The Odyssey and the Gods of Cribbage

Nancy was unstoppable.

With all of the hype around The Odyssey this summer, I think it’s a good time to explore the Greek and Roman gods of cribbage and the traditions surrounding them.

Any conversation on the matter should start with Pegasus aka Πήγασος, this winged horse is where the concept of pegging started and is why one peg “flies” over the other to keep score.

Next up is Poseidon aka Ποσειδῶν, his always present trident is the reason behind 31 points being significant, ten points for each tine and one for the triangle on the top. Poseidon, being the god of the sea, is a main reason that the game is so popular among submariners. Poseidon and Medusa are the parents of Pegasus to round the whole thing out.

Lastly, the number 15, FOR 2, is tied to Anna Perenna who is associated with the Ides of March which is celebrated on March 15.

Neptune fountain in Bologna, Italy - The Roman version of Poseidon

Please enjoy this song about Pegasus.

Hope to see everyone this week.

DC Cribbage League

Tuesdays at 6pm

Trusty’s 1420 Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast, Washington, DC 20003 Potomac Ave Metro (Orange/Blue/Silver Lines)