Hippocampus (mythology)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A hippocampus is a legendary water creature. It has the head and forefeet of a horse, with the tail of either a dolphin, fish or a serpent. It is sometimes depicted as having forelegs with webbed paws of flippers instead of hooves, and may have a fin on the back of its neck.

The hippocampus of Greek mythology was the mount of Poseidon, god of the sea. They are known for their swiftness and power.

Mer-people are also believed to breed these creatures and use them as steeds.

The name comes from the Greek hippos, horse; and kampos, sea monster.

In Greek mythology the hippocampus ("seahorse") was a mythical monster with the head of a horse and body resembling a fish or dolphin. One of them pulled Poseidon's chariot. The hippocampus is also among the magical species in the Harry Potter fantasy series, where they are associated with merpeople.