According to competing proposal by H. B. Walters, Poseidon's trident is derived from Zeus' lotus sceptre, with Poseidon being Zeus in his marine aspect.
Potrivit unei idei concurente a lui H. B. Walters, tridentul lui Poseidon are un rol asemănător cu sceptrul lui Zeus, deoarece Poseidon este echivalentul marin al lui Zeus.