From the strongest ocean waves, the very first Hippocamp emerged. In an attempt to make the most beautiful animal on the planet, Poseidon created a creature that embodies the beauty and power of the sea. So what is a hippocamp in Greek Mythology?
Associated with the daughters of Nereus, the Hippocamps were ridden by the luscious sea nymphs. As they sang and danced around their father, their melodious voices echoed with the gentle calls of these benevolent beings.
Appearing in Homer’s Iliad, the Hippocamps traversed the heavens with their master, the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon.
What Is a Hippocamp in Greek Mythology?
A Hippocamp is a mythical creature. Generally speaking, it has the lower body of a fish and an upper body of a horse. The ancient Greeks even believed that it has a horn like that of a unicorn. They derived its name from the words “hippos” and “kampos.”
Hippos is the Greek word for “horse,” and kampos means “sea monster.” The structure of the hippocamp is quite similar to seahorses. Oftentimes, the people of old even considered them as the adult version of tiny sea horses.
This aquatic creature behaves like the modern-day members of the family Equidae. Ancient artists depict them with:
- The lower body of a mermaid
- The head and foreparts of a horse
- Fins for manes
- A long fishtail of an eel
In addition, Hippocampi have webbed feet instead of hooves. Their strong wings help them move fast under the sea. They mainly eat aquatic vegetation, like algae and seaweed. According to some accounts, they also fed on fish and sea urchins.
Like sea lions, these creatures travel in packs of eight or ten. One stallion leads every pack, and the rest are foals, mares, and juveniles. It takes one year for a baby hippocamp to reach sexual maturity.
The Greeks portrayed them in various colors. Pictish and Romans described these good-natured beasts as beautiful sea monsters with green or blue body color.
Although they have a strong tail and powerful bite, hippocampi prefer to flee than fight. In minutes, they can cover a huge distance. This is why the nereids, Greek gods, and demi-humans loved to ride them.
Hippocamp or Hippocampus?
So what is a hippocamp in modern times? In heraldry, the words “hippocampus” and “hippocamp” refer to the real seahorse. In contrast, the terms “sea-horse” and “seahorse” pertain to the mythological creature. This can be quite confusing. Nevertheless, this practice has been used since the Renaissance.
Regarded as an emblem of hope, this spiritual creature saved drowning fishermen. This behavior can be compared to how modern-day dolphins save humans. It was also believed that they guided sailors during typhoons.
As part of many interesting Greek myths, the hippocamp is associated with imagination and creativity. The sailors of old regarded the hippocamp as a good omen. Moreover, it also symbolizes agility, courage, and strength. To some, it depicts love and freedom.
In a blazon, or coat of arms, artisans portray this beast, referred to as the “seahorse,” as a winged creature. In 2018, Sir Sean Connery, the famous James Bond, received armorial bearings. It depicts a battle-ready horned hippocampus. The head of Scotland’s heraldic authority gave it to him.
What Powers Does a Hippocamp Have?
Its traits as a beast can be observed in modern-day horses; some of its magical abilities are common in merfolks. However, immortality and immunity are rare among its kind.
Hippocamps And Aquakinesis
Aquakinesis allows hippocampi to manipulate seawater and create powerful tidal waves. Like water dragons, they can also shoot water out of their mouths.
Underwater Respiration And Hippocamps
It has been speculated that Hippocampi have well-developed gills. They can breathe underwater.
Enhanced Agility Of The Hippocamps
These beasts are clumsy on land, but out in the sea, they are as agile as fishes.
Weather Adaptation
Unlike other mythical creatures, the weather does not affect them. But juveniles will find it hard to traverse stormy seas.
Atmokinesis And Hippocamps
Atmokinesis is the ability to manipulate the weather. This ability is common among the members of the “Merhorse” kind.
Enhanced Senses and Constitution
As the reliable mounts of Poseidon, Hippocampi are durable. They have a well-developed sense of sight, smell, and hearing. Plus their powerful hooves can trample other merfolk.
Hippocamp Magic Immunity
This is the most valuable and extraordinary trait of all. These mythical beasts are immune to magic and its effects.
What is a Hippocamp in Greek Mythology Summary
The hippocamp has been regarded as a symbol of hope and strength for ages. Its spiritual and benevolent nature has been compared to the behavior of dolphins. This legendary beast is associated with fantasy and creativity and features in many Greek myths.
Today, the hippocamp is still used as a symbol of power in artworks, emblems, tattoos, and heraldry. In ancient Greece, the Greeks believed that these beasts created sea foams. They presumed that Poseidon’s trusty pets helped them overcome problems at sea.
What is a hippocamp? As merfolks, they can breathe underwater and move with great flexibility. Their natural strength and magical traits help them endure harsh weather and extreme conditions. According to Homer’s Iliad, the hippocamp carried Poseidon from the depths of the sea to the highest peak of Mount Olympus.
