Oceanus, one of the most powerful deities of the sea, was, according to
Homer, the parent of all the gods, and on that account received frequent
visits from the remainder of the deities. He is represented as an old man,
with a long, flowing beard, and sitting upon the waves of the sea. He often
holds a pike in his hand, whilst ships under sail appear at a distance, or
a sea monster stands near him. {139}
Oceanus presided over every part of the sea, and even the rivers were
subjected to his power. The ancients were very reverential in their homage
to Oceanus, and worshipped with great solemnity a deity, to whose care they
entrusted themselves when going on any voyage.
He was the father of the Oceanides to the number of three thousand.
"Three thousand graceful Oceanides
Long-stepping, tread the earth, or far and wide
Dispersed, they haunt the glassy depth of lakes,
A glorious sisterhood of goddess birth."