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Explore mythology and art with information about the classic stories of heroes and gods...from the myths of ancient Greece and Rome, to the legends of the Celts. Mythography presents resources and reference materials about mythology - including recommended books, and lexicons that explain Greek, Roman, and Celtic terms.

Gardner's Art Through the Ages

This book is the classic reference for the study of art. It features a history of artists and their works, as well as lucid and engaging descriptions of the styles and periods of art history. Highly recommended for both students and scholars.

Aphrodite in Art
Aphrodite in Myth
Art Themes

home | greek | gods | free spirits | page 2 | Triton



Triton at a Glance

name | Triton (Tritwn)

role | water god

symbols | conch shell, trident

Triton in Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, Triton was a god of water and the sea. He was the son of the Olympian Poseidon and the Nereid Amphitrite. Triton is mentioned briefly in Hesiod's Theogony:

"From the union of rumbling Poseidon and Amphitrite
came the great Triton, whose might is far-flung,
an awesome god dwelling in a golden house that lies
at the sea's bottom, near his cherished mother and lordly father."

Triton is often described as having the form of a merman. Although there were several variations of the merman shape in art and myth, the water god is most commonly depicted with a human torso that tapered into fish's tail (indeed, this distinctive form influenced art to the extent that the name Triton is synonymous with the word merman in some cases). See the Mythography gallery (link below) for images of Triton.

Two of the symbols associated with Triton are the conch shell and the trident. It is interesting to note that Triton takes after his father Poseidon in his choice of the trident as an attribute.

Triton in Art History
Gallery | For pictures and information about Triton in art, visit the Mythography gallery!

Who's Who in Classical Mythology This book is a great source for information about Greek and Roman mythology! Organized alphabetically, this who's who features information about over 1200 of the most intriguing characters from Classical myth and legend.	Bulfinch's Mythology The stories of Classical myth come to life in Bulfinch's book. This edition also features legends from other cultures.	Mythography Forums Do you have a specific question about Greek, Roman, and Celtic mythology? Then try the Mythography forum!