Boreas

Boreas is the Greek god of the north wind and the bringer of cold winter air. He is one of the four seasonal Anemoi, the wind gods, each of whom is ascribed a cardinal direction. Boreas is often depicted as a winged old man with a billowing cloak and a shaggy beard.

Mythology

Boreas is the son of the Titan Astraeus and the goddess Eos, making him a sibling to the other Anemoi: Zephyrus (the west wind), Notus (the south wind), and Eurus (the east wind). In Greek mythology, Boreas is known for his strength and his temper, often associated with the harshness of winter. Boreas is also known for abducting Orithyia, the daughter of the Athenian king Erechtheus. He carried her off to Thrace, where she became his wife and bore him two sons, Calais and Zetes, who were known as the Boreads and participated in the quest for the Golden Fleece with the Argonauts.

Depictions in Art

Boreas has been depicted in various forms of art throughout history. In ancient Greek vase paintings, he is often shown as a winged man, sometimes with a conch shell, symbolizing his control over the winds. In later European art, Boreas is frequently portrayed as a fierce, bearded man blowing cold air from his mouth.

Cultural Significance

Boreas was particularly significant to the ancient Athenians, who believed that he had helped them in their war against the Persians by destroying the Persian fleet with his powerful winds. As a result, the Athenians built a sanctuary dedicated to Boreas on the banks of the Ilissos River.

Related Pages

• Anemoi
• Zephyrus
• Notus
• Eurus
• Orithyia
• Astraeus
• Eos
• Golden Fleece
• Argonauts

See Also

• Greek mythology
• Wind gods