Hippocampi

“	Something has me! I cannot move Kratos. Free me!	”
–Gaia

The Hippocamp or Hippocampus (plural: Hippocampi) is a mythological creature that Poseidon created to serve him.

Quick Answers

What is the role of the Hippocampi in Greek mythology?

The Hippocampi, in Greek mythology, are mythological creatures created by Poseidon to serve as his chariot horses. They possess the unique ability to walk on water and have fish-like tails. Known for their immense strength and durability, they are capable of battling a Titan, marking them as the most formidable creatures serving the Olympians.

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What special abilities do the Hippocampi possess?

Hippocampi, mythological creatures, possess several abilities. They can use their large limbs for attack, swing them in the air, or slam them on enemies. They have water-based powers, including spitting pressurized water jets or creating water shockwaves. They can also serve as Poseidon's arms, folding their heads and front limbs, and can grow immensely large. They serve as Poseidon's water-walking horses.

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How did Poseidon use the Hippocampi in his conflict with Kratos?

Poseidon utilized his Hippocampi in his conflict with Kratos by summoning them to attack the Titans and restrain Gaia. Kratos freed Gaia from the Hippocampi, enabling him to confront Poseidon who was hiding in the colossal creature. After a fierce battle, Kratos destroyed the stone structure shielding the Hippocampi's heart, freeing Gaia who then landed a powerful punch on the Hippocampi, causing them to shatter and collapse into the sea.

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Why did Poseidon create the Hippocampi?

Poseidon, in response to a challenge, created the Hippocampi, a unique blend of horse and fish. These creatures became his signature entities, serving him by pulling his chariot. Known for their immense size and strength, the Hippocampi were the most formidable creatures serving the Olympians.

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In the God of War Series

God of War Comics

In the second issue of the comic book series, Poseidon became enraged with Kratos' victory over his mortal champion, Herodius. In a fit of rage, he sent out his Hippocampi to attempt to capsize Kratos' tiny ship. The Hippocampi's attack ravaged the seas, destabilizing them and unleashing their fury upon the Spartan. Luckily, Kratos and his warriors survived the attack and Kratos dealt with the beast by cutting it into pieces, who then proceeded to lead his men to land. The Spartans moved on with their journey, infuriating Poseidon even further.

God of War III

In God of War III, Hippocampi were the massive beasts of Poseidon. Hippocampi were depicted with a horse-like head, arthropod limbs, and a long serpent-like tail, which connected them to Poseidon's torso.

Hippocampi were shown to be powerful creatures with tremendous durability. The one creature Kratos confronted had its lower jaw ripped off, the tip of one limb severed, and its chest torn open and impaled by its own severed claw. After this assault, it still managed to join Poseidon's final attack on Gaia, helping another Hippocamp hold the Titan's head while the Olympian battled Kratos.

In battle, Hippocampi attack with their massive, arthropodal limbs, either slamming them on their foes or swinging them through the air. They can also use water-based powers, either spitting a highly pressurized jet of water from their mouth, or rearing back and creating a large shockwave of water by smashing the ground with their tremendous bulk. In the battle with Poseidon himself, the Hippocampi also display the ability to act like arms for their master, folding up their heads and front limbs, and leaving their three massive back-mounted claws free to slash, grasp, and stab unlucky victims.

In the opening cinematic of the game, Poseidon is seen with a miniature version of the Hippocamp on his arm. This means Hippocampi have the ability to grow to an immense size. The fight against the Hippocampi took place around various parts of Gaia.

The Hippocampi are arguably the largest, strongest and most durable beasts ever to exist in the God of War world.

God of War: Ragnarok

In God of War: Ragnarok, when Mimir asks if there is a Kelpie counterpart in Greece, Kratos mentions Hippocampi, who served the sea god. He also mentions that he fought him on a titan.

In Mythology

The Hippocampi in Greek Mythology serve as Poseidon's horses that pull his chariot. They can walk on water and have coiling, scaly, fish-like hindquarters.

Trivia

• The Hippocampus is arguably the most powerful sub-boss to have appeared in a God of War game, as a group of Hippocampi is able to hold its ground in battle against a Titan.
  • This makes the Hippocampi the most powerful creature in service of the Olympians.
• In the myths, Poseidon created horses when asked to create a beautiful creature that wasn't a sea creature and his chariot was pulled by the Hippocampi: creatures with the bodies of a horse and the tail of a fish.
• The Hippocampi are often confused with Leviathan; one of the seven princes of Hell and its gatekeeper. The word Leviathan has become synonymous with any large sea monster or creature.
  • This confusion is caused by the fact that the Hippocampi were called Leviathans during the development of God of War III.
• In the early concept art of God of War III, Kratos and Gaia were in battle with a giant sea serpent, rather than the horse like creature, namely the Leviathan. The Leviathans were later replaced by the Hippocampi who fits better in the storyline of God of War in the final game.
• The Hippocampi is the first opening boss whose eyes aren't damaged by Kratos, in the first confrontation. The second being the Infected Arms and Head of the Hecatonchires:
  • Hydra and the Colossus of Rhodes are stabbed in the eyes by Kratos;
  • Scylla is stabbed several times in one of her six eyes;
  • The Basilisk is smashed with a huge pillar by Kratos, damaging its eye.

Gallery

Leviathan

Early concepts

Video

Leviathan Boss Battle