Boreas – God of Winter and the North Wind

Boreas—the god of the North Wind, a figure as enigmatic as he is powerful. If you’ve ever felt a chill breeze on a winter’s day, you’ve felt his icy touch. But who is this deity, and what role does he play in the grand tapestry of Greek mythology?

Boreas Key Facts

ParentsEos and Astraeus
PartnersOreithyia
SiblingsZephyrus, Notus, Eurus
OffspringKhione, Zetes, Calais
Other namesBoreas Aparctias
Roman nameAquilo
The God ofNorth Wind
SymbolsConch Shell, Billowing Cloak

Name and Etymology

The name “Boreas” is derived from the Greek word “boras,” meaning “north.” In Roman mythology, he’s known as Aquilo—a name that also signifies his dominion over the northern winds. Various epithets, such as Boreas Aparctias, further emphasize his northern attributes.

The etymology of Boreas’ name is deeply rooted in his elemental nature. He embodies the harsh, cold winds that sweep down from the north, bringing winter’s chill. The name itself carries a sense of awe and respect, capturing the essence of a god who can be both nurturing and destructive.

In addition to his primary name and Roman counterpart, Boreas has been known by other titles that highlight specific aspects of his character or functions. For instance, he’s sometimes called the “Frigid Wind” or the “Devouring One,” names that encapsulate his dual nature as both life-giving and life-taking.

John William Waterhouse, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Boreas Origins

Born to Eos, the goddess of the dawn, and Astraeus, the god of dusk, Boreas had a rather poetic beginning. Together with his siblings—Zephyrus, Notus, and Eurus— they are the Anemoi (wind gods). Each governs a different cardinal wind, making them a formidable elemental family.

While not much is known about his birth or early years, Boreas’ upbringing was likely influenced by his parents’ dominion over transitional times of day. This could explain his own role as a transitional force in nature, marking the shift from autumn’s mildness to winter’s harshness.

In Greek mythology, Boreas is considered a Daemon, a personification of a natural force. This classification elevates him beyond mere elemental status, imbuing him with a sense of purpose and agency. He’s not just a wind; he’s the North Wind, with all the responsibilities and expectations that come with it.

Boreas Lovers and Relationships

Boreas’ most famous romantic entanglement was with Oreithyia, a mortal princess.

Oreithyia

Boreas fell deeply in love with Oreithyia, the daughter of Erechtheus, king of Athens. However, his initial advances were not well-received; Oreithyia was hesitant to engage with such a tempestuous deity. Undeterred, Boreas eventually swept her off her feet—quite literally—and carried her to his northern home.

Their union was a passionate one, resulting in several children, including Khione, the goddess of snow, and the winged twins Zetes and Calais. Oreithyia herself was transformed into a goddess by virtue of her relationship with Boreas, embodying the chill winds that accompany snowfall.

Boreas Offspring

The offspring of Boreas and Oreithyia were as fascinating as their parents’ love story. Let’s delve into the details.

Khione

Khione, the goddess of snow, inherited her father’s icy disposition. She was a divine being, embodying the serenity and stillness of a snow-covered landscape. Her role was to blanket the earth in snow, providing a quiet respite from the world’s chaos.

Zetes and Calais

The winged twins, Zetes and Calais, were mortal but possessed divine attributes. They played a significant role in the Argonauts’ quest for the Golden Fleece, using their wings to overcome various challenges. Their mortal nature made them vulnerable, but their divine lineage granted them extraordinary abilities.

Depiction And Characteristics

Boreas is often portrayed as a rugged, mature man with a flowing beard, his billowing cloak representing the winds he controls. He’s frequently seen holding a conch shell, a symbol of his elemental power. The shell, when blown, is said to summon the winds, emphasizing his dominion over this natural force.

As for his personality, Boreas is a complex character. On one hand, he’s seen as harsh and unforgiving, embodying the brutal cold of winter. On the other, he’s a necessary force of nature, bringing rain and snow that nourish the earth. The Ancient Greeks had a nuanced understanding of him, recognizing that his seemingly destructive tendencies were part of a larger, life-giving cycle.

Boreas Powers

When it comes to powers, Boreas is no slouch. He controls the North Wind, a force capable of uprooting trees and freezing rivers. His breath can turn the world into a winter wonderland—or a frozen wasteland, depending on his mood. The Ancient Greeks revered him for this power, understanding that his winds could both give life and take it away.

Boreas Symbols

He is often associated with the horse, a creature known for its strength and speed—qualities that mirror the god’s own attributes. Horses were also used to pull his chariot across the sky, further cementing this association.

As for plants, the sturdy, resilient evergreen is often linked to Boreas. Just as these trees withstand the harshest winter conditions, so too does Boreas embody the relentless, enduring aspects of nature. The evergreen serves as a symbol of his unyielding presence, even in the face of life’s most challenging seasons.

Boreas Roles And Responsibilities

Boreas had a multifaceted role in the world of Greek mythology. First and foremost, he was the god of the North Wind, responsible for the cold air that heralds the arrival of winter. His winds were a double-edged sword; they could be both destructive and life-giving, depending on his whims.

Secondly, Boreas served as a guardian of the north. His home was said to be a mountain in Thrace, from which he watched over the world, ensuring the proper flow of the seasons. This protective role made him a deity to be both feared and respected.

Lastly, Boreas had a role in various myths and legends, often serving as a catalyst for change or a force to be reckoned with. Whether aiding heroes on their quests or challenging the gods themselves, Boreas was an active participant in the unfolding drama of Greek mythology.

Boreas Games

Play a fun wordsearch game with Boreas and other demigods:

If this one was fun, try our other equally fun games!

Myths about Boreas

The Abduction of Oreithyia

The tale of Boreas and Oreithyia is a love story that’s as tumultuous as the winds the god himself controls. Initially, Boreas tried to win Oreithyia’s heart through traditional courtship but was met with resistance. Frustrated and consumed by desire, he chose a more forceful approach. One fateful day, he swept down upon Athens, whisked Oreithyia away, and carried her to his wintry domain in Thrace.

This myth serves multiple purposes. On one hand, it’s a cautionary tale about the overwhelming power of love and desire, warning of the lengths to which even a god might go when smitten. On the other hand, it also serves to humanize Boreas, showing that even deities are not immune to the complexities of love and passion. The story encapsulates the unpredictable nature of the gods, reminding us that their actions, like the winds, can change course in an instant.

Boreas and the Argonauts

When it comes to heroics, Boreas had his moments of glory, too. One such instance was during the epic journey of the Argonauts. Led by Jason, this band of heroes was on a quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece. They faced an almost insurmountable obstacle: the Symplegades, or Clashing Rocks, which crushed anything that attempted to pass between them.

Enter Boreas. Summoned through prayer and sacrifice, he sent a favorable wind that helped the Argonauts navigate this perilous passage. The rocks clashed behind them, missing their ship by mere inches. From that point on, the Symplegades ceased to be a threat to sailors, staying permanently apart. This myth highlights Boreas’ role as a helper of heroes, showing that even the gods can be swayed by bravery and noble intent.

Boreas and the Persian War

In the annals of history and myth, Boreas makes a surprising appearance during the Persian War. According to Herodotus, the historian, Boreas was credited with destroying the Persian fleet during their invasion of Greece. How did this happen? A sudden, violent wind—attributed to Boreas—rose up and wrecked the Persian ships, saving Greece from imminent invasion.

This account serves to elevate Boreas to the status of a national hero, a divine being who intervened to protect his people. It’s a compelling example of how myths and history often intertwine, with divine intervention used to explain or justify real-world events. The story also underscores the Ancient Greeks’ belief in the active involvement of gods in human affairs, a theme prevalent throughout their mythology.

Boreas In Ancient Greek Religion

Boreas was not just a character in myths; he was also an important figure in ancient Greek religious practices.

Several sites were considered sacred to Boreas, most notably a temple in Athens near the river Ilissos. This temple was a place where people could offer sacrifices to appease the god, especially during harsh winters. Another significant site was in Thrace, believed to be his home, where an annual festival was held in his honor.

The worship of Boreas was particularly prevalent in regions most affected by his icy winds. Sacrifices of animals and offerings of food were common practices to gain his favor. The Thracian festival dedicated to him involved various rites to ensure a mild winter and a fruitful spring, reflecting his dual nature as both a destructive and life-giving force.

Representations Of Boreas In Art

In the realm of art, Boreas has been depicted in various forms, from statues to vase paintings. One of the most famous representations is the “Aurora and Cephalus, The First King of Cephalonia” painting by Poussin, where Boreas is shown abducting Oreithyia. These artworks serve to capture the god’s complex nature, portraying him as both fierce and tender, destructive and nurturing.

Homer’s “Iliad”

In Homer’s epic poem, the “Iliad,” Boreas makes a notable appearance. He’s invoked as a powerful force capable of changing the course of events. One memorable line describes him as “Boreas… who sweeps down from Thrace, chilling the man who encounters him.” This portrayal aligns with the Ancient Greeks’ perception of Boreas as a god who is both awe-inspiring and fearsome. The “Iliad” was written around the 8th century BCE, and its mention of Boreas serves to emphasize the god’s longstanding significance in Greek culture.

Hesiod’s “Theogony”

Another ancient text that features Boreas is Hesiod’s “Theogony,” written in the late 8th or early 7th century BCE. In this foundational work of Greek mythology, Boreas is listed among the children of Eos and Astraeus. His role as the North Wind is established here, along with his siblings who govern the other cardinal winds. Hesiod’s account is crucial because it provides a genealogical framework for Boreas, situating him within the broader pantheon of Greek gods and goddesses.

Boreas carrying Oreithyia away.
Stefano della Bella, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Herodotus’ “Histories”

In Herodotus’ “Histories,” written in the 5th century BCE, Boreas is credited with a significant role in the Greco-Persian Wars. As mentioned earlier, a sudden, violent wind attributed to Boreas destroyed the Persian fleet, saving Greece from invasion. Herodotus’ account is particularly interesting because it blurs the line between history and myth, attributing a real-world event to divine intervention. This serves to elevate Boreas’ status from mere elemental deity to a protector of the Greek people.

Ovid’s “Metamorphoses”

In Ovid’s “Metamorphoses,” a Latin epic poem from the early 1st century CE, Boreas’ love story with Oreithyia is recounted in poetic form. Ovid describes how Boreas, unable to win Oreithyia’s love through persuasion, ultimately resorts to abduction. This source is fascinating because it offers a Roman perspective on a Greek god, illustrating how Boreas’ story transcended cultural boundaries. Ovid’s account also adds emotional depth to Boreas, portraying him as a god driven by intense passion and desire.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boreas the god of?

Boreas is the god of the North Wind, responsible for the cold air that signals the onset of winter.

Who are his parents?

He is the son of Eos, the goddess of dawn, and Astraeus, the god of dusk.

Is he married?

Yes, he is married to Oreithyia, a mortal princess who became a goddess.

Does he have any children?

He has several offspring, including Khione, the goddess of snow, and the winged twins Zetes and Calais.

Where did he reside?

Boreas is believed to have resided in a mountain in Thrace.

Was he good or evil?

Boreas was neither good nor evil; he was a complex deity with both nurturing and destructive tendencies.

Featured Image Credit: Evelyn De Morgan, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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Evangelia

Evangelia Hatzitsinidou is the creator and author of www.greek-gods.info which has been merged with Olympioi.com. She has been writing about Greek Mythology for almost twenty years. A native to Greece, she teaches and lives just outside Athens.