The equivalent of the letter W did not exist in the classic Greek alphabet, hence no names start with W in Greek Mythology. However, because the winds from each cardinal direction had their own deity, I’ll be looking into them instead of having another blank like yesterday…

In the realm of ancient Greek religion and myth, the Anemoi were a group of wind gods, each associated with a cardinal direction and various seasons and weather conditions. As the progeny of Eos, the goddess of dawn, and Astraeus, the god of dusk, these deities played a significant role in the lives of the ancient Greeks. This article delves into the mythology surrounding the Anemoi, exploring their individual characteristics and the tales that have endured through the ages.

The Four Chief Anemoi

Boreas: The Harsh North Wind

Boreas, the god of the north wind, was known for his abduction of the Athenian princess Orithyia, with whom he fathered the Boreads. As the harshest of the Anemoi, Boreas was often depicted as a bearded, older man, and his Roman equivalent was Aquilo.

Zephyrus: The Gentle West Wind

Zephyrus, also known as Zephyr, was the Greek god of the west wind and the messenger of spring. He was considered the gentlest of the winds and was associated with the fructifying breeze. Zephyrus was involved in several mythological tales, including the abduction of the goddess Chloris and the accidental killing of Apollo’s lover, Hyacinth.

Notus: The Stormy South Wind

Notus, the Greek god of the south wind, was associated with the hot, desiccating wind that followed the rise of Sirius after midsummer. He was feared as a destroyer of crops and thought to bring the storms of late summer and early autumn. His Roman counterpart was Auster, the embodiment of the sirocco wind.

Eurus: The Elusive East Wind

Eurus, according to some sources, was the southeast wind, while others claim he was the east wind. In Greek literature, he is often referred to as a turbulent wind during storms, tossing ships on the sea. Eurus is closely related to Helios, the sun god, in some passages of the Dionysiaca.

Lesser Winds

In addition to the four chief Anemoi, several lesser wind deities appear in ancient sources, such as the Tower of the Winds in Athens. These include:

1. Kaikias (northeast wind)
2. Apeliotes (southeast wind)
3. Skiron (northwest wind)
4. Lips (southwest wind)

Other minor wind deities mentioned in various sources include Argestes, Aparctias, Thrascias, Euronotus, Iapyx, Libonotus, Meses, Olympias, and Phoenicias.

The Anemoi of ancient Greek mythology serve as a fascinating example of how early civilizations personified and deified the forces of nature. These wind gods not only represented the physical attributes of the winds they were associated with but also played crucial roles in various mythological narratives. By studying the Anemoi, we gain a deeper understanding of how the ancient Greeks perceived and interpreted the world around them, and how these beliefs shaped their culture and literature.