During the creation of Sailorneptune, Naoko Takeuchi, the creator of Bishoujo Senshi Sailormoon, had used Greek and Roman mythology with the aid of astronomy, to create Michiru’s character. We will take an in-depth look at Greek and Roman mythology, basically the mythological gods who helped create Sailorneptune’s character. Poseidon, the Greek god and Neptune, the Roman god.

Poseidon was the famous Greek god of the sea. This title was given to him by Zeus, his older brother, and captain of the gods. It was known by all that Poseidon’s power came second to Zeus’. Powerful and vegeful, and violent, he carried the trident with which he caused earthquakes. Poseidon was referred to as the "earth shaker" and the "earth encircler", as his powers were the control of the waters and the earth. Poseidon pounds into the earth and creates tidal waves at his own pleasure, and answers to no one, except Zeus. Similarly, Sailorneptune is a Senshi of the sea and also has water-based powers.

Poseidon, similar to the rest of the Greek gods, was an adulterous god. He was the husband of Amphitrite and fathered many sons which included many cruel and ruthless sons such as Orion or monsters like Polyphemus, or more commonly known as the Cyclops.

Poseidon’s kingdom are all of the waters in world. He travels through the waters with a chariot which are drawn by dolphins. Although, his favored creation was the horse. In a competition with Athena for control of land, the object was to create a gift for the immortal gods, as they, in turn would promise to show eternal gratitude to the victor. Poseidon devised the horse while Athena created the olive tree. Athena eventually won the contest and became the patron goddess of her city named after her: Athens. However, Poseidon’s creation of the horse literally changed the ancient world of Greece.

Later in the ancient world, when the Greeks fell to the Roman Empire, the Romans identified Poseidon as their god Neptune.

There are many similarities that Sailorneptune and Poseidon/Neptune share. Firstly, their relation to the sea is significant. Sailorneptune, who is the Sailor Senshi of the sea, has water based powers, including the Deep Submerge attack. She also has unavoidable attachments to the sea. Poseidon is similar. He is the king of the sea, and also has water based and earth based powers. They both can manipulate the water in attacking. They also share the trident. To Poseidon, it was a large staff with three sharp edges on the top, much like a spear. He uses this to create earthquakes and shake the earth. To Sailorneptune, the trident appears as an icon in the anime/manga. When Michiru transforms into Sailorneptune, during her transformation, her trident icon, which represents the planet, Neptune, appears. The trident also appears on the back of her mirror.

The name, Michiru Kaioh, is also a significant idea in her relation with Poseidon. She has many translations for her name, including: ‘complete ocean ruler’ which is evidence that she is truly a person of the sea, and a culmination of ideas that came out of astronomy and mythology.


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