicians, Picts, and Romans, told stories about this amazing being.

People often pictured the hippocampus as having the top half of a horse and the bottom half of a fish. This made it a special and strong animal in myths. It was thought to live in the sea and could carry important gods and heroes on their journeys through the water.

Because of its link to water and strength, the hippocampus became a symbol in many old stories. It shows how different cultures shared ideas about magical sea creatures long ago.

Mythology

Coins made in the city of Tyre around the 4th century BC show their patron god Melqart riding a winged hippocampus, with dolphins nearby. Similar coins from Byblos show a hippocampus diving under a galley.

In ancient stories, the god Poseidon, who ruled over horses, earthquakes, and the oceans, was often shown driving a "sea-chariot" pulled by hippocampus creatures. This idea appears in old poems and later art, including the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome.

Hippocampi were also important symbols in many cultures. They appeared in paintings, decorations, and even on coats of arms, especially for places near the sea. Today, they are used as symbols by companies like Air France and sports teams like Newcastle United.

Capricornus and related mythical animals

See also: Quinotaur

The sea goat is a mythical creature linked to the star sign Capricorn. It has the front half of a goat and the back half of a fish. Old art and coins show a goddess riding this sea-goat. She is Aphrodite of Aphrodisias, the goddess of love. The sea-goat swims next to her and turns its head to look back.

Other creatures with fish tails, like fish-tailed lions or bulls, were more common in Etruscan stories than in Greek art. Another interesting mix is the Ichthyocentaur, which looks like a horse with a man's upper body instead of a horse's head and neck. These appeared in old drawings from around the 2nd century BC.

Astronomy

Main article: Hippocamp (moon)

A small moon of Neptune was discovered in July 2013 and named after the mythological creature in February 2019.